The Carlow Garden Trail features many different types of gardens and
parks including great old gardens that have been lovingly restored
and maintained throughout the years, and smaller gardens which are
maturing beautifully with time. Award winning garden centres and
forest parks complement the joy of a visit here.
Altamont Gardens
Tullow, Co. Carlow
t: 059- 9159444
f: 059-9159510
e: altamontgardens@opw.ie
w: www.heritageireland.ie
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. The estate gains much of its
character from the many mature trees, both 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
OPW.
Altamont is a great experience at any time of year starting in
spring with the wonderful snowdrop collection and moving on to
daffodils and other spring bulbs. Rhododendrons, azaleas and later
on the rose collection is in full bloom in mid-summer, followed by
contrasting autumnal colours and the beautiful silhouettes of the
mighty trees in mid-winter.
FACILITIES: Toilets, outdoor picnic tables, large car and coach
park, restricted access for wheelchairs.
HOW TO FIND US: From Carlow Town follow the main N80 Carlow –
Wexford road until you reach the village of Ballon. The gardens are
5km from the village of Ballon, off the N80. From Tullow follow
signs for the Bunclody Road (N81). Altamont Gardens are 3 km from
its junction with the Wexford road (N80).
OPENING TIMES:
01.02.07 – 28.02.07 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. 7 days per week
01.03.07 – 31.03.07 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. 7 days per week
01.04.07 – 30.04.07 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. 7 days per week
01.05.07 – 31.08.07 9 a.m. – 7.30 p.m. 7 days per week
01.09.07 – 30.09.07 9 a.m. – 6.30 p.m. 7 days per week
01.10.07 – 31.10 07 9 a.m. – 5.30 p.m. 7 days per week
01.11.07 – 31.01.08 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. – 3.30
p.m. Friday, Closed weekends. Check for Christmas opening times.
ADMISSION CHARGES: Free individual admission. Guided tours available
for groups by prior appointment – adults €2.75, OAPs €2.
Altamont Plant Sales - The Walled Garden @ Altamont, Altamont
Gardens, Tullow, Co. Carlow
t: 087-9822135
e: altamontplants@hotmail.com
w: www.carlowtourism.com/gardens.html
An unmissable highlight of a visit to Altamont Gardens is the Walled
Garden situated within the grounds of the estate and run privately
by gardener and nursery man Robert Miller. The area consists
primarily of the Corona North Commemorative Border planted to honour
the late Corona, owner of Altamont.
Each border has its own individual theme and colour from striking
reds to cool white and blues, romantic pinks and warm yellow glows.
The scent of lavender fills the air over the summer months. The
borders are planted mainly with herbaceous perennials with roses and
trees, some with a fascinating history. Other items of interest
include the living willow tunnel, 200 year old Medler tree and the
composting area. If you would like to pick up a little piece of
Irish gardening history then Altamont Plant Sales, located within
the borders, is the place to head where many of the plants grown in
the border and throughout the gardens at Altamont can be purchased.
A visit is a must during snowdrop time in spring, summer and early
autumn.
LOCATION: In the grounds of Altamont Gardens – for directions please
see previous entry.
OPENING TIMES: 01.02.07 – 30.11.07 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily. Rest of
year 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. weekdays. Other times by appointment.
Arboretum Lifestyle & Garden Centre
Kilkenny Road (N9), Leighlinbridge, Co. Carlow
t: 059-9721558
f: 059-9721642
e: sales@arboretum.ie
w. www.arboretum.ie
Commitment to excellent customer service, quality products,
unbeatable choice and value for money has earned Arboretum Lifestyle
& Garden Centre the coveted title of Bord Bia National Garden Centre
of the Year for an unprecedented fourth consecutive year and All
Ireland Garden Centre of the Year in 2006.
Arboretum Lifestyle and Garden Centre is far more than a place for
the gardening enthusiast. It’s an entire shopping experience: a
place to savour the myriad of interesting items dotted throughout
the store. Spacious and well laid out, the centre guides visitors
through elegant displays of garden furnishing, pot plants, outdoor
plants, an extensive gift section, hand crafted furniture and lots
more. An entire day can be devoted to the visit, wandering through
the fantastic range of items available, seeking expert advice from
friendly staff or enjoying a delicious meal or cup of coffee in the
tranquil setting of Mulberry’s Restaurant. Year round the centre is
a delight to visit reflecting the changing seasons of the gardeners’
world.
