Council have committed to investigating maintenance concerns within the Palace Stables grounds after an Armagh I reader said the landscaped gardens appeared “unkept”.
The rear of the Palace Demesne in Armagh boasts a series of beautifully landscaped and planted gardens replete with borders, hedging, chess boards and gravel pathways.
Among the gardens lay a few popular attractions including a greenhouse and ice house.
The ‘Garden of the Senses’ was created to provide a sensory experience that will appeal to both able-bodied and disabled visitors and is made up of five distinct areas linked by a winding path.
Weeds growing over the hedging
Indeed, for over 200 years the undulating parkland of the Palace Demesne has been one of the glories of Armagh. The Demesne, comprising some 300 acres, is the creation of Archbishop Richard Robinson.
However, one recent visitor to the grounds contacted Armagh I to say they found it in a disappointing state of repair.
They said the raised plant beds were full of weeds, the greenhouse appeared to be no longer in use and was “choked up” at one end by ivy. They also noted “chipping” paint around the masonry and window panes.
The hedging was also said to be overgrown in places with weeds growing up through the hedging and onto the paths.
They said it appeared as though there was little attention being paid to the gardens and it was in “desperate need of TLC”.
Armagh I visited in person to see the gardens first-hand. The photos of our visit on Monday (July 6) are included herein.
Weeds in hedging
A spokesperson for Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council said: “The Palace and its stunning parkland surroundings are among the most iconic heritage sites and valued leisure assets in Armagh City and across the borough.
“Staff across our Grounds Maintenance and Estates Management teams are committed to maintaining this site and its associated buildings to a high standard for the benefit of all visitors.
“The issues raised will be investigated and, where appropriate, incorporated into the maintenance programme and prioritised accordingly.”
Issues had previously been raised in regards to the Chapel building and generally poor condition of the surrounding areas during a Council meeting in May.
A heating system that hadn’t been working since 2014 was of major concern, alongside damp and a pothole-littered entry way in dire need of resurfacing.
