Mount Juliet Estate Thomastown (15 mins away) is renowned for its golf course but it also boasts magnificent gardens, complimented further by the River Nore meandering through them. The walled ornamental garden has many charming features and is especially famous for its stunning double herbaceous borders, which provide an ever-changing spectacle of colour from early summer to late autumn. Dogs on lead allowed.
Kilkenny Castle Gardens (30 mins away) When the castle was first handed over to the people of Kilkenny in the 1960s, only fifteen acres of land was attached. However a few years later the Marquess of Ormonde generously donated more land, which has provided a fitting setting for the castle & a splendid amenity area. Features include woodland walks, open green area, sculptures, fountain, countryside views & a playground.
Woodstock Gardens (15 mins. away)
Overlook the Nore Valley & the picturesque village of Inistioge, this Country House’s features include a recreated Turner Conservatory, walled garden, rose garden, rockery & a
collection of rare & exotic trees. There are many tranquil woodland walks and two stunning avenues; the Monkey
Puzzle & the Noble Fir. There is also a children’s playground, seasonal tearoom in the conservatory & WCs. Parking is €4 (payable on exit so ensure you have the correct change).Dogs allowed on lead.
The Watergarden, Thomastown (15 mins. Away). Small but charming garden in the centre of Thomastown with lots of nooks, crannies & water features. Lovely cafe with home-made soups & scones, perfect for lunch & snacks. It’s a great spot to while away an afternoon or if you’re looking to fill a small gap in your day, especially if you have children.
Rothe House Gardens, Kikenny
(30 mins. away). This award winning, compact town garden is in the centre of Kilkenny.The garden to the rear of the house has been reconstructed to reflect a typical 17th century garden. It includes a large orchard of fruit trees comple-mented by a large vegetable & herb garden. The authentic planting policy ensured that only varieties popular in the period when the Rothe Family resided there were used.
Kennedy Aboretum New Ross (30 mins) 623 acres of beautiful landscaped park with many species of trees, shrubs and flowers. Plenty to occupy kids with a playground, maze, woodland walks, a tree house, a lake stocked with ducks & fish plus miniature railway & pony trap in high season. Dogs welcome on leads. Visitor centre, tea rooms & picnic site are part of the set up. Good disabled access. The nearby Slieve Coiltia viewing points are also well worth visiting.
Johnstown Castle Gardens & Agricultural Centre, Wexford (1 hr away) 50 acres of ornamental gardens with a wide variety of trees & shrubs plus a walled garden. There are tw lakes with folly towers which are populated with waterfowl and peacocks. The museum displays traditional rural activities. There is a picnic area, tearoom & shop in high season. The castle itself is not open to the general public.
Kilfane Glen & Waterfall
is a pristine example of a
romantic era garden dating
from the 1790s. Untouched
for 200 years, it is a
picturesque paradise with
A waterfall tumbling its
way to a rushing stream
and woodland paths leading to
a cottage orné. Tiny bridges sit among ancient trees, wild fox-gloves, ferns and other historically correct 18th century planting.
The garden is listed as an Irish Heritage garden. As an amenity it covers about 15 acres of easily accessible natural landscape. It is open to the public daily from 11am to 6pm from July 1st to August 31st. Dogs are not allowed to visit Kilfane Glen & Waterfall out of respect for the resident wildlife.
Gairdin an Ghorta (Famine Garden) (20 mins) this is a commemorative garden and visitor centre commemorating the Great Famine (1841 to 1851). One million people died and one million people emigrated as a result of this most poignant episode in Irish history. Entry to this garden is free.
