VISITOR ATTRACTION: what’s new and what’s cool at Carlow’s Altamont Gardens

Altamont Gardens, located in Tullow, County Carlow, is a 16-hectare estate often described as the “jewel in Ireland’s gardening crown.” Visitors can expect a blend of formal and informal gardens, set against the picturesque backdrop of the River Slaney, with stunning views of the Blackstairs and Wicklow Mountains and Mount Leinster. Here’s what to anticipate during a visit:

Garden Features: The gardens, designed in the Robinsonian style, emphasise natural beauty and informal planting. Visitors can explore manicured lawns with sculpted yews leading to a serene lake adorned with water lilies, surrounded by rare trees, rhododendrons, and azaleas. The estate includes a Walled Garden, Arboretum, Bog Garden, and Ice Age Glen, with a canopy of ancient oaks and dramatic stone outcrops. A highlight is the 100 hand-cut granite steps leading to the River Slaney, where visitors may spot salmon, trout, otters, and an abundance of birds and butterflies.
Seasonal Highlights: The gardens offer year-round beauty. In spring (January-February), an extensive snowdrop collection, one of the largest in Ireland, blooms vibrantly. Summer brings a riot of roses, rhododendrons, and herbaceous plants, while autumn showcases vivid foliage colors. Winter highlights the striking silhouettes of mature trees, including conifers, magnolias, and Japanese maples.

Walking Trails:

Lake Route Walk: A family-friendly path suitable for buggies, offering views of ducks, ducklings, and vibrant flora.
River Route Walk: A longer, 45-minute trail to the River Slaney, less suitable for buggies but ideal for those seeking a deeper nature immersion, with benches for relaxation.

Amenities:

Entry is free, with a €2 parking fee. The Walled Garden’s Sugar & Spice Café (open daily from late January to October, 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m., and weekends in November/December, weather permitting) serves coffee, tea, scones, and cakes, with takeaway options. Altamont Plant Sales, a nursery run by gardener Robert Miller, offers high-quality plants, including rare snowdrops, year-round. Toilets, picnic tables, and ample parking for cars and coaches are available, though dogs are not permitted (except guide dogs). Accessibility is limited due to gravel paths and slopes, but wheelchair-accessible toilets are provided.
Atmosphere and Activities: Visitors often describe Altamont as a tranquil, almost magical retreat, with a “secret garden” feel due to its peaceful ambiance. Guided tours, particularly during Snowdrop Week (February) and Rose Week (June), provide insights into the gardens’ history and horticultural legacy, costing €3 per person (booking required). The estate, managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) since 1999, reflects the passion of its former owner, Corona North, who bequeathed it to the Irish state.

What’s New at Altamont Gardens

Enhanced Snowdrop Collection: Altamont has recently acquired the Avon Bulbs collection from Somerset, elevating its snowdrop display to the largest in Ireland and one of the largest in Europe for public viewing. Over 600 species and cultivars, including rare and unnamed varieties, are now part of the collection, showcased during Snowdrop Month (February) and the 14th annual Snowdrop Gala on January 25, 2025, at Ballykealey House, Ballon. The gala features lectures by experts like Keith Wiley and Callum Hallstead, a guided tour of the snowdrop collection, and a specialist plant sale featuring snowdrops and other bulbs from Altamont Plants, Cold Blow Nursery, and Esker Farm Daffodils.
Increased Popularity and Maintenance: Following a settled ownership dispute, Altamont has seen renewed investment and care, breathing new life into the estate. The gardens have become increasingly popular, especially on weekends, so early arrival is recommended to enjoy the tranquility.
Seasonal Events: The 2025 calendar continues to emphasise regular events like guided tours and festivals, such as the Carlow Garden Festival (August) and Wicklow Garden Festival (May to October), offering visitors more opportunities to engage with the gardens’ horticultural heritage.

Practical Information

January–February: 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
March: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
April–September: 9 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
October: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
November–December: 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Weather Considerations: The gardens may close during severe weather; visitors should call +353 59 915 9444 for updates before traveling. Near Ballon, signposted off the N80/N81, 22 km southeast of Carlow town. No public transport directly to the estate; the closest bus stop is in Tullow, requiring a taxi.