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Gardens of Carlow
County Carlow enjoys a number of beautiful gardens, all of a high
standard, located within a compact area. The joy of visiting the gardens
and garden centres listed here is that all tastes are catered for,
from the budding gardening enthusiast to those with an avid interest
in all gardening matters. The Carlow Garden Trail consists of many
different types of gardens including great old gardens that have been
lovingly restored and maintained throughout the years, and smaller
gardens which are maturing beautifully with time. Manicured lawns,
herbaceous borders, exotic plant collections and water features are
just some of the reasons for the growing numbers of visitors to our
gardens. The gardens on this trail are either owned or staffed by willing
and enthusiastic people, who without exception are delighted to share
their ideas and knowledge with you the visitor.
| Garden & Contact Details |
1. Altamont Gardens, Tullow, Co. Carlow.
Tel: + 353 (0) 503 59444
Website: www.heritageireland.ie |
| Location |
Signposted on the N80 & N81; 9 km from Tullow,
22 km from Carlow Town on the Bunclody road. |
| Open |
: 7 days per week. 09.00 a.m. – 17.00 p.m. Monday – Thursday.
09.00 a.m. – 15.30 p.m. Friday. 10.00 a.m. – 6.00 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday & Bank Holidays |
| Admission |
Contact as above |
| Known as the jewel in Ireland’s gardening
crown, Altamont is an enchanting blend of formal and informal gardens
located on a 100-acre estate. Altamont House as it exists today was
evidently built upon the remains of a dwelling house dating from
the 16th century, while the gardens were developed in the 19th century.
The estate gains much of its character from the many mature trees,
both natives in the avenues and woodland areas, and exotic specimens
throughout the gardens. “Magic”, “timeless” and “romantic” are
all terms that have been used to describe the gardens, of which there
are three distinct elements. Lawns bisected by sculpted yews slope
down to a romantic lake surrounded by rare trees, rhododendrons and
shrubs. This lake which forms the centrepiece of the garden, was
dug out by hand after the Irish Famine to give employment to the
local population. Over 100 men with horses and carts spent two years
completing this enormous task. The lake leads in turn to a very different
garden which features many rare and most interesting shrubs and trees
from many countries. A fascinating walk through the Arboretum, Bog
Garden and Ice Age Glen with its canopy of ancient oaks leads to
the River Slaney. Facilities include a garden centre, toilets, picnic
tables, car and coach park and restricted access for wheelchairs. |
| Garden & Contact Details |
Arboretum Garden Centre, Kilkenny Road, Leighlinbridge,
Carlow.
Tel: + 353 (0) 503 21558 Fax: + 353 (0) 503 21642
Website: www.arboretum.ie
Email: arboretum@eircom.net |
| Location |
9.5 km from Carlow near Leighlinbridge on the N9 to
Kilkenny |
| Open |
Monday – Saturday 09.00 a.m. – 6.00 p.m. Sunday 11.00
a.m. – 6.00 p.m. |
| Admission |
None |
| A state of the art garden centre with an
extensive range of quality plants, trees, shrubs, hand crafted furniture,
hot tubs and giftware. The Arboretum has been an annual recipient
of a Bord Glas award, in recognition of their dedication to quality
standards and superior customer service. Designed for the Millennium
and incorporating the changing needs of the public, the Arboretum
offers a new concept in today’s gardening world. The centre
features an extensive array of garden furniture, barbecues and an
exclusive range of statuary and water features. Its central location,
close to the River Barrow coupled with direct access off the Carlow – Kilkenny
(N9) road makes shopping at the Arboretum a delightful experience.
