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. CarlowM
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