JAPANESE TEA GARDENS
Tully, County Kildare

The Japanese Tea Gardens were created by William Hall-Walker at the height of the Edwardian penchant for Orientalism in the early 20th century.

It was between 1906-1910, at the same time the stud farm was being expanded, that Walker hired Japanese gardener Tassa Eida and his son Minoru to lay out these gardens.

The theme of the gardens is an allegorical journey of the life of man, from the cradle to the grave. Visitors are encouraged to follow the Path of Life, to experience some of life's ambitions through interpretation. Emerge from the Gate of Oblivion and onto the Gateway of Eternity. For those less adventurous, the Easy Path may be more to the liking.

There is an impressive collection of trees and shrubs, including maples, mulberries, magnolias, cherry trees and sacred bamboo. Also, visitors can enjoy the wandering streams and still pools, seasonal flowers, statuary and many hidden secrets.

Eida, his wife and two sons, Minoru and Kaiji, remained in Kildare until 1912, residing at Curragh House, which is now the Racing Apprentice Centre of Education (RACE). Walker's affection for the Eida's was evident when he named his favorite Tully-bred colt Minoru, which means "light of my eye" or "favorite one." This horse was leased to King Edward VII for his racing career, and carried the royal colors to victory in the Derby of 1909.

Eida passed away in 1912 just before his return journey home to Japan with his family. Nothing more was heard from the family until 1980 when a Brian Eida turned up at the farm to admire the work of his grandfather. Brian Eida was the son of Minoru.

Walker received the title of Lord Wavertree in 1916 in reward for bequeathing the stud farm and gardens to the British Crown in order to found a British National Stud. The National Stud continued to produce exceptional race horses under the guidance of its first director, Sir Henry Greer, producing the highest standard of bloodstock in the country. Such greats bred here include Big Game and Sun Chariot.

However, the gardens fell into neglect until 1945 when The Irish National Stud Company was formed. A proper horticultural supervisor was hired for the gardens with the sole purpose of restoring the gardens to their former glory. The gardens today are regarded as the most impressive in Europe and have international acclaim.

Also on this site includes —

Irish National Stud - Ireland's premier stud farm

~ Pay attraction
~ Parking available
~ Accessible along the Easy Path

http://www.irish-national-stud.ie/tourism/japanese-gardens