VISITOR ATTRACTION: what’s new and what’s cool at Westmeath’s Tullynally Castle

Tullynally Castle & Gardens, located near Castlepollard, County Westmeath (N91 HV58), is Ireland’s largest inhabited castle and a premier attraction in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. Home to the Pakenham family (later Earls of Longford) since 1655, this Gothic Revival castle spans over 120 rooms and nearly an acre of roof, set within 12 acres of romantic gardens and parkland.

Available Thursday–Saturday from May to September (11:00 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:00 PM; no Sunday tours except during Heritage Week, August). These 45-minute tours explore the main rooms, including the Great Hall (featuring service swords and a portrait of Edward, 6th Earl of Longford), the Drawing Room, the Dining Room, and the library, started by Elizabeth Cuffe and expanded by Georgiana, wife of the 2nd Earl.
Visitors also see the early Victorian kitchens and laundries, offering insights into the “upstairs-downstairs” life of the Pakenham family and their servants. Tours are led by knowledgeable guides like Bartle D’Arcy or Octavia, who share family anecdotes and historical connections, such as the Pakenhams’ ties to the Duke of Wellington and the origins of terms like “Culchie” and “Jackeen.” Tours are not suitable for children under 10 due to the historical focus and delicate interiors.
Group Tours: Available by arrangement for groups of 20 or more, with “Below Stairs” tours on Sundays (April–September, 3:00 PM) focusing on servant life, led by guides like Morag. Pre-booking is highly recommended via www.tullynallycastle.ie, as tours often sell out, especially during peak times like Heritage Week.
Historical Context: The castle, originally a fortified house, was transformed into a Gothic Revival masterpiece between 1801–1806 by architects Francis Johnston, James Shiel, and Richard Morrison, featuring turrets, battlements, and a portcullis entrance inspired by post-1798 security concerns. The Pakenham family’s literary legacy, from Edward, 6th Earl (playwright and Gate Theatre restorer), to Thomas, 8th Earl, and his sisters Antonia Fraser and Rachel Billington (noted authors), adds cultural depth. The castle remains a family home, lived in by Thomas Pakenham.

Gardens and Parkland:

Layout and Features: The 12-acre gardens, open April–September (Thursday–Sunday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM), date to the early 19th century, designed by Georgiana, wife of the 2nd Earl, and enhanced by Thomas and Valerie Pakenham. Highlights include:
Walled Flower Garden: Features herbaceous borders, an avenue of 200-year-old Irish yews, and one of Ireland’s largest kitchen gardens with two hothouses for peaches and grapes. Home to a family of llamas and stone “Nandi” (sacred Indian bulls).
Woodland Walks: Include a Forest Walk to a Chinese garden with a pagoda, a Tibetan garden with waterfalls and streams, and a limestone Grotto Path with carvings by local artists, such as the “Green Man” wood carvings.
Ornamental Lakes: Two lakes, including a swan pool, offer serene views of the castle and surrounding hills near Lake Derravaragh.
Tree Collection: Thomas Pakenham, a tree enthusiast, has planted thousands of trees, including rare species from China and Tibet (e.g., magnolias, giant lilies), with a special Tree Trail for enthusiasts.
Children’s Activities: A Discovery Trail and Treasure Trail engage kids with informative leaflets to spot quirky features like fairy houses, swans, and garden ornaments. A climbing frame adds to the family-friendly appeal.
Walking A full garden walk takes about 1.5 hours at a leisurely pace, with well-signposted paths, rest spots, and a new pathway connecting Castlepollard to the demesne for scenic access. Dogs are welcome on leads, but picnics are not allowed to preserve the grounds (use the Stables Tearooms instead).
Stables Tearooms: Located in converted horse stables, open 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (Thursday–Sunday), offering homemade cakes, scones, quiche, coffee, and tea with indoor and outdoor seating. Praised for its cozy atmosphere, though some note it could use minor updates. Accessible toilets are available.
Atmosphere: The gardens are described as “magical” and “unspoiled,” with a mix of manicured borders and wilder, natural areas, ideal for history lovers, woodland walkers, and families. The castle’s lived-in status adds authenticity, though some visitors find the gardens less polished than larger estates like those in Cornwall, citing fewer flowers and occasionally muddy paths.
A visit typically takes 2–3 hours, with 1.5 hours for the gardens and 45 minutes for a castle tour. Combining both is recommended for a full experience.
The gardens have mostly accessible paths, though some areas will be uneven or muddy in wet weather. The castle tour involves stairs, limiting accessibility for those with mobility issues. Contact info@tullynallycastle.ie for specific needs.

