WATCH: Jeremy Irons shares his love of West Cork and passion for gardening

In the midst of a classic Irish summer downpour, actor Jeremy Irons launched the West Cork Garden Trail 2016 at Glebe Gardens in Baltimore.

Irons told the crowd he believes West Cork is among the most beautiful places in the world - especially when the weather is better.

"When the sky is blue and the winds are down, it truly is God's country," he said.

He also told Peter Dowdall about his passion for gardening, his own garden at Kilcoe Castle outside Ballydehob, and his love for the landscapes of West Cork.

"It's such an extraordinary landscape."

Videos: Dan Linehan