Walled, sunken and landscaped, Farmleigh’s 79 acres of gardens offer plenty of variety. These and the magnificent Georgian house at their centre have been drawing visitors away from Dublin’s noisy streets since they opened in 2001. While here, they can also circumnavigate the lake, explore the Victorian dairy, and stop for lunch in the Boathouse Restaurant or a coffee in the Motorhouse Café. A programme of cultural events includes regular foodmarkets in the Victorian courtyard, music festivals and seasonal events. Tours are available too.