Visitor Feedback:

With a 2024 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award (4.5 stars, 98 reviews), Tullynally is lauded as a “hidden gem” for its gardens, knowledgeable guides, and family-friendly trails.
Some criticise the €8 garden entry as steep for shorter visits or note the tearooms’ need for TLC, but the peaceful setting and historical tours are highlights.

Practical Information:

Pakenham Hall Road, Castlepollard, Co. Westmeath, N91 HV58, 1.5 km from Castlepollard, 20 km from Mullingar, 80 km from Dublin via N4/N3. Accessible by bus to Castlepollard, then a 30-minute walk or taxi. Free parking is available.
Gardens and tearooms open April–September, Thursday–Sunday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (last garden entry 5:00 PM, vacate by 6:00 PM). Castle tours May–September, Thursday–Saturday at set times; closed March 2025 for winter.
Admission: Gardens: €8.50 adults, €4 children, €23 family ticket. Castle tours (including gardens): €16.50 adults, €8.50 children (over 10). Season tickets available. Pre-book tours online at www.tullynallycastle.ie to secure spots, especially during Heritage Week or busy Sundays.
Nearby Attractions: Combine with Loughcrew Cairns, Fore Abbey, the Hill of Uisneach, or the Old Rail Trail Greenway for a full day in Westmeath.

What’s New:

Reopening Date: Tullynally Castle, Gardens, and Tearooms will reopen on March 29, 2026, after the annual winter closure, aligning with the spring season for optimal garden viewing.
New Garden Features: Thomas Pakenham’s ongoing efforts to enhance the woodland gardens may introduce new plantings, particularly rare species like magnolias or lilies from China and Tibet, though specific additions are not detailed. The Tree Trail will see updates with new signage or species, reflecting Pakenham’s passion for arboriculture.

Expanded Events:

Additional castle tours, including the Great Hall and library, are planned, with special activities like music events or historical talks, building on past success. These often sell out, so book early via www.tullynallycastle.ie.
Christmas Market (December 2024, likely recurring December 2025): Held in the courtyard, this market features local crafts and food, though past feedback noted a smaller scale than expected. Enhancements may include more stalls or festive activities to boost atmosphere, following 2017 owner responses to feedback.
Tour Enhancements: The “Below Stairs” tour on Sundays will expand with new stories or access to additional servant areas, following positive feedback for guides like Morag. The castle’s literary connections, highlighted by guides, will see new interpretive panels or displays about the Pakenham family’s writing legacy (e.g., Antonia Fraser’s biographies).

Practical Tips

Planning Your Visit: Book castle tours in advance via www.tullynallycastle.ie, especially for Heritage Week or weekends, as Viator data indicates sell-outs. Allow 2–3 hours for a full visit, starting with the castle tour for historical context, followed by the gardens. Bring comfortable shoes for muddy paths and check weather forecasts, as drizzle doesn’t detract from the experience.
Best Follow the Children’s Discovery or Tree Trail for an engaging family or enthusiast visit. Enjoy tea and scones at the Stables Tearooms, and visit the swan pool for a relaxing view. Dogs on leads are welcome in the gardens, making it pet-friendly.
Accessibility Note: Confirm accessibility with staff at info@tullynallycastle.ie, as the castle’s stairs may limit mobility, though garden paths are mostly accessible.
Seasonal Tip: Visit in spring (April–May) for blooming magnolias or summer for lush gardens and events. August’s Heritage Week offers extended tour access.

Tullynally Castle & Gardens offers a magical blend of Gothic architecture, literary history, and romantic gardens, with 2025 enhancements like new plantings and expanded events adding to its allure. For the latest event details, tour schedules, or updates, visit www.tullynallycastle.ie or contact info@tullynallycastle.ie