Burtown House and Gardens
From Dublin / Waterford take exit 3 on M9 motorway and follow signs for Athy. Take the second left turn and Burtown House is on the left, well signposted. GPS: 52.996672, -6.870744Burtown House is one of two 17th century houses in Kildare to never have been sold, and the only house that you can visit, and have guided tours by family members. It is the only original Quaker house in Ireland that can be visited that is still lived in by the family that built it from this period. The gardens at Burtown are made up of several areas, including large herbaceous borders, shrubberies, a rock garden, a yew walk divided by a pergola, a sundial garden, an old orchard, a more formal stable yard garden, a walled organic vegetable garden and a large woodland garden surrounded on all sides by water. There is a sculpture park set in wildflower meadows with mown pathways. Shop and plant sales area.
The Meadows Garden in Myshall
Immediately outside the village of Myshall on the Kildavin Road R724. Opposite the Garda Station.The Meadows is positioned in a small estate in Myshall village with views extending to the Wicklow Mountains, the Carlow Ridge and Mount Leinster. The plot at No. 7 is about a third of an acre and slopes steeply into the hillside with the back shaded by sycamores. In front of the house there are plantings of pampas grass, miscanthus, dwarf and prostrate conifers, orange fennel, watsonia, kniphofia, fox gloves, heathers and catmint.The back garden is planted with an informal hedge of shrub roses and some interesting trees interspersed with mostly herbaceous plants, set into gravel. This area has been designed with low maintenance in mind, needing no mechanical tools and only intermittent hard work to keep it in order.
Newtownbarry House and Gardens
In Bunclody town cross over the bridge in the direction of Carnew and the entrance gates are directly ahead.This Victorian classical house near the River Slaney is surrounded by lawns, ancient trees and a sunken garden. The house can be visited and has a tearoom and art gallery. Parts of Newtownbarry House and Gardens date back to the 18th and 19th century and have been recently restored. The Sunken Garden covering approx. two acres, is a colourful walled garden which includes a formal oval pool, a fountain and a series of borders filled with shrubs and herbaceous perennials, enclosed by lines of dwarf hedges, mature trees, a rose garden and a lake.
Huntington Castle and Gardens
Entrance to the avenue is in the picturesque village of Clonegal, 5km from N80 turn off (signposted). Approx. 17.5km south of junction 5 on M9. Ten minute drive from Tullow town via Ardattin villageHuntington Castle, voted one of Ireland’s top 20 Hidden Gems by The Guardian in March 2015 is set n over 160 acres of gardens, woodland and farmland. The castle features a fascinating guided tour which explains its 17th century history. The tour also features the world famous Temple of Isis located in the old castle dungeons. The castle offers a fabulous woodland playground, as well as a charming tearoom and giftshop. The gardens are well worth a visit in their own right and were mainly laid out in the 17th century by the Esmondes who built Huntington Castle in 1625. They include the French limes on the avenue as well as the formal lawns to the side of the house, fish ponds on either side of the centre walk and the yew tree walk.
Altamont Gardens
How to find us: From Dublin/Waterford exit the M9 at junction 5 for Rosslare. Continue along the N80 through the village of Ballon and the N80/N81 junction. Continue for 2km, turn left at the next cross road signed Altamont Gardens. Alternatively, visitors travelling directly from Carlow town may follow the N80 Rosslare Road and continue as above.Widely respected as the jewel in Ireland’s gardening crown, Altamont Gardens are an enchanting blend of formal and informal gardens with riverside walks covering over 40 acres (16 hectares). The estate gains much of its character from the many mature trees, natives in the avenues and woodland areas, and exotic specimens throughout the gardens. Lawns bisected by sculpted yews slope down to a lake surrounded by rare trees and rhododendrons and lead in turn to a very different garden featuring exotic shrubs and trees.A fascinating walk through the Arboretum, Bog Garden and Ice Age Glen with its canopy of ancient oaks and huge stone outcrops leads the visitor to the River Slaney. When Corona North, who lovingly cared for the gardens for over 50 years died in 1999, the gardens were left to the State at her request. Ongoing restoration and maintenance continues under the stewardship of the Office of Public Works (OPW).“Every visitor says it has a special atmosphere, that’s why so many people come back. Every element you want from a great garden is here, from lovely lawns, floral beds and beautiful woodland going down to the river, to a walled garden and really superb collections, such as the snowdrops, rhododendrons and the fabulous oaks in the arboretum” Paul Cutler, head gardener at Altamont Gardens.ADMISSION CHARGES: Free individual admission. Guided tours available for groups by prior appointment. Adults €3.