On site the Arboretum Retail Park features individual complimentary
units – the Natural Stone Centre & Pat Coughlan Garden Equipment –
while a Pets & Aquatics Shop covering over 330 sq. metres offers a
variety of tropical fish, rabbits and hamsters and foods, toys and
treats for animals.
FACILITIES: Toilets, large car and coach park, wheelchair
accessible, restaurant with wine licence, pet shop, conference
centre, mini associated retail park.
HOW TO FIND US: 9.5 km south of Carlow town near Leighlinbridge on
the N9 To Kilkenny. Well signposted.
OPENING TIMES: Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. – 6
p.m. and Bank Holidays 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Ashlawn Garden Centre, Donore, Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow
t: 059-9721175
f: 059-9721175
e: ashlawngardencentre@eircom.net
w: www.carlowtourism.com/gardens.html
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 garden shop stocks a large selection of terracotta,
plastic pots, window boxes, oak barrels, hanging baskets, brackets,
sprays and fertilisers. A new range of water fountains, bird baths,
lights and all sizes in garden sheds are now available. We will
willingly source any type of plant but we have a range of unusual
shrubs and trees second to none in stock.
FACILITIES: Toilets, car park
LOCATION: Situated 2 km outside Bagenalstown off the Borris road
(R705). Take the first turn to the left after the railway bridge.
Ashlawn Garden Centre is 1 km on the left hand side of the road.
OPENING TIMES: January – July Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.,
August – December Tuesday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Year round -
Sunday and Bank Holidays 2.00 p.m. – 6.00 p.m.
Delta Garden Centre and Sensory Gardens
Strawhall Industrial Estate, Carlow
t: 059-9143527
f: 059-9130280
e: info@deltacentre.org
w: www.deltacentre.org
The Delta Centre runs a very busy garden centre with a wide range of
shrubs and plants for sale. They also stock hanging baskets and
window boxes and a range of garden accessories which include garden
ornaments and fountains. Whatever the season you will find suitable
plants – bulbs for spring and autumn flowering, bedding plants in
summer, herbaceous perennials and of course shrubs for all year
round interest. Expert horticultural advice is on hand from highly
qualified and friendly staff.
Delta Sensory Gardens are an ambitious new project, consisting of a
series of interconnecting gardens of a multi-sensory nature covering
2.5 acres. The first of their kind in Ireland they combine the
attraction of a tourist facility with a therapeutic focus and
benefit, for people of all abilities. A combination of both formal
and informal landscapes allow visitors to meander round at will,
watch splashing fountains and waterfalls, enjoy herbs and perfumed
plants, many in raised beds (suitable for access by wheelchair),
watch fish, reflect on sculptures or simply sit around and enjoy
flowers and foliage. The gardens include a water and woodland
garden, a sculpture garden, a heather and conifer garden, a musical
garden and a formal rose garden amongst others.
FACILITIES: Car park, toilets, wheelchair accessible, restaurant.
LOCATION: Strawhall Industrial Estate is located off Cannery Road on
the outskirts of Carlow town close to the Athy Road junction.
OPENING TIMES: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday. Weekends and groups
by appointment. Please check in at reception upon arrival.
ADMISSION CHARGES: €5 per adult
Duckett’s Grove
Rainestown, Co. Carlow - UNDER ACTIVE RESTORATION
t: Carlow Tourist Office 059-9131554
f: 059-9170776
e: carlowtouristoffice@faiiteireland.ie
w. www.carlowtourism.com/gardens.html
Duckett’s Grove, the 18th and early 19th century home of the Duckett
family, formerly centred on a 12,000 acre estate and has dominated
the Carlow landscape for over 200 years. The mansion was transformed
into a spectacular castellated gothic fantasy by the renowned
architect Thomas Cobden in 1830. Although destroyed by fire in 1933,
the remaining towers and turrets and its surrounding countryside
form a most romantic landscape making it one of the most photogenic
estate houses in Ireland. The stunning ruin is now under the
protection of Carlow County Council who will provide public access
to the historic pleasure gardens and a range of visitor amenities
including car parking, tea rooms and craft rooms.
Carlow County Council are currently undertaking the conservation and
restoration of the walled gardens. The walled gardens are high
quality and have intrinsic historic interest. The works currently
being undertaken with grant aid from Fáilte Ireland under the
Tourism Product Development Scheme include site clearance and tree
surgery, remedial works to stone walls and entrances, re-instatement
of paths, walks, glasshouses and a variety of planting.
