Peter Dowdall: A garden heaven in the Kingdom

Every so often, you come across a publicly owned garden that is that bit exceptional

Everything's coming up roses: Michael Doyle, head gardener, Killarney House and Gardens, pruning this year's roses at Killarney House. Pictures: Valerie O'Sullivan

Cork is known as the Independent Republic whilst Kerry is referred to as the Kingdom. Within this Kingdom, there are many, smaller fiefdoms and chief among them is the town of Killarney.

Killarney seems to exist and thrive all on its own, not taking into account whatever is happening in the rest of the country. It goes from strength to strength.