Duckett’s Grove, the 18th, 19th and early 20th century home of the Duckett family, was formerly at the centre of a 12,000 acre (4,856 hectares) estate that has dominated the Carlow landscape for over 300 years. In September 2005 during Heritage Week, Carlow County Council acquired Duckett’s Grove and commenced the restoration of two inter-connecting walled gardens. Even in ruin, the surviving towers and turrets of Duckett’s Grove form a romantic profile making it one of the most photogenic historic buildings in the country.
The first phase of the revival of two old walled gardens has been completed, the paths revealed and the beds and borders reinstated. The Upper Walled Garden, hedged with boxwood, is planted with historical varieties of shrub roses, a collection of Chinese and Japanese peonies, a great variety of hardy and tender perennials and choice flowering shrubs including Echium, Watsonia, Acanthus, Jovellana, Daphniphyllum, Arbutus, Euphorbia, azaleas, rhododendrons, daphne and viburnums. The Lower Walled Garden, once the site of the old orchard, contains a variety of fruits, including figs and historical varieties of Irish apples amongst others. The borders also contain a variety of shrubs and perennials all echoing the past history of the gardens and people associated with Duckett’s Grove. Restored paths and the repaired sunken stone bridge plus plantings of oak, lime, hazel, spindle and laurel rekindle the spirit of the Georgian Pleasure Grounds. Outside of the Walled Garden, the Ha Ha, Carlow fencing, veteran trees, woodlands walk and stone bridge folly vary the attraction.
Open daily during daylight hours. Teas/coffee available, check in advance for opening times with Carlow Tourism 059 – 9130411 or email info@carlowtourism.com. The courtyard area features four craft studios occupied by artisan craft makers who specialise in wood turning, stained glass and candle making and are open on selected days during the week.
There is also a playground located within the pleasure grounds of Duckett’s Grove which is a great new addition for all the family to enjoy. Universally accessible and finished in wood this rustic and aesthetically pleasing playground has been completed taking its natural surroundings into consideration. The playground features slides, poles, an obstacle course and lots more to enjoy. This project by Carlow County Council was funded under the Local Authorities Play and Recreation grant which encompass a wide range of initiatives to deliver diverse benefits to children.
This project forms part of the Ireland’s Ancient East tourism trail.
Opening Times: Gardens and ruined mansion daylight hours. Admission: Free
Facilities: Large car and coach park, toilets, wheelchair access, gift shop, playground, coffee dock.
How to get there: From Dublin/Waterford take exit 4 on M9 motorway. Follow signs for Castledermot then take the R418 Castledermot – Tullow road for 6km and turn right at the signed junction. From Carlow take the R726 Hacketstown Road for 10 km to Killerig Cross Roads. Turn left at this junction onto the R418 for 2.5 km, turn left again at the signed junction.
GPS: 52.858748, –6.812787
COVID 19
Please check for further updates on Covid 19 restrictions at www.carlowgardentrail.com. or email info@carlowtourism.com and check the Carlow Tourism website.
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
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On Sunday December 3rd the historic surroundings of Duckett’s Grove Historic House and Estate will be transformed into Carlow’s very own Winter Wonderland when it hosts its ever popular Christmas Food and Craft Fair.
Enjoy a garden party in the beautiful surrounds of Duckett’s Grove Historic House and Walled Gardens. Featuring vintage dress, classical and musical entertainment, traditional activities for the children, picnics on the lawn, a talk with the highly popular and talented UK gardener Carol Klein and the opportunity to view the beautifully restored walled gardens. Carol will talk about her time as a nursery owner and gardener and will discuss her favourite plants and the plants she found difficult to propagate.
Attractions & Activities: Local artisan CRAFT and FOOD market, Weaving, woodturning & blacksmith demos, Santa’s Grotto with surprise for each child, Festive face painting of Christmas characters, Make and do Christmas workshops, Falconry Display by East Coast Falconry, Live Christmas Crib with Wooly Farm
