Dearest Dahlia – A Garden Worth Finding

I have to tell you about the most wonderful place I visited yesterday.

I know the term hidden gem has been used so often on the internet that no one really pays any heed to it anymore, but this place genuinely is a hidden gem – and so worthy of the title.

A picturesque garden pathway lined with purple flowers, leading to a white cottage with a pink door, surrounded by lush greenery and apple trees.

I’m in my happy place when I’m wandering around gardens. I don’t get to do it nearly enough, so when I saw that Dearest Dahlia was opening for the weekend as part of the Secret Gardens of Sligo initiative, it immediately went on my list.

Close-up of two green poppy seed pods with water droplets, against a blurred background featuring a pink flower and green foliage.
A wooden garden chair positioned amidst lush greenery and flowering plants, with tall stems and round flower heads in the background.
Close-up view of purple allium flowers in bloom, showcasing their spherical clusters of small, delicate blossoms.
A lush garden path bordered by purple flowers leading to a white cottage with a pink door, surrounded by various greenery and apple trees.
Close-up of two red apples surrounded by green leaves, with a background of blurred greenery and water droplets on the apples.
A charming white cottage with a pink door and a gray corrugated roof, featuring hanging flower pots and two metal chairs beside a small table.

Secret Gardens of Sligo is a collective of gardens that open during the summer to raise money for charity. Dearest Dahlia was fundraising for the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation.

A charming white cottage with pink doors and a sign reading 'Daisy Dahlia.' The exterior features hanging flower pots and small tables with chairs arranged outside.

I’d seen Dearest Dahlia popping up on Instagram, and I knew they sold their flowers in Shells Little Shop in Strandhill, but I didn’t realise the garden was so close by.

I’m always a bit anxious about places I’ve never visited before – narrow roads, parking, finding the place, all of that. I used to laugh at my dad because he’d do a road trip to suss somewhere out before going to an event. I’m just as bad these days, although I do it on Google Street View.

A woman standing in a vibrant garden filled with various flowers, holding a pink umbrella. She is wearing a floral coat over a pink dress, with greenery and colorful blooms surrounding her.

Thankfully, I didn’t need to worry. There was plenty of parking and, after a short trip up a very narrow lane, I saw a vision in pink and floral, complete with pink umbrella – Miriam, the owner of Dearest Dahlia, who told me where to park. She was so lovely and welcoming that I instantly felt at ease.

And then there was the garden. It’s stunning.

A serene garden pond surrounded by ferns and rocks, featuring a small fountain.

It starts with a cottage garden, complete with a seating area and a small pond. Nearby are a herb garden and a sunflower garden.

Close-up of a vibrant orange flower covered in water droplets, showcasing its petals and intricate center.
Close-up of a pink and yellow dahlia flower with water droplets on its petals, surrounded by green leaves.
Close-up of a dahlia flower with red and yellow stripes, surrounded by green foliage.
A close-up of a white flower with numerous petals, featuring droplets of water on the petals and green leaves in the background.
A close-up of a deep red dahlia flower with intricate layered petals and droplets of water on its surface.
A close-up of a white dahlia flower with soft lavender edges, glistening with raindrops against a dark green background.

Then come the stars of the show – the dahlias. All shapes, sizes and colours, and an absolute sight to behold.

A beautifully arranged outdoor table featuring a variety of desserts, including cupcakes, cookies, and slices of cake, surrounded by lush greenery and decorative balloons.

What I wasn’t expecting was the wonderful refreshments. Tiers of cakes, china cups and saucers, beautiful breads – it was like afternoon tea, all served under a gazebo.

A charming outdoor setup featuring a dessert table under a white tent, adorned with pink bunting. The table displays an assortment of baked goods, including cupcakes, pastries, and cookies, alongside elegant tea cups and plates.

The gazebo was definitely needed, as it was lashing rain.

A garden showcasing young apple trees on green grass, with some apples visible on the branches and red flowers in the foreground.

Beyond the dahlias is an orchard, and the whole garden has a lovely layout. It’s a great example of what can be done with a garden, although I can only imagine how much work goes into keeping it looking this good.

After wandering around the garden and eating a slice of the most gorgeous bread, I headed to the gift shop.

A cozy room featuring a large floral banner that reads 'Dearest Dahlia Open Day', with a vintage wooden bed adorned with a colorful floral quilt, decorative pillows, and various accessories on a bedside table.

What a treasure trove. There are so many beautiful homemade items, as well as wildflower seeds, socks and plenty more. I can never resist a new pair of socks!

A quaint white cottage with a pink door and a grey corrugated roof, surrounded by potted plants and chairs.

It was such a lovely visit, and I’m really glad I finally got to see Dearest Dahlia for myself.

The garden is open again today, Sunday 9th August 2026, from 12 noon to 5pm. Full details are on Instagram.

If you don’t get to visit today, keep an eye on the website, as visits can also be booked. Miriam tells me they are fully booked for this year, but there may be cancellations.

And if you’re looking for more gardens to visit, take a look at the other Secret Gardens of Sligo: https://www.secretgardensofsligo.com

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