Journey through history and nature at Huntington Castle, where the beauty of ancient architecture meets the serenity of lush gardens.
Huntington Castle was originally built as a garrison in the 17th century and was later turned into a family estate by the Lord Esmonde. These gardens were mainly laid out in the 17th century by the Esmondes.
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.
Huntington Castle and Gardens
From Kitchen to Rose Gardens, Italian Gardens and Wilderness
Explore the verdant kitchen gardens, with the Greenhouse and the recently restored Rose Gardens. Then stroll through the romantic 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 Yew Tree Walk which was planted before the formal gardens is to be found here, with trees that are over 500 years old. The bottom of the wilderness is marked by the delightful River Derry which flows as the boundary between County Carlow and Wexford.
Tour the Castle’s Historic Interior
Then head back to the castle where a guided tour of the house provides a window into both its fascinating past, and the lives of the family who call the castle home today. Hear stories of the castle’s historical 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 Goddess can be exclusively accessed in the dungeon.
Seasonal Splendour
Huntington is a place where you can head to time and time again. As the seasons change, so too do the gardens. Nestled beneath the champion trees, snowdrops grace the woodlands throughout the month of February while carpets of bluebells welcome Spring before the full colour of Summer blooms appear.
A direct descendant of the castle’s founders, current custodian Alexander Durdin Robertson and his family is keeping tradition alive in a decidedly hands-on fashion.
Enjoy Timeless Hospitality
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 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.
Luxurious Stays at Huntington Castle
To get the full Huntington experience, consider staying the night in one of their beautiful castle rooms or self-catering cottages.
Facilities
- Children’s adventure playground
- Car park
- Tea Room
- Gift shop
- Toilets
- Wheelchair access is limited to certain areas of the gardens only
- B&B castle and self-catering accommodation
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Opening Times
May – September: Daily 11.00 a.m. — 17.00 p.m.
October – December: Saturdays and Sundays 11.00 a.m. — 17.00 p.m.
February – April: Saturdays and Sundays 11.00 a.m. — 17.00 p.m. Closed January
ADMISSION:
Garden visit – €6.50
House tours including garden visit €13.50
DIRECTIONS:
Entrance to the avenue is in the picturesque village of Clonegal, 5km from N80 turn off (signposted). Approx. 17.5km south of junction 5 on M9. Ten minute drive from Tullow Town via Ardattin village.