This tranquil setting will become a haven for visitors who will
enjoy the experience of two newly restored walled gardens, Georgian
pleasure grounds, garden visits, wooded walks and nature trails for
children with seating and viewing points throughout the grounds.
It is intended that works will be at an advanced stage of completion
to allow controlled public access in June 2007.
HOW TO FIND US: From Carlow Town follow the R726. Take the first
road to the left after the Brownshill Dolmen. Follow this road for
approx. 5km to arrive at the Towers Gate Lodge of Duckett’s Grove.
Duckett’s Grove is 1 km from this point on the right hand side of
the road.
OPENING TIMES: Controlled access to the public from June 2007.
Please check the Tourist Office for further details.
Hardymount Gardens
Tullow, Co. Carlow.
t: 059-9151769
One of the largest Spanish chestnuts in the country greets you on
arrival to one 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.
The grass paths take you past the pond with lilies and fish to
espaliered apple trees, 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.
FACILITIES: Wheelchair accessible
LOCATION: From Dublin - through the town of Tullow onto the Bunclody
road N81. Turn right after the Statoil petrol station. Turn right at
next cross roads – the gardens are 600 yards on the right hand side.
OPENING TIMES: 2.00 – 6.00 p.m. every Sunday May – August inclusive.
Open at other times by arrangement.
ADMISSION CHARGES: Adults €5.
Herb Gardens at Kilgraney House
Borris Road, Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow Tourism
t: 059-9775283
f: 059-9775595
e: info@kilgraneyhouse.com
w. www.kilgraneyhouse.com
Consisting of a series of interconnecting herbal gardens there is a
large kitchen garden, a tea walk, a medicinal 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’’. Next to the kitchen 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 a romantic garden planted with herbs for
fragrance and also for their usefulness in cosmetic preparations.
Finally, 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.
FACILITIES: Car park (unsuitable for coaches), toilets, restricted
access for wheelchairs.
HOW TO FIND US: Situated just off the R705, Kilgraney is 6 km from
the town of Bagenalstown.
OPENING TIMES: May to September on Sunday afternoon 2.00 p.m. - 5.00
p.m. Groups by prior appointment only. We regret that the main house
is not open to garden visitors.
ADMISSION: €8 (includes coffee, tea or herbal infusion).
Huntington Castle and Gardens, Clonegal, Co. Carlow
t: 054-77552
w: www.carlowtourism.com/gardens.html
These gardens were mainly laid out in the 17th century by the
Esmondes who built Huntington Castle in 1625 and include the French
limes on the Avenue, the lawns to the side of the house, the
fishponds on either side of the centre walk through the wilderness
and the Yew Tree Walk. Larger plantings have resulted in Huntington
possessing a number of Irish Champion trees. The River Derry flows
along the bottom of the wilderness, providing a pleasant setting for
woodland walks. The guided tour also features a visit to Huntington
Castle.
FACILITIES: Car park, toilets, restricted access for wheelchairs,
guided tours of Huntington Castle.
LOCATION: In the village of Clonegal – well signposted.
OPENING TIMES: June – August inclusive. Open at other times by
arrangement.
ADMISSION CHARGES: Adults €6. Senior Citizens and children under 12
€4.
Leighlinbridge: The Garden Village
t: Mary Meaney, Secretary, Leighlinbridge Improvement Group
086-6027751
w: www.carlowtourism.com/gardens.html
Leighlinbridge enjoys a range of gardens, built and designed by the
local community to commemorate various aspects of village life over
the years. These include the Millennium Garden, seven small
individual gardens, each with its own theme represented by trees,
stones and shrubs. The Vivaldi Garden is based on Vivaldi’s musical
concerto The Four Seasons while the Garden of Remembrance
commemorates important occasions in the history of the village.
These include the visit by the Canadian Prime Minister, a Wolrd War
1 memorial and the Entente Florale Gold Medal Award. 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.
Facilities: restaurant, award winning garden centre, hotel, bed &
breakfast, public houses, castle, historic buildings, angling,
walking routes, picnic site.
How to find us: 9km south of Carlow town off the N9 to Kilkenny.
Opening times: Daylight hours.
Oak Park Forest Park, outskirts of Carlow town – heading
t: Carlow Tourist Office, College Street, Carlow 059-9131554
e: carlowtouristoffice@failteireland.ie
w: www.carlowtourism.com/gardens.html
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 Walks have been laid out to encompass the broadest
range of natural features. Extending over 4 kilometres they include
Butlers Wood Loop (700 metres), the Lake Path (800 metres), Fox
Covert Track (1100 metres) and Sally Island Trail (1700 metres).
