Transport yourself to 1625 with a trip to Huntington Castle and Gardens in County Carlow. The historic garrison has stunning gardens filled with vibrant flora and calming water features, which you can appreciate on a peaceful stroll along the Yew Tree Walk or Lime Tree Avenue. After, venture inside for a guided tour of the castle – once the home of the Baron of Esmonde – and visit the Egyptian Temple of the Goddess Isis in the basement, which was added in the 1970s.

Explore the grounds of the castle and take some time to pet baby lambs or admire the peacocks at the castle's farm before enjoying a cuppa in the lovely tearooms. Pick up some local crafts and homemade jams from the gift shop or, even better, stay the night in their B&B or self-catering accommodation to really get the full Huntington Castle experience. 

Dating back to the 1860s, the privately-owned gardens of Mount Usher are a joy to behold. Wander around 22 acres of ever-changing colour and discover thousands of different plants and trees, some of which are rare and exotic. One of the earliest examples of a Robinsonian garden, the grounds' wild garden is overflowing with rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and magnolias. 

Take in the fresh air on one of the property's walks along the River Vartry, or settle in at one of the seating areas to soak up the surrounding views. 

Head to the Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens in Tramore for a serene stroll through carefully-cultivated landscaping near the Waterford coast. The gardens tell the story of the writer Patrick Lafcadio Hearn and his extensive journeys around the world.

Start in the Victorian garden and follow the path through the American and Greek gardens, until you finally reach the Japanese garden – the star of the show. The landscaping takes inspiration from Japanese designs and includes traditional timber structures, peaceful lily ponds, a Soribashi arched bridge and a Japanese Tea Garden. Little ones can enjoy the children's discovery trail, bringing Lafcadio Hearn’s fairytales and folklore to life in the woodland.

When you’re taking a trip along the Waterford Greenway, make a pit stop at one of Ireland's best gardens, Mount Congreve Gardens. Crafted with passion by Ambrose Congreve and inspired by the stunning Exbury Gardens of Lionel de Rothschild in England, the gardens have treelined paths weaving through the 100-acre grounds.  

In springtime they are alive with colour from one of the largest collections of rhododendrons – and throughout the year, you can admire the pretty Japanese pagodas and breathtaking views over the river. Call into the Secret Garden Shop and get all you need to create your own garden, or dream up your own garden makeover over a hot drink in the Stables Café. 

Take in great views of the Wicklow Mountains and the Great Sugar Loaf from the upper stone terrace at the Powerscourt Estate. Designed by architect Daniel Robertson, the green terraces lead you down to lily-pad dotted Triton Lake, flanked by life-sized Roman statues of winged horses. The beautiful estate also includes a Japanese garden, a cemetery for dearly departed family pets and the incredible Powerscourt Waterfall.   

After the gardens, explore some of the grounds' newer additions. Climb the Pepperpot Tower built in 1911, enjoy a cup of tea and cake in the Avoca Terrace Café, or pick up some gifts upstairs at The Design Loft. Powerscourt also hosts a wide variety of kids' activities throughout the year, so check their website for details before your visit.

Deep in Ireland’s equestrian country, the Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens were made to stand out from their surroundings. These County Kildare gardens were devised by the stud's eccentric founder Colonel William Walker and laid out by Japanese master horticulturist Tassa Eida and his son, Minoru.  

Featuring bridges, a teahouse, water features, stone lanterns and bonsai trees, the gardens are custom-made for meditation and are known as some of the finest of their kind in Europe. Learn about the region’s important role in Irish horse racing at the Horse Museum before strolling around St Fiachra’s Garden, where the wonderful garden and plants are set around replica monastic cells. 

The vast neoclassical Emo Court in County Laois was designed by acclaimed architect James Gandon and is filled with fascinating history, not least of all the tale of its 70-year-long construction, which was completed in the 1860s. The gardens surrounding the house were first laid out in the 18th century and are made up of formal lawns, a lake, giant sequoias and rare flora framed by woodland walks with the impressive peaks of the Slieve Bloom Mountains in the distance.  

While you wander, keep an eye out for the red squirrels hiding in the trees – though they're now rarely seen in Ireland, this area is a haven for these tufted-eared creatures. When you've worked up an appetite, refresh yourself with a drink or snack at CaToCa Fine Food and Giftware.