Rath Wood Forest Walks
5km from Tullow town or 9km from Shillelagh, on the R725 off the R448, N11 or N81 or exit 4 off the M9 from Dublin and take the R418 from Castledermot into Tullow town. At the top of the town, take the R725 Tullow to Shillelagh Road.Rath Wood offers gentle walks for all ages from a short leisurely wheelchair accessible path to the longer looped Molloy walk. Rath Wood offers a sanctuary for many mammals, birds and insect species within its 185 acre boundaries. The forest contains a great variety of tree species including beech, oak, sitka spruce, norway spruce, birch, douglas fir and alder. The historical feature of Rathgall Hillfort which dates back to 800 B.C. is located nearby.
Duckett’s Grove Walled Gardens and Pleasure Grounds
From Dublin/Waterford take exit 4 on M9 motorway. Follow signs for Castledermot, then take the R418 Castledermot – Tullow Road for 6km and turn right at the signed junction. From Carlow take the R726 Hacketstown Road for 10km to Killerig Cross Roads. Turn left at this junction onto the R418 for 2.5km, turn left again at the signed junction.Duckett’s Grove, the 18th, 19th and early 20th century home of the Duckett family, was formerly at the centre of a 20,000 acre (8,093 hectares) estate that has dominated the Carlow landscape for over 300 years. Even in ruin, the surviving towers and turrets of Duckett’s Grove form a romantic profile making it one of the most photogenic historic buildings in the country. This part Cobden designed building is structurally intact and accessible to the public. Its precincts have been the subject of at least two international film sets and the site is a continuous mecca for paranormal groups. The revival of two old walled gadens has been completed by Carlow County Council, the old paths revealed and the beds and borders reinstated. Stylistically the new planting schemes echo the past yet reflect changing fashions, utilising plants and planting patterns that may have evolved over time. Open daily, daylight hours. There is also a charming tea room on site providing high quality artisan food including delicious cakes, snacks and light lunches.For opening times: facebook.com/thetearoomsatduckettsgrove
Oak Park Forest Park
From Dublin/Waterford take exit 4 on M9 motorway. Follow signs for Carlow taking the first right after Toughers Restaurant.Take a left at the next junction. Access also possible off Cannery Road close to the Athy Road junction in Carlow town.There are few locations which could rival the beauty and tranquillity of Oak Park Forest Park. Ideal for leisurely strolls and walks, a visit here is a relaxing and pleasurable experience and a must for any visitor to Co. Carlow. Colour coded circular walkways of varying lengths with excellent accessible surfaces and easy gradients make a visit here an enjoyable experience for young and old alike.The park is a mature, mixed species woodland of over 120 acres with a predominance of Beech, Oak, Scots Pine, Silver Fir, Larch and Sycamore. The proximity of the walkways to the extensive collection of ferns, mosses and woodland flora provides the visitor with an ideal opportunity to interact with nature. Boasting a rich diversity of wildlife, the lakes and their surrounds provide a habitat for swans and ducks, while the islands shelter many wild and game birds.The Woodland Looped have been laid out to encompass the broadest range of natural features. Extending over 4 kilometers they include Butlers Wood Loop (700 metres), the Lake Path (800 metres), Fox Covert Track (1100 metres) and Sally Island Trail (1700 metres). Situated on the outskirts of Carlow town, the park is a popular destination for walking and educational visits. The park also features a universally accessible playground with full facilities for individuals with a disability – the first of its kind in Ireland, bat sanctuary, picninc area, informal leisure areas and seating at regular intervals. Outdoor exercise equipment adds to the recreational enjoyment of the park.
