ST. ANNE'S, CLONTARF 



There is perhaps no place within the British islands so strongly 

 reminiscent of Italy as St. Anne's, in County Dublin, one of the Irish 

 seats of Lord Ardilaun. This impression is first received from the 

 number and fine growth of the grand Ilexes, which abound by the sides 

 of the approaches and in the park-land near the house. For there are 

 Ilexes in groups, in groves, in avenues — all revelling in the mild Irish air 

 and nearness to the sea. 



The general impression of the place, as of something in Italy, is 

 further deepened by the house of classical design and of palatial aspect, 

 both within and without, that has that sympathetic sumptuousness that 

 is so charming a character of the best design and ornamentation of the 

 Italian Renaissance. For in general when in England we are palatial, we 

 are somewhat cold, and even forbidding. We stand aloof and endure our 

 greatness, and behave as well as we are able under the slightly embarrassing 

 restrictions. But in Italy, as at St. Anne's, things may be largely 

 beautiful and even grandiose, and yet all smiling and easily gracious and 

 humanly comforting. 



As it is in the house, so also is it in the garden ; the same sentiment 

 prevails, although the garden shows no effort in its details to assume an 

 Italian character. But apparent everywhere is the remarkable genius of 

 Lady Ardilaun — a queen among gardeners. A thorough knowledge of 

 plants and the finest of taste ; a firm grasp and a broad view, that remind 

 one of the great style of the artists of the School of Venice — these are 

 the acquirements and cultivated aptitudes that make a consummate 

 gardener. 



lOI 



