

Faqs
Your questions answered.
Gardens and Plant Centre Opening Hours & Information
Are the Gardens open all year round?
Yes, our gardens are open for the vast majority of the year, only taking a break in January for plant maintenance and to recharge our batteries for the coming year! We are seldom closed, but make sure to check our Visit Us page for any updates, prior to your visit.
Do you open late in the summer?
Yes, Kells Bay House and Gardens are lovely in the summer evenings and we are open late in June, July and August. Check our opening times for the most up to date information.
Is the Plant Centre open in winter?
Our Plant Centre is open for most of the year. On occasion in winter months, we will have reduced hours. Feel free to contact us to let us know you are coming!
Can I bring my dog to the gardens?
The good news is that well behaved dogs are welcome in the Gardens! We do ask that you keep your dog on a short lead at all times, for the comfort of other visitors and to keep plants protected. There is also a maximum of two dogs per person allowed.
What is the busiest time?
The Gardens and Plant Centre are usually busiest from 1:00pm to 3:00pm during the summer months, but there is still plenty of room to visit comfortably. Earlier in the morning and later in the day is a little quieter, but any time is a good time to see the Gardens!
When is the best time of year to visit?
Really anytime, with the right clothes for the weather! The best colour in the gardens from our Rhododendron is from around mid-April to the end of May. The Gardens are their most tropical in July and August, with rich greens and lush surroundings. The Gardens change with the seasons and they really do look wonderful at any time of year.
Do I have to book in advance to visit the Gardens?
During the summer months, it is strongly recommended to book your Gardens ticket online. You can also buy tickets when you arrive, but during high season, it’s best to book in advance.
How long is my ticket valid for?
We know that our visitors like flexibility, so we’ve made sure that your ticket is forever valid without any time constraints, until it’s presented at entry any time after purchase!
Restaurant Opening Times and Information
Do you have a restaurant or café on site and what are the opening times?
Yes, we have Sala Café, serving wonderful Thai food which is open daily from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. No bookings are required; just turn up!
For evening dining you can enjoy authentic Thai food at Sala Restaurant. We have two sittings at 6:00pm and 8:00pm. Booking is advised as the restaurant may be busy, especially in the spring and summer months.
We also have a coffee shop at the ticket desk, so you can relax with tea and scones at any time during your visit.
Takeaway Service
We provide a takeaway service for our authentic Thai food. Sala provides takeaway food daily from 1:00pm until last orders at 8:00pm. You can order online or call us on 066 9477975. Collection only.
Can I stay at Kells Bay House?
Yes, you can swap a day trip for an overnight stay in one of our rooms within Kells Bay House or the Bell Tower. To book your accommodation in advance, go to our reservations page.
Is there car parking at the Gardens?
Yes, you can park when you come to visit us. There is also private parking for staying guests.
How do I get there?
We are under an hour from Killarney and minutes from the national road network. For more information check out our visitor information.