Delta Sensory Gardens
From Dublin/Waterford take exit 4 on M9 motorway and follow signs for Carlow Town. Strawhall Estate is located off Cannery Road, the road which serves Netwatch Cullen Park G.A.A. Grounds, on the outskirts of Carlow town close to the Athy Road roundabout. Follow brown tourist signs.Delta Sensory Gardens are now well renowned and mature, having been open to the public for the past eight years. Their visitor numbers are growing steadily with many repeat visitors and word of mouth advertising. There is always something different to see from season to season in the 16 interconnecting gardens offering visitors of all ages a unique opportunity to rest and indulge their senses of touch, taste, smell, hearing and visual delight. The theme of each of the gardens celebrates the use of natural elements such as stone, water and wonderful foliage and plants. The feedback and comments from visitors speaks for itself: “An absolute delight to experience such variety, a thrill to all the senses, peace, tranquillity and inspiration.” ” It was all very interesting, the best I have ever seen, it reflects on the mind, one relaxes and the soul is comforted”. Delta Centre hosts many popular events throughout the year, check www.deltasensorygardens.com for more details.
Arboretum Inspirational Gardens
From Dublin / Waterford take exit 6 on M9 motorway and follow signs for Leighlinbridge. The Arboretum Home and Garden Heaven is 3km from exit 6 located immediately off the R448 at Leighlinbridge. Alternatively visitors travelling directly from Carlow Town may follow the R448.Arboretum Home and Garden Heaven, Ireland’s Store of the Year 2015, has created an exciting display garden to inspire visitors to imagine and create their own garden dream. These gardens are designed to display different schemes and solutions, offering endless ideas that can be easily recreated in gardeners’ own homes. This showpiece allows people to see that gardening can be enjoyed in any busy lifestyle and the concept behind this design was to create a garden that is low maintenance, easy to care for and one that can deliver endless enjoyment.The team at Arboretum have developed a ‘Give it a Grow Garden’which is designed to create a fully functional grow your own with fruit, herbs and vegetables grown by the team. Tours of the Arboretum Inspirational Gardens and the ‘Give it a Grow Garden’ can be booked on 059-9721558. The Arboretum have additionally designed a children’s playground and maze beside a new terraced area of Rachel’s Garden Cafe so children can play while parents enjoy some tempting home baking made with locally sourced produce. Families can also explore the African mud hut or visit the friendly koi who reside in the Arboretum pond. A visit to these inspirational gardens is a treat for the amateur or the enthusiast, with FREE admission we look forward to welcoming you soon!
Leighlinbridge – The Garden Village
From Dublin/Waterford take exit 6 on M9 motorway and follow signs for Leinglinbridge which is clearly signposted off the R448, 3km from here. Alternatively visitors travelling from Carlow Town should follow the R448.Leighlinbridge, winner of Ireland’s Best Kept Town in 2015, enjoys a range of gardens built and designed by the local community to commemoreate various aspects of village life over the years. This include the Millennium Garden, seven small individual gardens, each with its own theme represented by trees, shrubs and stones. The Vivaldi Garden is based on Vivaldi’s musical concerto The Four Seasons while the Garden of Remembrance commemorates important important occasions in the history of the village. These include the visit of the Canadian Prime Minister, Ireland’s first all ocunty World War 1 memoral and the Entente Florale Gold Medal Award – with the addition of a new footpath in 2015 this garden is now accessible all year round and suitable for wheelchair users.The Sculpture Garden is dedicated to three of Leighlinbridge’s most famous sons – Cardinal Patrick Francis Moran, John Tyndall, the mountaineer and scientist and Captain Myles Keogh, second in command to General Custer.
