Duckett’s Grove Walled Gardens and Pleasure Grounds

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Duckett's Grove Walled Gardens and Pleasure Grounds
Kneestown, Co. Carlow R93 RF80 Get Directions
Carlow Tourist Office 059-9130411
https://www.carlowgardentrail.com

History of the Castle and Grounds:

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.

Click to enlarge

Playground:

There is also a playground located within the pleasure grounds of Duckett’s Grove. A great new addition to the castle grounds, this rustic and aesthetically pleasing playground has been completed taking its natural surroundings into account.

Guided Tours and Audio Tours:

Discover the home and gardens of the Duckett family, by taking a guided tour of the ruins, walled gardens and pleasure grounds. Led by Daniel McDaid, a guided tour here is a captivating and enthralling experience. Daniel’s passion and in-depth knowledge brings the history of Duckett’s Grove alive, making it an engaging adventure for visitors of all ages. His ability to convey the essence of the Duckett family legacy is truly captivating.

FREE guided tours of Duckett’s Grove are available at 12.30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. each Friday – Sunday (and to groups outside of those times by prior arrangement). Departure from the reception point opposite the Lazy River Café in the courtyard. To book a guided tour, visit the following link;  https://duckettsgrove.digitickets.co.uk/tickets

You can also pick up a free audio guide at the reception point within the courtyard to hear the stories and meet some of the characters that lived and worked here for 250 years before the disastrous fire of 1933 destroyed Duckett’s Grove. Hear from William Duckett, his wife Maria, her daughter Olive O’Grady, as well as Mr. Mitchell the steward along with Mr O’Brien, the head gardener. From all this, discover what life was like for the gentry and those they employed to work at Duckett’s Grove.

Craft Makers:

In the courtyard of Duckett’s Grove is Nic Angels Candles, who individually handcraft marble, fragrance-free, Irish-made dinner candles creating unique patterns on each. In addition to this, they hand paint candle holders to accompany their candles. Furthermore, their attractive craft unit at Duckett’s Grove features a selection of gift ideas from other crafters. Bespoke service also available.

The Lazy River Café:

Enjoy gorgeous food in one of the outbuildings within the Duckett’s Grove courtyard. The Lazy River Café specialises in delicious and reasonably priced cuisine. Traditional baking includes home-made muffins, desserts, breakfasts, wraps and dinners served in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Try some of their homemade breads, scones, tarts and cakes.

Café Opening Times: January-March, Friday to Sunday and Bank Holidays from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Open seven days per week from the 1st March onwards. Group bookings available by prior appointment.

Tel: 059-9163972

Email: thelazyrivercafe@hotmail.com

Website: www.thelazyriver.com

Facilities:

  • Toilets
  • Car and Coach Park
  • Restricted Wheelchair Access
  • Guided Tours Friday-Sunday
  • Lazy River Cafe- Opening Times Above

General Opening Times: Summer (April-October) 8:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. and Winter (November-March) 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

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.

Events at this venue
Today

Carlow Garden Festival Duckett’s Grove “365 Days of Colour in Your Garden – Plants, Tips and Techniques for Year-Round Colour” by Nick Bailey

Duckett's Grove Walled Gardens and Pleasure Grounds Duckett's Grove Walled Gardens and Pleasure Grounds, Kneestown, Co. Carlow

 "365 Days of Colour in Your Garden - Plants, Tips and Techniques for Year-Round Colour" by Nick Bailey. In his talk, '365 Days of Colour in Your Garden', BBC Gardeners' World presenter Nick Bailey discusses how to plant and manage your garden, whatever its size, to ensure year-round colour and interest. Initially explaining simple colour theory principles and how to apply them to your garden, the talk goes on to highlight beautiful plants and planting combinations for every season no matter what type of garden you have.

20 Years of TV Gardening

Duckett's Grove Walled Gardens and Pleasure Grounds Duckett's Grove Walled Gardens and Pleasure Grounds, Kneestown, Co. Carlow

20 Years of TV gardening - Joe Swift Joe Swift talks candidly about his experiences being a TV gardener. Having presented Gardeners World and most of […]

$19.50

Duckett’s Grove – Garden Tour

Duckett's Grove Walled Gardens and Pleasure Grounds Duckett's Grove Walled Gardens and Pleasure Grounds, Kneestown, Co. Carlow

Join Shirley Shirley Lanigan, the noted Irish author as she talks about the changing world of open Irish gardens, with reference to the growth of interest in tings organic and responsible, and will take parts of the garden as illustration.

$10.00

Medieval Day at Ducketts Grove

Duckett's Grove Walled Gardens and Pleasure Grounds Duckett's Grove Walled Gardens and Pleasure Grounds, Kneestown, Co. Carlow

Sunday 4th August - Medieval Day Featuring: - 5 Living History tents - 5 living history craft displays - 6 fully trained warriors for combat displays […]

Adam Frost at Duckett’s Grove

Duckett's Grove Walled Gardens and Pleasure Grounds Duckett's Grove Walled Gardens and Pleasure Grounds, Kneestown, Co. Carlow

Adam Frost is an award-winning British garden designer, television presenter and Chelsea Flower Show winner. If you have ever wondered how to approach designing your own garden, what you need to know to be a garden designer or the skills involved, then join Adam as he reveals the process and principles.

$9.75 – $19.50

Duckett’s Grove Christmas Food and Craft Fair

Duckett's Grove Walled Gardens and Pleasure Grounds Duckett's Grove Walled Gardens and Pleasure Grounds, Kneestown, Co. Carlow

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.

Carol Klein at Duckett’s Grove

Duckett's Grove Walled Gardens and Pleasure Grounds Duckett's Grove Walled Gardens and Pleasure Grounds, Kneestown, Co. Carlow

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.

$10 – $30

Duckett’s Grove Christmas Food & Craft Fair

Duckett's Grove Walled Gardens and Pleasure Grounds Duckett's Grove Walled Gardens and Pleasure Grounds, Kneestown, Co. Carlow

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