Huntington Castle, voted one of Ireland’s top 20 Hidden Gems by The Guardian in March 2015 is set in over 160 acres of gardens, woodland and farmland. Thee castle features a fascinating guided tour which explains it’s 17th century history. The tour also features the world famous Temple of Isis located in the old castle dungeons. Huntington offers a fabulous woodland playground, as well as a charming tearoom and gift shop.
The gardens were mainly laid out in the 17th century by the Esmondes who built Huntington Castle in 1625.They include the French limes on the Avenue, the “parterre” or lawns to the side of the house, the fish ponds on either side of the centre walk through the wilderness and the majority of Yew trees which comprise the Yew Walk. Larger plantings have resulted in Huntington possessing a number of great Irish trees, including four varieties of hickory, a cut leaved oak, Siberian crab and buckeye chestnut.
Explore the kitchen gardens, with the Greenhouse and the recently restored Rose Gardens. Then stroll through the enchanting Italian Gardens and the ruins of the old Abbey before walking through to the ‘Wilderness’ woodland where formal walks and pathways will guide you past shrubs, flora and bamboo to the old turbine house which supplied electricity to Huntington as early as 1888. The bottom of the wilderness is marked by the delightful River Derry which flows as the boundary between County Carlow and Wexford. Then head back to the castle and experience the fascinating guided tour or simply take a well earned break in the tearooms. There is always something to discover at Huntington with new features every year – current projects include garden restoration and significant planting projects.
COVID 19
Please check for further updates on Covid 19 restrictions at www.huntingtoncastle.com or email info@huntingtoncastle.com and check the www.carlowgardentrail.com and 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
Snowdrop fun for all the family is on offer each weekend during Snowdrop Month at Huntington Castle, listed as one of the top six gardens to visit in Ireland’s Ancient East.
Woodland Gardening with Ken Cox Kenneth Cox presents his most popular and spectacular talk, a 1 hour visual feast on his 2018 publication Woodland Gardening. The talk […]
Cut Flowers - From the Garden to the Vase In this hands-on workshop Fionnuala Fallon, Irish Times gardening correspondent explains the key principles of cut flower […]
Seamus O’Brien explores the evolution of the gardens at Huntington Castle focusing on both historic and new planting, including the planting of acid-loving rhododendrons under his advice in recent times.
An original 17th century garden with charming woodland walks featuring snowdrops and spring plantings. Tours of castle also available (11am-4pm). Normal charges apply.
Alasdair Moore is Manager of Estate and Gardens at the Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall. A magical garden hidden for generations beneath a forest of brambles and self-seeded trees, liberated by a hurricane and revitalised by an extraordinary individual, Heligan is quite a story.
Colin Stafford-Johnson is one of the world's most acclaimed and internationally awarded filmmakers. Throughout his legendary career, Colin has won countless awards from wildlife festivals and events around the world.
An original 17th century garden, with charming woodland walks featuring snowdrops and Spring plantings, are available every weekend from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Huntington Garden, Clonegal, Co. Carlow.
Christmas at Huntington Castle December 1 - December 16 Weekends in December 1st/2nd, 8th/9th and 15th/16th - the castle and tea rooms will open for unique […]
Halloween at Huntington Castle October 27 - October 31 A Halloween Spookfest at a genuine haunted castle! Features a ghostly guided tour with ghosts, ghouls and […]
Dermot O’ Neill, with us each year by popular demand since the start of the Carlow Garden Festival back in 2002, visits Huntington Castle for a garden tour taking in the many delights of this attraction, from the 17th century parterres to the ancient Yew Walk, the “Wilderness” woodland, the kitchen gardens, the Greenhouse and the recently restored Rose Gardens.
Have you ever wondered what it takes to Design a Dream Garden? This talk by award winning garden designer and interior architect Leonie Cornelius takes you on a journey from concept to completion and gives a unique insight into the design steps needed to achieve a truly special and personalized space.
The perfect location for an Easter Egg and Bunny Rabbit Treasure Hunt. Each child receives a basket and a set of clues... they then have to find the golden nuggets and win a chocolate surprise at the end! There will also be an opportunity to meet some of the new little lambs and enjoy the adventure playground.
An original 17th century garden, the wilderness and parterre areas have undergone extensive restoration in recent years. Highlights include the 500 year old yew walk and a number of champion trees. Within this setting are some charming woodland walks with snowdrop and spring bulb plantings. 17th - 18th February
