Larchill Arcadian Gardens

Larchill Arcadian Gardens is an 18th century ornamental, parkland garden, located 40 minutes from Dublin, near Kilcock, County Kildare. It is open for May and June, during Heritage Week and at other times for special occasions and events. It also opens for prebooked tours of at least 20 people. Larchill Arcadian Gardens is a ‘Ferme Ornée’, or ornamental farm, and is the only surviving garden of its type in Europe. The Ferme Ornée gardens of the mid-18th century were an expression in landscape gardening of the Romantic movement.

The gardens at Larchill are dotted with interesting follies. From The Fox's Earth to Gibraltar with its lake, there are discoveries to delight all ages. Emulating Arcadia, a pastoral paradise was created to reflect man’s harmony with the perfection of nature. As is the case at Larchill, a working farm with decorative buildings (often containing specimen breeds of farm animal) was situated in landscaped parkland ornamented with follies, grottos and statuary. Tree lined avenues, flowing water, lakes, areas of light and shade, and beautiful framed views combined to create an inspirational experience enabling man’s spirit to rejoice at the wonder of nature.