With the exception of the island section of the Lake Path, all the
other walks are wheelchair accessible.
Situated on the outskirts of Carlow town, the park is a popular
destination for walking and educational visits. The park also
features a picnic area, informal leisure areas and seating at
regular intervals.
FACILITIES: wheelchair accessible toilets, large car park, outdoor
picnic tables, wheelchair accessible walkways and birdwatching area.
HOW TO FIND US: Take the first right after Toughers Restaurant (on
the outskirts of Carlow town) traveling from Castledermot to Carlow
N9. Take a left at the next junction. Clearly signposted. Access
also possible off Dr. Cullen Park Road on the outskirts of Carlow
town.
OPENING TIMES: May – September 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. 7 days per week.
October – April 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. 7 days per week.
ADMISSION CHARGES: Free entrance.
Morgan’s Garden Centre
Green Road, Carlow
t: 059-9143092
f: 059-9143179
w: www.carlowtourism.com/gardens.html
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 garden 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 nursery. 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.
FACILITIES: car park, toilet, wheelchair accessible
HOW TO FIND US: Located on the outskirts of Carlow town off the
Kilkenny road (N9). First left after Carlow Institute of Technology.
Well signposted.
OPENING TIMES: Monday – Saturday 9.00 a.m. – 6.00 p.m., Sunday 12
noon – 6.00 p.m., Bank Holidays 10 a.m. – 6.00 p.m.
Rathvilly Garden Centre – heading
Rathvilly (on N81), Co. Carlow
t: 059-9161594/087-8344582
f: 059-9161296
Rathvilly Garden Centre is a family run business, operated by Dermot
and Caroline Byrne who pride themselves on offering a comprehensive
range of home grown bedding plants and shrubs for the gardening
enthusiast. Their commitment and high quality standards earned them
the title of Best New Entry 2006 in the Bord Bia Garden Centre
Quality Awards. This country garden centre is set on 2 hectares with
a 1 acre amenity garden with picnic and children’s play area. A
large covered plant area also includes a fine gift shop which stocks
pottery, candles, doll houses and summer houses, garden furniture &
conservatory (indoor and outdoor). 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, trellis and fencing.
FACILITIES: Wheelchair accessible, toilet (wheelchair) and picnic
tables
HOW TO FIND US: 2 miles from Rathvilly and 4 miles from Baltinglass
on the Rathvilly – Baltinglass N81 road. Well signposted.
OPENING TIMES: Sunday 11 – 6. Weekdays 9 – 6.
Rathwood Home, Gift & Garden World
Rath, Tullow, Co. Carlow
t: 059-9156285
f: 059-9156239
e: info@rathwood.com
w: www.rathwood.com
Rathwood is a four star quality award winning Centre, with a superb
gift and furniture shop. Its themed displays give you great ideas to
help create your own interior designed room at home. A visit to the
Exhibition house on site is also a must. Rathwood’s fine food
Restaurant serves delicious lunches and home baking.
Rathwood’s Walled Garden Centre, due to open on the May Bank holiday
weekend, will offer an impressive selection of plants, many rare and
unusual, garden furniture, outdoor living accessories and pots. A
full size train is also planned for May to give kiddie (and adult!)
rides around Rathwood Park. Included in Rathwood’s Park will also be
a new children’s play area, pet’s corner, wild flower meadow and
woodland walks.
The Woodland Walks project will be the first of its kind in Ireland
and it is a partnership between Coillte, a landowner (Rathwood!) and
a local community group. There will be a short wheelchair/
child’s buggy walk to a lake and a longer looped walk through the
185 acre Wood. Access to all walks will be from Rathwood’s car park.
Activities, events and workshops will be a regular feature at
Rathwood from 2007.
With the furniture and Interiors shop and food hall due to open in
August, Rathwood is definitely a place for all to visit this year.
Rathwood – a journey worthwhile!
FACILITIES: Award winning Centre, consisting of gift and furniture
shop, garden centre and restaurant, train, tourist information
point, parking facilities for up to 300 cars, large coach park,
helicopter landing area, toilets, wheelchair access, outdoor
children’s play area, pets corner, woodland walks.
HOW TO FIND US: 4km from Tullow on the R725 to Shillelagh
OPENING TIMES: Monday to Saturday 9.30am – 6pm; Sunday 11am to 6pm
Public/Bank holidays 9.30am – 6pm
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