Herb Gardens at Kilgraney House
Situated just off the R705 Bagenalstown – Borris road, the herb gardens are 6km from Bagenalstown.Consisting of a series of interconnecting herbal gardens there is a large kitchen garden, a tea walk, a medicinal herb courtyard, a medieval monastic herb garden and a garden of aromatic and fragrant herbs. The enclosed kitchen garden consists of gravel paths and eleven raised timber beds of varying sizes grouped to form a modern rectangular ‘potager’. Here you will find unusual leafy plants such as mibuna, mizuna and komatsuna amongst more traditional salad varieties. Next to the kitchen garden is the tea walk, a short gravel path lined on one side with plants suitable for infusions and herbal teas. The medicinal garden, set in a granite courtyard, consists of nine raised beds in Irish oak timber. In a lower courtyard is an aromatic garden planted with herbs for fragrance and also for their usefulness in cosmetic preparations. In an adjoining courtyard there is a modern interpretation of a medieval monastic herb garden with four oak raised beds surrounded on two sides by an oak timber cloister. A circular cosmic garden helps to explain and facilitate our understanding of the ancient belief that there is a connection between people, plants, planets and constellations.
Borris House Gardens and Woodlands
In the centre of Borris Village, opposite the Step House HotelBorris House, the ancestral home of the MacMorrough Kavanaghs, Kings of Leinster, is one of the most beautiful and historic Irish country houses located in the spectacular scenery of Carlow’s Barrow valley. Borris became the Kavanagh’s primary residence in 1570 and over that time the present-day demesne landscape slowly evolved from a formal Baroque landscape of axial approach avenues and formal gardens to a demesne parkland landscape, with serpentine avenues designed to capture views and prospects, lawns, tree plantations and a circular road around the perimeter. Explore the grounds of the estate taking in Mount Leinster, the Blackstairs Mountains and the Barrow Valley; views that have been preserved by the family for centuries. Stroll along the woodland paths, enjoy some of the beautiful specimen trees, view the original Stew Pond and on your way take in the original Victorian laundry, the recently restored granary and the 18th century Ice House. The new lace garden which is set within the walls of the original laundry green illustrates the fascinating story of the Borris Lace through its predominantly white colour palette, lace inspired flowers, sculptures and stylised planting. This garden is a work in progress, so please visit again and see how this story develops.Visitors can also avail of a tour of Borris House and the private Chapel of St. Moling and learn more about this fascinating estate and the people who lived and worked there.
Shankill Castle
In the village of Paulstown on the Carlow-Kilkenny border. From Carlow town head 20km south towards Waterford/Kilkenny, taking exit 7 off the M9 motorway.Shankill Castle is a unique family home often described as a living museum. Shankill Castle was first built as a Butler tower-house near the ruins of a pre-reformation church. In 1708 it was rebuilt and set in a formal landscape, vista to the front and canal to the rear, by Peter Aylward. In the 19th century it was enlarged and castellated, serpentine bays added to the canal and an unusual polyhedral sundial given pride of place on a sunken lawn. The stable yard and castellated entrance to the demesne are attributed to Daniel Robertson. Nowadays visitors can take a guided tour of the castle and a walk around the gardens. Shankill Castle Visit in Spring for snowdrops, daffodils and tulips, Summer for the meadows, art exhibitions and sunshine walks, Autumn for the ScareFest, ghost tours and wand and quill making, Winter for drawing classes and winter workshops.Shankill Castle is home and studio to artist Elizabeth Cope where they host a retreat for artist and creative professionals.
