VISITOR ATTRACTION: what’s new and what’s cool at Carlow’s Duckett’s Grove

Fresh from an appearance in the Netflix special Irish Wish, Duckett’s Grove, located in County Carlow, is a 19th-century Gothic Revival ruin set within a historic 12,000-acre estate. Managed by Carlow County Council since 2005, this photogenic site combines dramatic architecture with beautifully restored walled gardens, offering a blend of history, horticulture, and serene landscapes. Here’s what visitors can anticipate:

Gothic Ruins: The centerpiece is the striking ruin of Duckett’s Grove, originally a Georgian house built around 1745, transformed in the 1820s by architect Thomas Cobden into a castellated Gothic mansion with towers, turrets, and oriels. A 1933 fire destroyed the interior, leaving an evocative shell that’s inaccessible but mesmerizing from the outside. The estate’s Victorian Gothic arched gateway and intricate stonework, including statues and a tall octagonal viewing tower, make it a favourite for photographers and history enthusiasts.
Walled Gardens: Two interconnecting red-brick walled gardens, restored and opened as a public park in 2007, are a highlight. The Upper Walled Garden features boxwood hedges, historical shrub roses, Chinese and Japanese peonies, and a variety of perennials and shrubs like echium, watsonia, and ornamental bananas, thriving in the estate’s microclimate. The Lower Walled Garden, once an orchard, now grows figs, historical Irish apple varieties (e.g., Irish Peach, Kerry Pippin), and diverse shrubs. Restored paths and a sunken stone bridge enhance the Georgian-era charm.
Pleasure Grounds: The broader estate includes landscaped grounds with native trees (oak, lime, hazel) and the unique “Carlow Fence” of vertical stones. A children’s playground with wooden slides, an agility trail, and a spider web, designed to blend with the natural surroundings, is a family-friendly draw.
Guided Tours and Audio Guides: Free guided tours, led by passionate guides like Daniel or Kevin, run at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Friday–Sunday (additional times for groups by arrangement). These tours explore the ruins, gardens, and the Duckett family’s 250-year history, bringing to life stories of residents like William Duckett and Maria Georgina Duckett. Free audio guides, available at the courtyard reception, feature narratives from family members and staff, enhancing the self-guided experience.

Amenities:

The Lazy River Café offers hot and cold beverages, snacks, and meals, ideal for picnics (open daily from March, Friday–Sunday and bank holidays in January–February, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.). Nic Angels Candles, a craft studio in the courtyard, sells handcrafted, fragrance-free candles and gifts from local artisans. Toilets, wheelchair-accessible facilities, and ample parking for cars and coaches are available. The site is open April–October (8:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m.) and November–March (8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.), with free admission.
Atmosphere and Activities: Visitors describe Duckett’s Grove as a “hidden gem” with a romantic, slightly eerie ambiance, accentuated by its ruined state and local tales of hauntings (e.g., a banshee investigated in a 2011 SyFy special). The site suits what Tourism Ireland marketing department calls the “culturally curious”, garden enthusiasts, and families, with 1.5–2 hours recommended for exploration. The peaceful grounds are perfect for strolling, reading, or photography, with vibrant blooms peaking in August.

What’s New: at Duckett’s Grove & Walled Gardens

The Great Duckett Run: On February 6, 2025, the estate hosted its inaugural 5K timed running event, drawing participants to race amidst the Gothic ruins and gardens. The event featured a bespoke medal, prizes, and refreshments, with early bird registration at €20. Its success suggests it will become an annual fixture, recurring (check Run Ireland for updates).
Ongoing Restoration and Events: Carlow County Council continues to enhance the site, with recent improvements noted in the walled gardens’ vibrancy and café offerings. The estate hosts regular events, such as weekend markets in the stable yard and candlelit concerts, with potential new events to be confirmed via Carlow Tourism or the official website (duckettsgrove.ie). The playground, added recently, remains a popular new feature for families.
Practical Information Kneestown, Co. Carlow, R93 RF80, 10 km from Carlow Town, 9 km from Tullow, accessible via the R418 from M9 exit 4. No public transport directly to the site; a car or taxi from Carlow is needed.
Contact: +353 59 913 1554 for late visits or weather updates.
Tips: Wear suitable walking shoes and bring a rain jacket, as the site is outdoors. Check the weather, as rain enhances the dramatic setting but may affect café hour