About us

In 1983 a young man with a passion for nature had successfully completed a scholarship, as well as several internships (both here at home in Ireland and across the water in the UK), and he was well on his way to making a name for himself in the world of landscape garden design. 

A family emergency saw him forced to pause his ambitions and he returned home to help care for his elderly parents. 

He quickly put his talents to good use and started his own business, which in turn led him to the purchase in 1987 of an old stone quarry at the entrance to what was then the village of Carrigaline. 

Today, that old stone quarry is home to Stonewall Gardens. 

Every single tree, bush and flower you see when you arrive at the drive was lovingly planted by John himself. 

The gardens were designed to showcase our native Irish plants and trees in their full glory, with colour on display all year round. 

Between 1987 and early 2018, it was home to Stonewall Garden Centre, and from 2000 it was under the care of John's partner Paul Dreivers, a passionate gardener and grower of bedding plants who overcame many challenges in life, including the loss of his legs and most of his fingers to meningitis. Undeterred, Paul led the day to day operations within the gates, allowing John to continue his passion for garden design, creating multiple award-winning gardens around the country and care for his mother. Unfortunately, Paul passed away suddenly in January of 2018, John retired and the gates closed. 

With the exception of the annual Christmas tree sale, Stonewall lay dormant until the arrival of Indra in 2021. 

With a passion for organic food, nature, traveling, animals and people, Indra has brought her experience in both the tourism and the service industries with her, and Stonewall Gardens was (re)born. 

Creating a destination, a safe space for all humans and animals is the number one priority.

The goal? A place where families and people can come to enjoy nature, learn about nature, grow food, share food, music and stories. The launch of 'The Cabin' was the first step towards this goal. 

A firm believer that the future is our children and our legacy through them, the idea of starting gardening classes and summer camps was the next logical step. However, learning should not be limited to the young only and so the classes and camps were created to accommodate entire families, a brand new concept to the Carrigaline area. You are never too old! 

After all: Knowledge is power, and being able to identify, grow, process and eat our own food is a skill we believe everyone deserves to have. 

And now, in 2025 the gates have reopened, 7 years after they were closed. 

There are native plants,  organic vegetables and herbs and even organic eggs from the rescued ex-battery hens.  Two log cabins and a 4 berth caravan that are available for rent, as a quirky 'glamping' alternative to pitching a tent. 

An old polytunnel that has been transformed into a learning space as well as a place to relax and unwind. Bluebell, the tuck shop, provides barista coffees and snacks as well as home baked goods using our own eggs and ingredients. And then there is the playground, the sports pitch and the fire circle, home to many a story telling evening and bonfires to celebrate the celtic seasons. 

Summer of 2025 saw the addition of a wood-fired jacuzzi hot-tub (yay!) and we are working on creating a camping space for up to 4 family tent pitches and a monthly night market also for 2026.

We look forward to welcoming you to our destination. 

Word of warning: you are very likely to leave with a full belly, arms full of plants, a head full of (new and local) knowledge and a smile :) 

See you soon!

The Stonewall Gardens Team