Hardymount Gardens
From Dublin – through the town of Tullow onto the Bunclody road N81. Turn right after the Topaz petrol station, on the outskirts of the town. Turn right at next cross roads, Hardymount Gardens are 550 metres on the right hand side.One of the largest Spanish chestnuts in the country greets you on arrival to 3.5 acres (1.5 hectare) of lawns and shrubs surrounded by magnificent beech and oak trees. A wonderful walled garden behind the house contains many unusual plants and flowers in the herbaceous border. hardymount gardens The grass paths take you past the pond with lilies and fish to espaliered apple trees, an arbour of old roses, a pergola clothed with wisteria and underplanted with hollyhocks and foxgloves and on to a vegetable garden. A summer house at the end of the garden in a sheltered corner provides a quiet area for rest and relaxation.“Sheila Reeves Smyth puts her work and effort into a garden that will give pleasure for the length of the summer and into autumn. Trellis, espaliered apples and the wisteria tunnel all create a pleasing division of the space and structure in the walled garden.Each little area feels private and secluded. But the overall picture does not look contrived or “designed”. Hardymount is well cared for but not overly manicured, a relaxed country garden.”O’ Brien Guide to Irish Gardens by Shirley Lanigan
Lucy’s wood garden
From Carlow, take N80 to Bunclody and turn right opposite the road to Glanbia. The garden is approx. 300m on the left.This charming garden set in 2 acres comprises two distinct sections. The first area has been restored by Erika and Werner Marten from the cottage garden created by Miss Evelyn Booth. Plant highlights include the pineapple scented Moroccan broom, Cytisus battandieri, a majestic Magnolia grandiflora, a mature foxglove tree, Paulownia tomentosa and in spring, the pale blue anemone, Anemone nemorosa “Lucy’s Wood”, discovered by Miss Booth in the nearby wood. This area also contains the fruit and vegetable gardens and is surrounded by some wonderful trees. The second and newer part of the garden has been developed by Erika over the past 20 years, and is more open, with a large lawned area incorporating island beds. These display a large collection of her special plants, including the wedding cake bush, Viburnum plicatum “Mariesii”, a fine specimen of Korbinian’s apple tree, a very large Chilean flame tree Embothrium coccineum, a mulberry tree that the Martens brought from Africa, a lime planted in remembrance of Erika’s grandmother who made tea with the lime flowers and a Wollemi pine. The long borders are full of colour with bursts of helianthemum, tulips, eupatorium, bearded irises and purple topped verbena and in May, there is a wonderful display of azalea, rhododendrons, Cornus venus and Cornus nutallii
Morgan’s Garden Centre
Morgan’s Garden Centre is located on the outskirts of Carlow town, just off the R448 (in direction of Kilkenny). Take the first turn to the left after Carlow IT and a right at the next roundabout. Approx. 1km from this point on the right hand side of the road.Based on the outskirts of Carlow town, Morgan’s Garden Centre is a family run business,which has developed and grown rapidly in recent years to become recognised as a leading garden centre.This award winning centre features a well-stocked shop and extensive covered plant sales area for summer bedding and seasonal plants, most of which are grown in the adjoining area. All trees, shrubs, roses and heathers are sourced from leading Irish nurseries ensuring high quality plants. Visitors are guaranteed something for every season – bedding and patio plants for spring and summer, pottery, stoneware and water features with bulbs, hedging and trees for autumn. Advice is provided by trained and experienced staff who will give ideas and tips for your garden and answer all your gardening queries. Service is guaranteed to be friendly, helpful and efficient.
Rathvilly Garden Centre
3.5km from Rathvilly and 6km from Baltinglass on the Rathvilly – Baltinglass N81 road. 18km Altamont Gardens, 12km Duckett’s Grove.Rathvilly Garden Centre is owned and operated by Dermot Byrne who prides himself on offering a comprehensive range of home grown bedding plants and shrubs for the gardening enthusiast. This country garden centre is set on 5 acres (2 hectares). Trees and shrubs,heathers and roses are sourced in Ireland to ensure top quality.The garden centre features a range of bulbs, seeds, garden tools and a large selection of trees, shrubs, container pots, fruit trees, patio slabs, outdoor pots, moss peat and trellis.Trained and experienced staff will give advice on all gardening queries to the extent of visiting your garden and planning where everything should go.
Ashlawn Garden Centre
Situated 3km outside Bagenalstown off the Borris road (R705). Take the first turn to the left after the railway bridge in Bagenalstown. Ashlawn Garden Centre is 2km on the left hand side of the road.Conveniently situated close to the town of Bagenalstown in an open country setting. Ashlawn Garden Centre is a family run business where excellent service and advice is on hand in a friendly and informative manner. Our plants are our pride and joy and there is something for everyone here, catering for the expert gardener to the complete novice with specially selected ranges to suit different needs and budgets. Ashlawn Garden Centre offers a wide range of healthy trees, shrubs, roses and perennials at outstandingly good value while the new 3,000 square feet shop is packed with a full range of sprays, sprayers, terracotta and glazed pots, tools, pet accessories, fountains, lights and bird baths, seasonal bulbs and seeds. A selection of giftware, oak barrels and decorative stone in bulk and bags is always available.
