1. Events
  2. Altamont Gardens

Altamont Gardens

Altamont Gardens
Tullow, Co. Carlow R93 N882 Ireland Get Directions
+35390)59 915 9444
https://www.carlowgardentrail.com

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 (16 hectares). The estate gains much of its character from the many mature trees, 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 stewardship of the Office of Public Works (OPW).

“Every visitor says it has a special atmosphere, that’s why so many people come back. Every element you want from a great garden is here, from lovely lawns, floral beds and beautiful woodland going down to the river, to a walled garden and really superb collections, such as the snowdrops, rhododendrons and the fabulous oaks in the arboretum” Paul Cutler, head gardener at Altamont Gardens.
You can enjoy refreshments at the Walled Garden  Sugar & Spice Café with lovely coffee/tea, scones and cakes, with a takeaway option available, open February – October daily 11 a.m. – 4.30 p.m.

Click to enlarge

COVID 19

Please check for further updates on Covid 19 restrictions at www.heritageireland.ie or email altamontgardens@opw.ie, or check the Carlow Garden Trail website or the Carlow Tourism website and for Sugar & Spice Café, call 053-9376388 or email info@sugarandspicebunclody.ie

Please continue to check the HSE website https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/news/newsfeatures/covid19-updates/ for further updates and continue to monitor our social media pages

Today

“Rich Diversity of Altamont Gardens” with Mark Desmond

Altamont Gardens Altamont Gardens, Tullow, Co. Carlow

Altamont Estate and Gardens covers 16 hectares, and includes a garden centre, formal and informal gardens, grasslands, and treeline and woodland habitats leading to the banks of the River Slaney. Ecologist Mark Desmond presents its interesting biodiversity which includes the Slaney river which flows along the eastern boundary of the estate and is protected under the Slaney River Valley Special Area of Conservation (SAC).