The Tree Hunters – How the Cult of the Arboretum Transformed our Landscape

Join celebrated historian, tree enthusiast and author Thomas Pakenham for a special journey into the world of trees, inspired by his latest book The Tree Hunters: How the Cult of the Arboretum Transformed Our Landscape. In this richly illustrated and personal account, Pakenham uncovers the fascinating history of the 19th-century tree hunters—explorers, botanists, and plant collectors—whose passion for exotic species fuelled a wave of arboretum-building across Britain and Ireland.

Set against the magnificent backdrop of Huntington Castle, an estate renowned for its collection of champion and heritage trees, this talk will explore the remarkable individuals whose passion for trees reshaped our landscapes and our imaginations.

Thomas Pakenham brings a unique blend of scholarship, wit and personal experience as a tree hunter himself. This promises to be an unforgettable event for gardeners, tree lovers and anyone curious about how botanical collections like those at Huntington have come to shape the story of Ireland’s landscape.

INSIDER TIP: Signed copies of The Tree Hunters – How the Cult of the Arboretum Transformed Our Landscape will be available on the day, while stocks last. To avoid disappointment, you can reserve your copy in advance by emailing info@carlowgardentrail.com – we’ll have it ready and waiting for you.

This talk takes place indoors and includes admission to Huntington Castle and Gardens.

Thomas Pakenham, is an Anglo-Irish historian and arborist who has written several prize-winning books on the diverse subjects of African history, Victorian and post-Victorian British history and trees. Thomas has written a number of books including Meetings with Remarkable Trees (1996), Remarkable Trees of the World (2002), The Company of Trees: A Year in a Lifetime’s Quest (2015) and The Tree Hunters – How the Cult of the Arboretum Transformed our Landscape (2024).

Make time to explore all that Huntington Castle has to offer on the day — from guided house tours to the tranquil gardens, peaceful tearoom settings and unique shopping finds, there’s something to delight every visitor who travels to the Carlow Garden Festival.

A guided tour of the house will be available on the day, every hour on the hour 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. (last admission 5 p.m.). The guided tour provides a window into the castle’s fascinating past, and the lives of the family – Alex and Clare Durdin-Robertson and their children – who call the castle home today. Hear stories of the castle’s former occupants, while meandering through passages to the living quarters, formal rooms and even the dungeon… Beautiful Aubusson French tapestries, ornate carpets and fabulous portraits of ancestors from years gone by can all be enjoyed on the tour. The conservatory features the historic grape vine which is a cutting from the famous Hampton Court Palace “Great Vine’’, while the Temple of the Goddess can be exclusively accessed in the dungeon.

The gardens at Huntington Castle reflect centuries of history and planting tradition. Laid out in the 17th century, the gardens feature classical formal elements alongside romantic wilderness areas. Tree-lined avenues, ornamental lawns and a charming fish pond invite exploration, alongside the Yew Walk, reputed to be over 500 years old. The River Derry runs through the grounds, adding to the natural beauty, and the carefully tended herbaceous borders and ancient trees offer seasonal colour and year-round interest.

A charming tearoom and gift shop provides a relaxing setting to the start or end of your visit to the Huntington Estate. The tea rooms are a welcoming space to enjoy a coffee or tea and a range of cakes, scones and biscuits served on beautiful vintage china. Coffee is hand roasted in County Cork by Badger and Dodo, artisan coffee roasters.

A selection of carefully curated books and gifts are available in the shop, supporting small businesses across Ireland. From chocolates and sweets to locally produced jams, chutneys and homewares the shop is the perfect place to find a memento of your visit.

To get the full Huntington experience, consider staying the night in one of their beautiful castle rooms or self-catering cottages.

For more information on Huntington Castle and Gardens visit https://carlowgardentrail.com/member/huntington-castle/