Sunday 31/07/11 Duckett’s Grove Country Fair with Helen Dillon
Immediately adjacent to the castle are two superbly built, interconnecting walled gardens and a cleverly designed pleasure ground and lawned areas. These have now been splendidly restored to their original state and are open to the public. Enjoy Summer fun and entertainment in the magical setting of Duckett’s Grove Historic House, Walled Gardens and Pleasure Grounds, close to Carlow Town. Duckett’s Grove Country Fair photo gallery:
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DUCKETT'S GROVE
Helen Dillon is a renowned gardener, writer, lecturer and broadcaster. With her inimitable style, Helen’s workshops are guaranteed to appeal to everyone from the reluctant gardener to the green fingered enthusiast.
Duckett's Grove, Rainestown, Co. Carlow. t: Carlow Tourist Office 059-9131554 | f: 059-9170776 HOW TO FIND US: From Carlow Town follow 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. From Castledermot (exit 4 off the M9) follow R418 towards Tullow for 6km and turn right at the signed junction.
Duckett’s Grove, the 18th, 19th and early 20th century home of the Duckett family, formerly centred on a 12,000 acre estate and has dominated the Carlow landscape for over 300 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 provide public access to the historic pleasure gardens and a range of visitor amenities including car parking, tea rooms and craft rooms. Stylistically the planting schemes echo the past yet reflect changing fashions, utilising plants and planting patterns that may have evolved had the Duckett family or subsequent owners continued to garden there. Duckett's Grove photo gallery:
Walled Gardens borders
Georgian pleasure grounds at Duckett's Grove
Walled Gardens at Duckett's Grove .... all garden photos by James Burke ARPS
Guided walk at Duckett's Grove
In the Walled Gardens at Duckett's Grove
Carlow County Council undertook the conservation and restoration of the walled gardens which were formally opened by Minister John Gormley in September 2007. The walled gardens are high quality and have intrinsic historic interest. This tranquil setting has become a haven for visitors who 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. Read the Duckett's Grove Story
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