Outdoor Yoga Returns to Historic Annes Grove Gardens This Summer
Explore Annes Grove Gardens near Castletownroche - historic estate with exotic plants from Tibet and Burma, plus Sunday yoga sessions all summer.
The Office of Public Works has announced the welcome return of outdoor yoga sessions to the stunning Annes Grove Gardens in Castletownroche, Co. Cork, offering locals a unique opportunity to combine wellness with heritage.
Every Sunday morning throughout June, July, and August, yoga enthusiasts can join instructor Christine at 10am in the picturesque grounds of the historic estate. The sessions welcome participants of all experience levels, with attendees simply needing to bring their own yoga mat to take part.
Located near Castletownroche, Annes Grove is a beautifully restored estate that was home to the Annesley family from the 1600s until 2015, when it was gifted to the Irish state. The Office of Public Works has undertaken extensive restoration work since taking over the property, opening it to the public in 2022.
The gardens showcase an impressive collection of exotic plants assembled in the early 1900s by Richard Arthur Grove Annesley, who supported plant-hunting expeditions to Tibet, Burma, and Bhutan. Visitors can discover spectacular flowering shrubs including Cornus kousa, embothrium, and eucryphia throughout the grounds.
Following each yoga session, participants can explore the tranquil paradise gardens at their leisure, making for a perfect Sunday morning combination of mindfulness and nature appreciation.
The estate is open Thursday to Monday from 10:00 to 17:00, with last admission at 16:00. Standard admission costs €5 for adults, with concessions available for groups, seniors, children, and families. Visitors should note that dogs are not permitted except registered assistance dogs, and the site has challenging access with steep, uneven steps in places.
Those travelling by car can exit the M8 at junction 14 near Fermoy, then follow the N72 to Castletownroche. The gardens are located 3km down Doneraile Road. Train users can travel to Mallow station, with Annes Grove approximately a 25-minute taxi journey from there.
For more information about the yoga sessions and Annes Grove Gardens, visit heritageireland.ie.
