We begin our journey with two remarkable places that combine natural beauty with fascinating history - Antrim Castle Gardens and Florencecourt walled garden.

Antrim Castle Gardens, located on Randalstown Rd in Antrim, is a true gem among Northern Irish gardens. This extensive garden complex, surrounding the ruins of Antrim Castle, delights visitors with its rich history dating back to the 17th century. Restored and open to the public, these gardens offer a unique experience for the whole family.

What sets Antrim Castle Gardens apart? First and foremost, an impressive variety of attractions. Strolling through the alleyways, you'll come across formal geometric gardens, charming ponds with fountains, and even a Victorian orangery. For children, there are special playgrounds where they can give vent to their energy. Of note is the Large Parterre, a garden centerpiece with intriguing floral patterns.

Visitors praise Antrim Castle Gardens for its peaceful atmosphere and excellent maintenance. 'A very nice place for walks, boardwalk to the lake itself, parking, you can eat and drink coffee, I recommend,' writes one visitor. It's the perfect place for a family picnic or a relaxing walk.

Moving to the Florencecourt walled garden, one finds oneself in an equally fascinating, if slightly different, world. This walled garden, part of the Florence Court estate in Enniskillen, is a true horticultural gem.

Florencecourt impresses with its authenticity and abundance of plants. In contrast to the more formal layout of Antrim Castle Gardens, here we can enjoy a more natural and rustic approach to gardening. The garden is famous for its impressive collection of herbs and vegetables, as well as beautiful flower beds.

Interestingly, Florencecourt is known for its unique variety of yew tree - Taxus baccata 'Florencecourt', which dates back to the 18th century. This is a great opportunity to tell your children the fascinating history of this tree and awaken their interest in botany.

Visitors to Florencecourt emphasize its peaceful atmosphere and authenticity. 'Beautiful gardens in which to spend the whole day. An excellent choice for a family walk and relaxation,' reads one review.

Both Antrim Castle Gardens and Florencecourt offer fascinating experiences, though each in its own way. Antrim impresses with its vastness and variety of attractions, while Florencecourt captivates with its authentic, historic character. Both places are an excellent choice for a family trip, offering not only beautiful views but also educational value.

Continuing our tour of Northern Ireland's most beautiful gardens, we move on to two more fascinating places: the royal gardens of Hillsborough Castle and Drum Manor Forest Park.

Hillsborough Castle, located in County Down, is not only the official residence of the British royal family in Northern Ireland, but also a place surrounded by beautiful historic gardens. Spanning 40 acres, these royal gardens offer an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

What sets Hillsborough Gardens apart? First and foremost, their diversity and regal elegance. Walking through the alleys, one will encounter formal geometric gardens, picturesque ponds and even a charming forest. There are special attractions for children, including an exciting maze and a castle-inspired playground.

Visitors praise Hillsborough for its beauty and atmosphere. 'A beautiful garden for weekend walks. The castle itself is also worth seeing,' writes one visitor. It's the perfect place to feel like true aristocracy while enjoying family time outdoors.

Moving to Drum Manor Forest Park, one finds oneself in a completely different, but equally fascinating world. Located in County Tyrone, this forest park offers a more natural and wild experience than the formal gardens of Hillsborough.

Drum Manor is a true oasis for nature lovers. The park is famous for its scenic walking paths that lead through dense forests and around tranquil lakes. It's the perfect place for a family picnic, wildlife watching or just a relaxing stroll away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Interestingly, Drum Manor features the ruins of a 19th-century manor house, which adds additional historical charm to the place. This is a great opportunity to combine active recreation with a history lesson for the little ones.

Visitors to Drum Manor emphasize its peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty. 'A great place to relax, take a walk and, on top of that, relax among the ruins and greenery. I highly recommend it. You can spend a nice time, enjoy the eye with beautiful vegetation, birds and, as for me - soothe the shattered nerves...' - reads one of the reviews.

Comparing Hillsborough and Drum Manor, we see two different approaches to garden and park design. Hillsborough offers regal elegance and a formal layout, while Drum Manor impresses with its natural beauty and wildness. Hillsborough boasts a richer infrastructure for visitors, including a café and gift store, while Drum Manor focuses on simplicity and proximity to nature.

In terms of accessibility, both places are family-friendly with children. Hillsborough offers more attractions dedicated to the little ones, such as a playground and maze, which can be a plus for families with young children. Drum Manor, on the other hand, is an excellent choice for families looking for active recreation in nature.

Both Hillsborough Castle Gardens and Drum Manor Forest Park offer fascinating experiences, though each in its own way. The choice between the two depends on your preference - whether you prefer elegant, regal gardens or a more natural, woodland setting. Regardless of your choice, both places guarantee an unforgettable experience and beautiful memories of your family trip.

To conclude our tour of Northern Ireland's most beautiful gardens, we move on to a unique place that, although formally located in the Republic of Ireland, is so close to the border and so spectacular that it cannot be left out of our guide. We are talking about Powerscourt House & Gardens, a true jewel of Irish horticulture.

Powerscourt House & Gardens, located in picturesque County Wicklow, often referred to as the 'garden of Ireland,' is a place that impresses with its grandeur and beauty. Spanning 47 acres, this sprawling garden complex offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.

What sets Powerscourt apart from other gardens? First of all, its diversity and scale. The gardens are divided into several thematic sections, each with its own unique character. There are formal Italian gardens, romantic Japanese gardens, charming Victorian gardens and even a fascinating children's garden.

One of Powerscourt's most impressive features is the observation deck, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Wicklow hills and the distant summit of Sugar Loaf Mountain. It's the perfect place to take family photos and enjoy the beauty of the Irish landscape.

For the youngest visitors there is a special Tower Valley - a garden full of magical towers, winding paths and hidden surprises. This is a place where children can give vent to their imagination and energy while parents relax in beautiful surroundings.

Visitors to Powerscourt are delighted by its beauty and diversity. 'A beautiful and varied garden. Especially impressive is the Japanese section, and the old stand of trees. Very pleasant moments can be spent with coffee and dessert in the cafe, enjoying the view and watching the ubiquitous crows'. - writes one visitor.

Powerscourt House & Gardens also offers additional attractions such as stores with local wares, cafes and restaurants where one can relax and enjoy Irish specialties. This makes the place ideal for a day trip for the family.

When comparing Powerscourt with the other gardens we visited in our guide, you'll find that it stands out for its scale and diversity. While Antrim Castle Gardens or Hillsborough Castle Gardens offer a more intimate experience, Powerscourt impresses with its grandeur and wealth of attractions.

In terms of accessibility, Powerscourt is well suited to the needs of different visitor groups. The paths are wide and well-maintained, making it easy for families with strollers or people with limited mobility to get around. At the same time, the vastness of the garden means that even on busier days you can find quiet corners to relax.

It's worth noting that unlike some of the other gardens in our guide, such as Drum Manor Forest Park, Powerscourt offers a more organized and 'designed' experience. This can be a plus for families looking for a variety of attractions and amenities, but wildlife enthusiasts may prefer the more natural setting of other parks.

All in all, Powerscourt House & Gardens is the perfect culmination of our journey through some of Northern Ireland's most beautiful gardens and surrounding areas. It combines elements of all the places previously described - historic charm, a variety of plants, beautiful views and attractions for the whole family. It is the perfect place for an unforgettable day of discovery, relaxation and contact with nature.

Whether you decide to visit all of the gardens described in our guide or choose just some of them, each of these places offers unique experiences and beautiful memories. Northern Ireland and the surrounding area is a true paradise for garden and nature lovers, and exploring these green treasures is a great way to spend family time in nature.