Mount Usher Gardens

Ashford, Co. Wicklow
Bed & Breakfast
+353 (0)861 548 010

From
£90 - £150
per night

Gardeners will be very happy staying in this generous, comfortable B&B surrounded by stunning gardens with year-round interest

Bedroom

2 rooms

Sleeps

Rooms sleep 2

£90 - £150 per night

The Experience

This is very much a family home and Katherine throws open her doors to guests with much generosity of spirit. You’re surrounded by what is considered amongst the greatest surviving wild romantic Robinsonian gardens, described by Monty Don as one of his favourites anywhere in the world. 22 acres are yours to explore with the river Vartry running through, bridges to cross, plenty of places to sit and contemplate, a rare collection of over 4,000 species of mature trees, flowers and shrubs including rhododendrons and azaleas blazing with colour in early summer, and a glorious maple walk for autumn. Wildlife abounds and there are herons, dippers and kingfishers to spot.

Katherine gives you mostly organic ingredients at breakfast including homemade muesli, granola and jams, home-baked bread, scrambled eggs with mushrooms and the full Irish, or a veggie version. Sit in the big sunroom after breakfast – you’ll find books to read and comfy sofas with large glass doors so you can watch the wildlife even if the weather isn’t playing. Stroll 10 minutes to The Chester Beatty Inn or the Avoca cafe, deli and bakery in the grounds.

Hire bikes for wonderful cycling in the mountains, visit other good gardens, walk through glorious countryside. Return to traditional bedrooms with lovely views over the gardens and river. You’ll feel very peaceful here.

Mount Usher Gardens - Gallery

We think you'll love

  • Exploring the gardens and finding out about their fascinating history
  • Hiking and biking in the nearby mountains
  • Eating organic breakfasts in the sunroom or on the terrace
Mount Usher Gardens - Gallery

You should know

  • No shoes indoors – pack your slippers
  • It's a sociable sort of place – not for shrinking violets

Essentials

  • Swimming pool
  • EV charger
  • Hot tub
  • Garden
  • Open fire / woodburner
  • Breakfast included
  • Breakfast available
  • Meals available
  • Vegetarian meals
  • Oven
  • Parking on premises
  • Free parking nearby
  • Accessible by public transport
  • WiFi
  • Television
  • Spa
  • Central heating
  • Limited mobility
  • Wheelchair access
  • Mobile reception
  • Hob
  • Bar
  • Barbecue
  • Licensed premises
  • Paid parking nearby
  • Air conditioning
  • Relaxation areas
  • Washing machine
  • Tennis court
  • Microwave oven
  • No smoking
  • Credit cards
  • Working farm
  • Owner has pets
  • Dishwasher
  • Pets welcome

Family friendly

  • Baby monitor
  • Books and toys
  • Children welcome
  • Babies welcome
  • Stair gates
  • High chair
  • Fire guard
  • Cot available

Nearby

  • Pub/bar within 3 miles
  • Restaurant within 3 miles
  • Shop within 3 miles

Activities

  • Bikes available
  • Food courses
  • Kayaking
  • Other courses
  • Sailing
  • Surfing
  • Wild swimming

Accommodation

Pricing

Nightly price
from £90
Surcharges
Singles £120.
2 Doubles
From £90

Information

Booking information

Check in
4.30pm
Check out
11am
Other details
Minimum stay: 2 nights.
Closed
Christmas & New Year.
No smoking
Smoking not permitted anywhere in the property.
Owner has pets
Animals living on the property
Meals
Pub 10-minute walk.

Reviews

We regretted that our stay was so short as Mt. Usher is such a unique place to visit. Whether you are a garden lover or just love the outdoors, being on the doorstep of a landscape with such a rich horticultural history makes this a must-see. It was such a pleasure to enjoy the comfort of the well kept, period residence and to step outside into a treasure of garden delights. Katherine is a gracious and generous host with a wealth of adivce about local amenities.

Frank, Langley, WA

This is a wonderful B&B in the most wonderful relaxing settings of Mount Usher Gardens. Access to the gardens is available from the B&B. Katherine, our host, made us feel very, very welcome. Her breakfasts were absolutely delicious, which includes fruit salad, scrambled egg with either bacon for mushrooms on delicious, crispy toast. Then lovely fresh bread and jam. All delicious!!! Our spacious double room (with huge bed) and en suite was very clean and very well equipped. We had a huge picture window, which from our room had wonderful views over the gardens! A joy!!!!!

