Blooming marvellous fare on offer at historic houses in Waterford

Over a dozen historic houses and gardens will open their doors and gates this month to host exhibitions of paintings and photos, poetry readings, lectures, and tours.

The programme for this year’s Waterford Garden Trail shows the efforts owners and gardeners make to reveal their lovingly-tended outdoor spaces.

The jewel in this year’s crown is set to be the seven-acre gardens at Lismore Castle, where head gardener Darren Topps and his team have replanted large sections in the heart of the heritage town and are preparing for a bumper year.