Duckett’s Grove

Rainstown, Carlow

Duckett’s Grove was formerly at the centre of a 12,000 acre estate that dominated the Carlow landscape for over 300 years. Even in ruin, the surviving towers and turrets form a romantic profile, making it one of the most photogenic historic buildings in the country. The upper walled garden, hedged with boxwood, is planted with old varieties of shrub roses, a collection of Chinese and Japanese peonies and a variety of perennials and flowering shrubs. The lower walled garden contains a selection of fruits, including figs and old varieties of Irish apples. The tea rooms at Duckett’s Grove use locally sourced ingredients and are open Sundays from 2pm to 6pm in September and October.

Call 059-913-0411 or visit www. carlowtourism.com/duckettsgrove

Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum

Inistioge, Co Kilkenny

Woodstock Gardens were once considered one of the great gardens of Ireland, dating to the Victorian period, with the works being overseen by Lady Louisa Tighe née Lennox. Since 1999, Kilkenny County Council has undertaken a restoration scheme to return these gardens to their former glory. Features recently reconstructed or restored include the walled garden, terraced garden, fountain, flower terraces, yew walk, rose garden, summer house (Knox’s bower), Turner seat, rockery, monkey puzzle and noble fir avenues, and the circular Turner conservatory. The gardens are open from 9am to 7.30pm in September, and 9am to 4pm from October to March. Admission fee is €4 per car, which includes admission for all occupants to the gardens. Woodstock.ie

Altamont Gardens

Tullow, Co Carlow

This 50 acre property combines formal and informal gardens, with plenty of opportunity to just sit back and enjoy the place. The State took over the operation of the property in 1999, upon the death of its owner Corona North. The Robinsonian-style gardens are home to native species as well as exotic ones, like swamp cypress, red oak and giant redwood. Visitors will also find a lake, river walk and a walled garden with double herbaceous border. Guided tours are available for €2 per person, but general admission is free. Call 059-915-9444 or visit www.altamontgarden.com

Arboretum Home & Garden Heaven

Leighlinbridge

The Arboretum Home & Garden Heaven has won the title of Bord Bia garden centre of the year and best customer service award on numerous occasions. The centre contains displays of garden furnishings, outdoor living items, pot and outdoor plants, an extensive gifts section, hand-crafted furniture and lots more. There is also an inspirational garden tour, the newly refurbished Rachel’s Garden Café, and Edinburgh Woollen Mills which stocks ranges of woollen and cashmere products.

Call 059-972-1558 or visit www.arboretum.ie

The Delta Centre

Carlow

The Delta Centre’s multi-sensory unit was opened in 1997 to provide facilities for adults with profound disabilities in Carlow. The centre also boasts a garden centre and sensory gardens open to the public with a range of shrubs and plants for sale, as well as hanging baskets, window boxes and garden accessories. Trainees are very involved in the garden centre, developing their skills in horticulture and customer care. The Delta sensory gardens are the first of their kind in Ireland and include a woodland garden, sculpture garden, musical garden and formal rose garden. There is also a restaurant. Call 059-914-3527 or visit www.deltasensorygardens.com