Discover the fascinating past of Duckett’s Grove, an iconic landmark on the Carlow landscape at Duckett’s Grove
Once a grand mansion, Duckett’s Grove is now one of the most photographed ruins in the country. And it’s not hard to see why; it’s magnificent towers and turrets make for an impressive silhouette.
Once the centre of a vast estate, Duckett’s Grove was home to the Duckett family in the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries. In 1933, the interior of the mansion was sadly destroyed by a fire. What remains is a stunning Gothic exterior and two beautiful interconnecting walled gardens.
Duckett’s Grove Historic House and Walled Gardens
Restored Walled Gardens
In September 2005 during Heritage Week, Carlow County Council acquired Duckett’s Grove. In recent years the gardens have undergone an exciting restoration. The Upper Walled Garden, hedged with boxwood, is planted with historical varieties of shrub roses, a great range of hardy and tender perennials and choice flowering shrubs. The Lower Walled Garden, once the site of the old orchard, contains a wide variety of fruits, including figs, a mulberry, red currants, blackcurrants, pears, plums and Irish historical varieties of apples. The borders also contain a variety of shrubs and perennials all echoing the past history of the garden and people associated with Duckett’s Grove. Restored paths and the repaired sunken bridge plus plantings of oak, lime, hazel, spindle and laurel rekindle the spirit of the Georgian Pleasure Grounds.
A Rustic Addition
A children’s playground is located within the pleasure grounds of the heritage site and is seen as a wonderful addition to the popular historic house and gardens.
The new facility is universally accessible and finished in wood to allow for a rustic and aesthetically pleasing playground, taking the natural surroundings into consideration. It features an agility trail and a spider web, and with the gardens looking superb, it’s another reason to check out this popular visitor attraction.
Captivating Historic Insights
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 Mc Daid, a guided tour here is a captivating and educational experience. Daniel’s passion and in-depth knowledge brings the history of Duckett’s Grove alive, making it an enthralling experience for visitors of all ages. His ability to convey the essence of the Duckett family legacy is 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 appointment).
Departure from the reception point opposite the Lazy River Café in the courtyard.
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 who 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 and Mr O’Brien the head gardener, and discover what life was like for the gentry and those they employed to work at Duckett’s Grove. Available in English, Irish, French, German, Spanish and Italian.
Unique Handcrafted Candles
In the courtyard of Duckett’s Grove is Nic Angels Candles who individually hand – craft marble, fragrance-free, Irish-made dinner candles creating unique patterns on each. They also hand paint glass candle holders to accompany their candles. Their attractive craft unit at Duckett’s Grove features a selection of gift ideas from other crafters. Bespoke service also available.
The Café in Duckett’s Grove’s Historic Setting
Enjoy gorgeous food in one of the original 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.
Opening Times: January – March Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Group bookings available by prior appointment. Seven days per week from March onwards.
Facilities
- Toilets
- Car and coach park
- Restricted wheelchair access
- Dogs strictly on a leash
- Guided tours Friday – Sunday
- Lazy River Café – check for opening times
Arthur Parkinson at Duckett’s Grove Historic House and Walled Gardens
- Date: 28 Jul 2024
- Time: 02:30 PM – 02:30 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
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Opening Times
Summer (April – October)
8.30am – 8.30pm
Winter (November to March)
8.30am – 5.00pm
DIRECTIONS:
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.
