Kilkenny & Carlow Gardens
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PLEASE NOTE: MAXIMUM 10 |
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2 Nights Stay
Saturday 24th July Depart Moyaliffe House for ALTAMONT GARDENS, TULLOW, CO. CARLOW. Altamont Gardens are the jewel in the crown of Carlow gardens and feature strongly in the Carlow Garden Festival. We will have a guided tour here and partake in any events for the festival. We will enjoy lunch here in the onsite café and browse the renowned nursery within the walled garden. Our next visit is to HUNTINGTON CASTLE, CLONEGAL, CO.CARLOW. Built in 1625 in a picturesque setting at the foot of the Blackstairs mountains, it was the ancient seat of the Esmonde family. The extensive grounds include an ancient yew walk and a number of ‘champion’ trees. We will take part in any Carlow Garden Festival activities here and enjoy a guided tour of the Castle. Our garden wanderings can finish at the Tea Room for refreshments. Depart Huntington Castle and proceed to KILGRANEY HERB GARDENS, BAGENALSTOWN, CO. CARLOW. We will be free to wander around the herb gardens, kitchen garden and other themed herb gardens. Be seduced by the fragrance and romance of this beautiful place with views to the Barrow valley. We will travel back to Carlow for overnight accommodation and dinner at the WOODFORD DOLMEN HOTEL. |
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SUNDAY 25TH JULY
Depart Woodford Dolmen Hotel in Carlow for BURTOWN HOUSE AND GARDENS, ATHY, CO. KILDARE. Partake in Carlow Garden Festival activities/talk and have lunch in the renowned Green Barn restaurant which features fresh produce from their organic gardens. Participants will thoroughly enjoy the gardens at Burtown House which are extensive and include herbaceous borders, woodland gardens, a rock garden, an old orchard and their wonderful vegetable gardens. Carlow Garden Festival activities. Hope to include ARBORETUM HOME and GARDEN HEAVEN, DUCKETT’S GROVE WALLED GARDEN and DELTA SENSORY GARDENS in CARLOW. The sensory gardens, opened in 2007, were the first of their kind in Ireland. Visitors have an opportunity to avail of the gardens to indulge their senses of taste, smell, hearing, touch and visual delight. Award winning designers created no less than 16 different gardens so there is plenty to engage the visitor. Depart Carlow for Moyaliffe House where we will have dinner and overnight accommodation. Dinner will feature fresh produce from the walled garden. |
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MONDAY 26TH JULY
Depart Moyaliffe House for DUCKETT’S GROVE WALLED GARDEN Immerse yourself in the history of this spectacular castellated mansion, sadly now in ruins, which was the former home of the Duckett family. It once was part of a 12,000 acre estate. The restoration of two inter-connected walled gardens is now well underway. Here you will see a fine collection of shrub roses, perennials, shrubs and fruit trees, as well as enjoying some ancient native trees in the grounds. Depart Duckett’s Grove for HARDYMOUNT GARDENS near Tullow ‘This relaxed beautiful garden of some 2.5 acres surrounded by magnificent oak and beech trees. The walled garden behind the house is a treasure trove of unusual plants and flowers in the herbaceous border. A grassy path takes you past the lily-filled pond, espaliered apple trees, a pergola covered in wisteria and onto the vegetable garden. Another feature is the summerhouse tucked away in a secluded corner of the garden.’ Depart Hardymount for ARBORETUM HOME & GARDEN A visual treat is in store as the display gardens created here are sure to inspire with their use of colour, texture and form in the planting schemes. This is Ireland’s first five star garden centre so it has lots to entice as well as an onsite café. Then depart for Moyaliffe House and end of the tour. Please note: This tour may be subject to change according to Carlow Garden Festival schedule. Extra expenses may be incurred for talks/lectures as part of Carlow Garden Festival. Rest assured we will make the most of the Carlow Garden Festival activities. Cost per person: €450 All tour costs include garden entry and guided tour fees, mini-bus transport, twin / double shared accommodation, most meals, morning and afternoon teas.All tours start and finish at Moyaliffe House, Ballycahill, Thurles, Co. Tipperary E41HX59 Ireland. |
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Historic Moyaliffe House is home to your tour leader, Lorna Vallely.
The landscaped grounds of 12 acres surround the house which dates from 1820, a feature of which are the 200 year old Beech, Oak and Lime trees. The grounds also include a Beech walk, the remains of a 12th century Norman castle on top of a motte and the grand water fountain and pond. Another feature of Moyaliffe is its 2 acre walled garden which is listed on Ireland’s Register of Protected Structures. This is currently undergoing restoration with a newly built glasshouse hoping to emulate the Victorian era. There is an orchard planted within the walled garden and vegetables, herbs and soft fruit growing being carried out. The river Clodagh flows along one side of the garden and there are frequent sightings of swans and herons. Rare sightings of Otters along the river cause great excitement! Your comfortable accommodation within Moyaliffe House assures you of garden or river views, dinner if applicable of locally sourced ingredients, often with produce from the walled garden, and a tasty breakfast. Feel free to wander through the grounds or play a game of tennis on the all weather tennis court. |
