Historic Gardens & Landscapes

The National Inventory of Architectural Heritage commissioned a survey of historic gardens and designed landscapes in 2003 which now contains 6,000 records.

Demesnes date back to Anglo-Norman times when they formed the portion of a manor retained by the lord for his own occupation and use. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, garden design flourished with 'geometric' layouts being replaced later by more natural layouts. This was also the period when many of our town squares and public gardens were developed. The designs and subsequent changes reflect the aesthetic, cultural and social aspirations of their owners and users.

There are 127 historic gardens and designed landscapes in County Donegal identified and documented by the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Further information is available on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage website here.