Anne, Oxfordshire, England

Such a wonderful place. Beautiful room with a great view, very comfortable too! Katherine is an excellent host who goes the extra mile to ensure you are well looked after, nothing is too much trouble. A delightful person who cooks delicious breakfasts. We loved this place so much we are already planning a return.

Carol, Uk

This place is so magical! We stayed actually inside Mount Usher Gardens in the founders original home. Katherine welcomed us and made us feel very much at home. Our bedroom had the most exquisite and breathtaking views over the botanical gardens which have to be seen to be believed. We slept very comfortably.. everything was immaculate, hot shower, tea and coffee available in the room. The breakfast provided was outstanding If you're wanting to visit the stunning Wicklow region book a room here and you won't be disappointed.

Jill, Penzance

My husband and I recently stayed 3 nights with Katherine and Konrad and our stay was just fabulous. There was no detail missed. The room was beautiful, very large, peaceful and well appointed. There were lovely linens and toiletries. Katherine was very helpful with dinner reservations in spots we would never have known about. She gave us nice guidance on places to visit. The breakfasts were absolutely delicious, wholesome and plentiful. The gardens and setting was spectacular and to be able to explore them was a really treat! We loved our stay and would highly recommend it to others.

Kate, Falmouth, Maine

I stayed the night here with my friend and it was an experience. Katherine could not have been more welcoming & accommodating. Our room had everything we required. The views from the property were breathtaking and the icing on the cake was our private entrance into mount usher gardens. I feel very privileged that Katherine allowed us to enjoy her beautiful home.

Valerie, London

It was certainly the best place that we stayed in in Ireland and probably the best place for our entire trip, including France and Spain. The hosts were very welcoming and the grounds of the house were beautiful. We had a very large bedroom with large windows that overlooked their garden. The bathroom was excellent with all necessary products provided. Everything was spotless. A good breakfast was served in a room overlooking their garden. I cannot recommend it enough.

James, Sydney

What a glorious place to stay. The house is fabulous, nestling in one of the most beautiful gardens in Ireland. Even though we were there in late September, there was plenty to enjoy in our walk in the garden. You can access it across a private bridge from the house. Both bedrooms are huge, king-size beds and massive windows overlooking the gardens. Best view ever. Excellent breakfasts. Katherine could not have done more to make our stay so perfect. Having grown up in Dublin, I already knew many of the local attractions but recommend a trip to Kilruddery House.

Cathy, London

We had a perfect stay here! Beautiful bedroom overlooking the wonderful Mount Usher gardens, huge bed and lovely bedding…. Delicious and plentiful breakfast served by a very friendly hostess. Cannot recommend it enough! We will be back.. Thank you Katherine!

Susie, Brussels

This really is a dreamy place to stay. Set in the heart of Mount Usher gardens we had a view to die for from our bedroom windows. A vista of lush trees and and the meandering river Vatry. The soft sound of water sent us straight to sleep in the crisp white cotton sheets in a vast bed. Katherine was very welcoming and cooked a delicious breakfast each morning. Home made marmalade too. The family house oozes quirky Irish style. Can’t wait to return next Spring to see the rhododendrons. Thank you

Flossy, London

This is a truly magical place. Beautiful bedrooms, a great breakfast and a wonderful host in Katherine. But it's the view that takes your breath away - it's spellbinding. I had a double room overlooking part of the gardens and the River Vartry. The sound of the water flowing was so soothing. A walk in the gardens is a must and there's a complex of shops and restaurants nearby where you can relax after your stroll. I would love to return to this area.

Carl, Cardiff

This is a truly magical place, the gardens are wonderful and during our stay were a riot of colour and the sun shone constantly. Our bedroom was lovely and had the benefit of overlooking the garden and the river and the sound of the water was extremely relaxing. Excellent breakfasts were taken in the sun room. Katherine was a very charming host and nothing was too much trouble. We will always remember this very special house and it's magnificent garden.

Gail, HITCHIN HERTFORSHIRE

What a fabulous place! Within easy reach of Dublin and nestled into the Wicklow mountains, this beautiful house set in the amazing gardens is a real treat. Katherine and Kon are the perfect hosts and nothing is too much trouble. We enjoyed this peace of paradise and will be back!

