Our Story
Near Bruff & Lough
Gur, Co. Limerick
Located just 20 minutes from Limerick City, Adare, and Charleville, Rockbarton is a garden school and learning destination set within a beautiful 18th-century courtyard in Holycross, Bruff, Co. Limerick.
Founded by Lynda and Bryan, Rockbarton has evolved from a garden centre into a place dedicated to garden education, workshops, and hands-on experiences. Our focus is on sharing practical knowledge, creativity, and a genuine love of gardening with individuals, families, schools, and community groups.
Lynda is known for her warm, personal approach and her ability to support gardeners at every stage — from beginners to experienced growers. As a mother of five, she is passionate about making gardening accessible, practical, and enjoyable for all ages, a value that now sits at the heart of everything we do.
Where It All Began
Rockbarton’s story is deeply connected to its place. The historic courtyard has seen centuries of change, and over time it has become a gathering space — one filled with colour, curiosity, and community.
From the very beginning, Lynda and Bryan’s focus was never just about what was growing in the ground, but about the people walking through the gates. Taking time, sharing ideas, and offering thoughtful guidance has always been central to Rockbarton.
As interest in learning, workshops, and shared experiences grew, so too did Rockbarton’s direction. The natural next step was to move away from retail and towards education, workshops, and hosted garden experiences — allowing us to focus fully on teaching, creativity, and meaningful engagement.
What You'll Find at Rockbarton
A historic 18th-century courtyard garden
Guided tours and hosted garden experiences
Hands-on workshops for all ages and abilities
Educational visits for schools and groups
A calm, welcoming space designed for learning and creativity
All visits are by booking only, allowing us to offer a personal and meaningful experience for every group.
Workshops, Learning & Garden Experiences
Rockbarton is a garden school in County Limerick and an experience-led destination, offering hands-on gardening workshops and learning experiences in a relaxed, historic setting.
We host seasonal gardening workshops, guided garden tours, and educational garden experiences, covering roses, growing your own food, cut flowers, wreath making, and seasonal gardening throughout the year.
Our experiences are designed for individuals, families, schools, flower clubs, and community groups, with a strong focus on practical learning, creativity, and enjoyment.
Consultations, Community & Group Work
Alongside workshops, we work with home gardeners, schools, Tidy Towns groups, corporate teams, and care settings, including nursing homes.
Our work includes garden consultations, garden planning, and tailored group workshops, supporting wellbeing, learning, and community connection through gardening.
Community & Seasonal Events
Throughout the year, we host seasonal garden events and group experiences that bring people together to learn, create, and enjoy gardening in every season.
Rockbarton on RTE
We were delighted to be involved in an RTE Nationwide Special about
Lough Gur, local artist Robert Ryan and Clair from Lough Gur Pottery
Looking Ahead
As Rockbarton continues to grow, our focus is firmly on experiences rather than products — on nurturing confidence, skills, curiosity, and community.
We want Rockbarton to be a place where:
people feel welcome and supported
learning happens naturally and joyfully
gardens become spaces for creativity, wellbeing, and connection
Whether you’re joining us for a workshop, a guided tour, a school visit, or a group experience, every visit is an opportunity to slow down, learn something new, and reconnect with nature.
Our vision is simple: to grow knowledge, confidence, and community — one garden experience at a time.