Rockwood House B&B 1.81

Garinish Island
2010 marks the 100th anniversary of the acquisition of Garinish Island by John Annan Bryce, and, guided by the eminent English architect and garden designer, Harold Peto, the commencement of its development into a world-renowned island garden of rare beauty.

Once a coniferous shelter belts had been established, it was possible to implement Peto’s designs to create the distinctive gardens of Ilnacullin. After the death of Annan Bryce in 1923, the development of the gardens was continued by his widow, Violet. In 1932, their son, Rowland Bryce, took over this work, continuing to add interesting plants from many parts of the world. He was ably assisted by Murdo Mackenzie, an outstanding Scottish gardener. On the death of Rowland Bryce in 1953, the island was bequeathed to the Irish people and entrusted to the care of the Commissioners of Public Works. Murdo Mackenzie remained in charge of the garden when it passed into public ownership until his retirement in 1971.

Garinish Island is located in the sheltered harbour of Glengarriff in Bantry Bay. Garinish (the near island) is the official name on Ordnance Survey Maps, but the alternative name, Ilnacullin (island of holly), may in fact be the older name for the island. The island is 15 hectares (37 acres) in size. In 1910, John Annan Bryce M.P.,at the behest of his wife, Violet, purchased Garinish Island from the British War Office who had built a Martello Tower on the island following the unsuccessful French Invasion of 1796.