Susan, Penzance

Arriving at Mount Usher Gardens was like arriving in a small piece of heaven. As we drove cautiously through the gates, the colours, perfumes and sounds of the garden filled our senses. We were met with a warm welcome and a cup of tea and shown to our large room with a glorious view across the lawn and down the river. This place is all about the garden, and what a garden it is. We enjoyed exploring the paths with the place to ourselves and listening to the birds. The whole stay was a delight and we definitely hope to return one day.

Julie, Hereford

A lovely stay! Very comfortable accommodation- stunning view from the bed room, glorious garden and lovely breakfast. Great area to stay.

Susannah, Cheddar

We were over for a wedding nearby over St Patrick's weekend. Katherine made us feel very welcome . The bedrooms are spacious with comfortable beds overlooking the river and beautiful gardens . We enjoyed our walk around Mount Usher Gardens the morning after the wedding

Joan & Tony, Oxford

A truly warm hospitality. We felt so much at home. The White Room will live in my memory for a long time - that view of the river and the blue glimpse of the kingfisher each morning. My early morning walks around the garden on my own were magical. Sitting on the bench looking upriver. Meeting the gardeners. The heron perched outside our bedroom window.

Eibhlin, Glenfarne, Leitrim, Ireland

Simply the best! A serene house in the most wonderful gardens which can be wandered at leisure. Lovely rooms with super views and the breakfast room/lounge is a treasure. I felt we could sit happily there all day. Catherine is a warm welcoming host and knows the local area well. Her helpful advice gave us many days of walking pleasure. A true gem to stay in.

Neville, London

From the moment we arrived until the minute we left, Katherine and Konrad made us feel welcome and at home. Their lovely house is in the middle of a gorgeous garden, a haven from formal places, with abundant history. We had the luxury of a spacious bay-windowed room with the most marvellous view over the lawn, valley and river beneath. Excellent freshly cooked breakfasts, we can’t imagine a lovelier place to stay - we will be back!

Richard, Ormskirk

Our stay at Mount Usher was simply divine! Katherine and Konrad were excellent hosts and we were looked after so well and made to feel so very welcome. The gardens were amazing! The gardens were also good hosts! In as much as there was always wildlife and birds for us to catch glimpses of! An amazing few days most enjoyable!

Sue, Preston

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Location

The neighbourhood

The house is down a small B-road half a mile from Mount Ashford village. As well as the gardens to explore there is the Wicklow Mountains National Park (20-minute drive), where you can join the Wicklow Way and walk through Glendalough valley, a 6th-century monastic settlement flanked by pretty lakes to the north and south. Wicklow town is a 12-minute drive and there is a good swimming beach at Brittas Bay, 20 minutes away. You're an hour from Dublin and the airport.

Local points of interest from Katherine Jay

  • There are other fabulous gardens within an hours drive from Mount Usher. They include Kilmacurragh Botanical Gardens, Powerscourt, Altamont, and Jimi Blake's garden 'Hunting Brook (shown on Gardner's World).
  • 20 minutes away is Brittas Bay, a 5km stretch of sandy beach, wonderful for swimming and walking, surrounded by 100 hectares of dunes, ferns and grassland. It has been awarded a blue flag for its pristine environment and water quality.
  • There are many great golf courses within an hours drive. Druids Glen, which hosted the Irish Open for 4 years in a row. Wicklow Golf course, Tulfarris golf club, Arklow Golf Links, Delgany and Powerscourt to name but a few.
  • The Wicklow Mountains National Park covers 20,000 hectares perfect for hiking and hill walking. Here you can access the Wicklow Way, visit the 6th Century Monastic site of Glendalough, or just take a picnic and explore the area.
  • Dublin City attractions include Trinity College, holding the 9th C manuscript the Book of Kells, the National Museum of Ireland, the National Gallery, the James Joyce Centre, Dublin Castle and the Chester Beatty Library.
  • There is a very good pub in the village called The Chester Beatty, a good fish restaurant in Wicklow called the Lighthouse, and many others in Greystones 15 mins from Mount Usher.

Introducing

Katherine Jay

Konrad's mother owned and developed the garden for many years and was passionate about keeping it wild and organic. Konrad and Katherine very much enjoy introducing the garden to their guests and will happily tell you about its history. They are also good people to point you in the right direction for other gardens to visit.