Mulberry’s Restaurant offers fresh, local produce combined
with an exclusive and unique range of satisfying flavours which ensure
a relaxing and tasteful meal or snack. Also visit our newly opened
Arboretum Retail Park which features individual units selling lawnmowers
and garden equipment, natural stone products, golf & saddlery
equipment. More than just a garden centre. |
| Garden & Contact Details |
Cottage Garden Herbs, Ballyconnell Lodge, Ballyconnell,
Tullow, Co. Carlow
Tel/Fax: + 353 (0) 503 56312
Website: www.cottagegardenherbs.ie
Email:info@cottagegardenherbs.ie |
| Location |
Between Tobinstown and Coolkenno. Past the Haroldstown
dolmen, take the next right to Ballyconnell (signposted). Continue
for one mile through the crossroads, third house on the right, signposted
Cottage Garden Herbs. |
| Open |
On selected days throughout the year (see Calendar
of Events). |
| Cottage Garden Herbs is a herb farm set
in a lovely 19th century farmhouse in the heart of rural countryside
of outstanding natural beauty, and in an area of historic interest
on the Carlow/Wicklow border. The premises specialises in the provision
of one or two day courses which give practical training with experienced
tutors to develop your artistic skills. The workshops are informal,
friendly and fun. These courses take place in a beautifully restored
building of considerable comfort and has access to an exquisite informal
herb garden, seating and picnic area. Courses vary from the Basic
Principles of Organic Gardening to Sensual Vegetarian Dishes and
a course brochure may be obtained by contacting the above number. |
| Garden & Contact Details |
Delta Garden Centre, Strawhall Industrial Estate,
Carlow.
Tel: + 353 (0) 503 43527
Website: www.deltacentre.org
E-mail: deltacentre@dol.ie |
| Location |
Strawhall Industrial Estate is situated off the Athy
Road on the outskirts of Carlow town. |
| Open |
Monday – Friday 09.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. |
| Admission |
None |
| A wide range of shrubs and plants for sale
with plant hanging baskets and window boxes made to order. Horticultural
advice also available or just relax in our restaurant serving delicious
homemade food. |
| Garden & Contact Details |
Hardymount, Tullow, Co. Carlow.
Tel: + 353 (0) 503 51769 |
| Location |
From Dublin - through Tullow onto the Bunclody road.
Right after Statoil station. Turn right at cross roads – 600
yards on the right. |
| Open |
Sundays and Bank Holidays during the Wicklow Garden Festival, 2.00
p.m. – 6.00 p.m. Open at other times by prior arrangement. |
| Admission |
Contact as above |
| Over one hectare of lawns and shrubs, including
a walled garden with herbaceous borders, pond, espaliered apple trees,
grass paths, shrubs and pergola. |
| Garden & Contact Details |
Mrs. Stasia O’ Neill, Ballon, Co. Carlow.
Tel: + 353 (0) 503 59144
E-mail: davises@eircom.net |
| Location |
Off the Ballon/Bunclody road (N80). Take the first
left (approx. 1/4 mile after Ballon). First house on the left hand
side. |
| Open |
Sundays & Bank Holidays May –July included 2.00 – 6.00
p.m. Other days by appointment. |
| Admission |
Contact as above |
| An eye-catching display of trees, shrubs
and flowers with rockery and some Bonsai on ¾ acre – well
worth a visit! Ornamental garden with many perennials and semi-mature
dwarf conifer. Potted box plants are for sale. Wheelchair friendly. |
| Garden & Contact Details |
Rathwood Home, Gift & Garden World, Rath,
Tullow, Co. Carlow.
Tel: + 353 (0) 503 56285
Website: www.rathwood.com
Email: info@rathwood.com |
| Location |
Located approx. 5 km (3 miles) from Tullow on the Shillelagh
road. |
| Open |
7 days a week. Monday – Saturday 09.30 a.m. – 6.00
p.m. Sunday 12.00 p.m. – 6.00 p.m. Parking facilities for up
to 150 cars. Wheelchair accessible. Restaurant open all day. Coaches
welcome. |
| Admission |
None |
| A 10,000 sq. feet shopping emporium, Rathwood
Home, Gift & Garden World is simply a treasure chest of interesting
and unusual ideas, incorporating an array of household items that
add an extra special touch to any home. Rathwood also specialises
in its own antique style solid pine furniture, gazebos and an impressive
range of terracotta, Irish pottery and crafts. Unique to Rathwood
is its beautiful garden furniture and extensive garden centre, where
customers from the green fingered to the fledgling gardener, can
receive expert advice and assistance. The restaurant offers a varied
lunch menu where customers can relax and sample the delicious array
of home baking. Full lunch menu Monday – Saturday with deli
menu and soup on Sunday. More than an exceptional shopping emporium,
a visit to Rathwood Home, Gift & Garden World signals an enjoyable
and memorable day out, making it one of the premier tourist destinations
in the South-East. |
| Garden & Contact Details |
Shean Garden, Shean, Garryhill, Co. Carlow.
