The gardens at Lough Sillan House offer guests a tranquil escape steeped in history and natural beauty. Set on an eight-acre site that slopes down to the shores of Lough Sillan, these remarkable gardens originally planted more than 200 years ago were rejuvenated in the early 2000s by the well-respected garden designer and botanist Daphne Shackleton. Her vision carefully incorporated the many mature trees planted by Rev Frederick Fitzpatrick, who built the original rectory in 1819. Meandering paths wind through diverse plantings of rare and unusual trees and shrubs, showcasing ornamental groves, a vibrant bog garden, and stunning lakeside views. Highlights include drifts of naturalised bulbs, a collection of rhododendrons and azaleas, and magnificent specimen trees such as Sequoiadendron, Gingko, and Magnolia. With openings framing vistas of the lake and beyond, every corner of the garden invites exploration, making it a haven for garden lovers and a unique gem in County Cavan.
The gardens burst into life, and the lawns at Lough Sillan House are awash with spring flowers. There truly is ‘a host of golden daffodils, beside the lake, beneath the trees, fluttering and dancing in the breeze.’ Our personal favourites are the Monet-like bluebells under the great copper beech. May is full of vibrant colour as the blooming Azaleas and Rhododendrons call out for attention.
The roses in June are here, there and everywhere. Rambling roses scramble through tall trees and intertwine with shrubs while the more formal varieties contain themselves within their respective beds. Our personal favourite is the heavenly scented Rugosa Rose beside the stone steps. When the hydrangeas bloom, Lough Sillan is awash with every colour and variety you can imagine from creamy pastels through blousy blues to fiery reds that call out across the lawns.
The trees at Lough Sillan House truly come into their own in the autumn months with their changing leaves as vibrant as any flower. The garden is home to a wonderful mix of native Irish trees, veteran trees and specimen trees, many from Asia. The colours are a spectacular display, with fiery reds, vivid oranges, glowing golds, warm yellows, and rich browns blending and contrasting to create a living masterpiece. Japanese Maples steal the show with their vivid colours and intricate foliage.
The trees lose their leaves in winter, opening up vistas of the lake invisible at any other time of year. At Lough Sillan House we have many evergreen shrubs so all is not bare or colourless. We don’t get a lot of snow here but when we do it transforms the garden into a winter wonderland, making it a perfect setting for a winter experience in our Lakeside Spa. As I walk through the garden in winter, the pervasive aroma of wild garlic whets my appetite and fools me into thinking I’m hungry.
If you’re ready to book or need more details about our cottages, amenities, or availability, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you plan the perfect stay at Lough Sillan House.