Tel: + 353 (0) 503 57652 |
| Location |
Located off the Fenagh/Borris road. Turn for Myshall
at Donaghue Plant Hire, then take first turn to left. Shean Garden
is the first farmhouse situated on the right-hand side. |
| Open |
Sundays May & June 2.00 p.m. – 6.00 p.m. |
| Admission |
Contact as above |
| A wandering farmhouse garden on one acre
nestling under the foothills of Mount Leinster, the farmhouse has
been lived in by the Smyth family since it was built 400 years ago.
Wide variety of many rare plants, shrubs and trees. Plants and cuttings
for sale with helpful advice on garden plans and ideas available.
Wheelchair friendly, teas served to groups with prior notice. |
| Garden & Contact Details |
The Millennium Garden, Ballyknockan, Leighlinbridge. |
| Location |
In Leighlinbridge, over the bridge, take the first
left |
| Open |
Year round. Daylight hours. |
| Admission |
None |
| The Millennium Garden is located at Ballynockan
in the village of Leighlinbridge, Carlow’s tidiest village
and winner of a gold medal in the prestigious Entente Florale competition
in 2001. Built and designed by the people of Leighlinbridge to commemorate
the New Millennium, the Garden consists of seven small individual
gardens, each with its own theme represented by trees, shrubs and
stones to symbolise aspects of life from birth to death. |
| Garden & Contact Details |
Tobinstown Gardens, Tullow, Co. Carlow.
Tel: + 353 (0) 503 51233
Email: norahburgess@eircom.net |
| Location |
Signposted from Tobinstown Cross, on the Tullow/Hacketstown
road (R727). |
| Open |
Sundays and Bank Holidays May & June 2.00 – 6.00 p.m.
Except 23rd of June 2002. Other times by appointment. |
| Admission |
Contact as above |
| Set in prime farmland Tobinstown Gardens
is surrounded by beautiful views of the Wicklow hills. The garden
is set on a half acre around a Georgian Farmhouse with herbaceous
borders, lawns, shrubs and a summerhouse. Plants for sale and the
gardens are wheelchair friendly. Toilet available. |
| Garden & Contact Details |
The Walled Garden, Altamont Gardens, Tullow,
Co. Carlow.
Tel: + 353 (0) 87 9822135/+ 353 (0) 503 59444 |
| Location |
In the grounds of Altamont Gardens (for directions
see below) |
| Open |
Monday – Friday 10.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. Saturday & Sunday
10.00 a.m. – 6.00 p.m. |
| Admission |
None |
| The Walled Garden at Altamont is presently
being run privately by gardener and nursery man Robert Miller. He
is in charge of the care and maintenance of the Walled Garden and
in particular the newly planted Corona North commemorative border
which was designed and planted by himself and Assumpta Broomfield.
The border comprises mainly of herbaceous perennials and in fact
probably boasts one of the largest collections of these plants in
this country. A lot of these plants were donated to the border by
gardeners throughout the country. Robert also runs the plant sales
area in which a lot of the plants you see growing in the Corona North
commemorative border and throughout the whole of the gardens at Altamont
can be found for sale. |
| Garden & Contact Details |
Morgan’s Nurseries, Quinagh, Carlow
Tel: + 353 (0) 503 43092 |
| Open |
Open: 09.00 a.m. – 6.00 p.m. Monday – Saturday
2.00 p.m. – 6.00 p.m. Sundays
10.00 a.m. – 6.00 p.m. Bank Holidays. |
| Morgan’s Garden Centre was set up
by Liam & Carmel Morgan some 12 years ago who continue to run
the business with the able assistance of qualified horticulturists
Colm O’ Brien & Marion Smith. In 2001 a modern new shop
with extensive car parking facilities were added and the centre now
offers a very comfortable shopping environment for all our customers.
We stock an extensive range of high quality plants, many of which
are grown in the adjoining nursery. Pottery, stoneware, water features
and garden ornaments make up a delightful array of products for the
garden. |
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