Overview
Ballintubbert Gardens & House sits in a sheltered valley between the village of Stradbally and the town of Athy in County Laois. Spread across 14 acres, the estate operates as Ireland’s first organically certified ornamental garden. The grounds combine 19th-century garden design with a modern, earth-friendly approach to horticulture. Visitors follow a network of gravel paths and stone steps through distinct garden rooms, each planted to shift with the seasons. The result is a quiet, immersive landscape that rewards slow exploration.
History & Design
The Georgian house at the centre of the estate dates to 1725 and has hosted several notable literary and theatrical figures over the centuries. Poet laureate Cecil Day-Lewis lived here for a time, as did actors Sir John Hurt and Sebastian Shaw, who later portrayed Darth Vader in Star Wars. Shaw was an avid herbalist and established the original herb garden in the 1930s. The planting scheme was carefully restored in 2021 to match his historic layout.
The wider gardens began developing in the 1850s, drawing on the Arts and Crafts movement’s emphasis on craftsmanship and natural harmony. Over the following decades, a series of enclosed garden rooms were added. Sir Edwin Lutyens designed the formal sunken garden, while Arthur Shackleton laid out the informal cottage garden. In May 2022, the estate achieved organic certification through the Irish Organic Association, marking a significant milestone for Irish horticulture.
Exploring the Gardens
The estate is divided into clearly defined spaces, each offering a different sensory experience:
- Lutyens Sunken Garden: A formal, recessed space framed by stone walls and a reflective pool. Planting follows Gertrude Jekyll’s principles, using structured beds and repeating colour themes.
- Arthur Shackleton Cottage Garden: An informal, romantic space featuring yew cloisters, herb borders and a small water feature. It captures the relaxed aesthetic of early-20th-century gardening.
- Rose Garden: Over 300 rose varieties are planted across a series of beds, providing colour from late spring through early autumn.
- Robinson Woodland Walk & Mirrored Canal: A shaded path leads to a narrow, still canal that reflects the surrounding canopy, creating a calm focal point.
- Secret Garden: A tucked-away space planted with shade-loving perennials and winding footpaths, designed for quiet reflection.
- Bee-topia Biodiversity Area: A purpose-built habitat that encourages native bees, ladybirds and blackbirds. The blackbirds help naturally manage slug populations without chemicals.
- Beech Wood: Mature beech trees form a cool, dappled walkway that changes colour dramatically in autumn.
- Herb Garden: The restored 1930s collection features culinary and medicinal herbs. It is used by the estate’s kitchen and serves as a teaching space for foraging workshops.
Seasonal Highlights
The planting programme is structured to provide interest year-round:
- Spring (March-May): Early bulbs like snowdrops and crocuses give way to anemones and peonies, including the rare Paeonia ludlowii. The herb garden fills with rosemary, thyme and sage.
- Summer (June-August): Roses reach peak bloom, joined by dahlias, cannas and striking blue Echinops and Cephalaria gigantea in the Shackleton garden.
- Autumn (September-November): Fruit trees carry apples, pears and plums. Late-season asters and ornamental grasses add golden texture to the borders.
- Winter (December-February): Evergreen yew cloisters retain structure, the rare Ginkgo biloba displays distinctive bark, and the mirrored canal remains a striking feature even in frost.
Sustainability & Organic Practices
Ballintubbert’s organic certification reflects a comprehensive approach to environmental management. The estate runs on 100% green electricity and uses bio-LPG for heating. Rainwater is harvested for irrigation, while garden waste is composted on-site to enrich the soil. LED lighting reduces energy use across the grounds, and the Bee-topia area demonstrates how habitat planting supports local wildlife. Visitors are offered mineral-rich well water in reusable glass bottles, eliminating single-use plastic from the estate.
Activities & Events
Garden Tours & Afternoon Tea
Guided tours are available by appointment and are led by head gardener Jenifer. Tours cover the estate’s organic methods, historic design features and seasonal planting strategies. On scheduled open days, a pop-up tea shop serves seasonal afternoon tea.
Wellness Retreats & Workshops
The estate regularly hosts wellbeing programmes that use the garden setting as a backdrop. These include Lu Thornely-led yoga and mindfulness weekends, Boann Yoga breath-work sessions, and hands-on foraging and herbal-medicine workshops focused on the 1930s herb garden and estate wells.
Live Events & Private Hires
The grounds and house are used for live music series, comedy nights and private celebrations. Corporate retreats and weddings can be arranged through the events team.
Practical Information
- Open Days: The garden operates on a scheduled open-day basis throughout the year. Dates vary annually, so check the official website or social media channels for the current calendar.
- Admission: Adults €10. Children under 12 enter free. Last entry is at 15:00.
- Booking: Advance booking is required for open days, workshops, retreats and private hires.
- Parking: Free on-site parking is available at the estate entrance.
- Accessibility: Accessible toilets are provided. Garden paths are uneven and may be difficult for wheelchair users; contact the estate in advance to discuss access options.
- Dogs: Dogs are not permitted on the grounds.
- Facilities: A library with garden maps, a playground, free chemical-free drinking water and a pop-up café on open days.
Getting There & Nearby
Ballintubbert Gardens is reached via the N80, approximately 5 km from Stradbally and 10 km from Athy. Follow the signed route to Ballintubbert House; free parking is provided at the entrance.
If you are planning a wider day in the Midlands, the estate sits within easy reach of Abbeyleix, Emo Court and the Rock of Dunamase. The Laois Heritage Trail also passes close by, offering a straightforward way to extend your visit with a walk or cycle. Book your open-day ticket ahead of time, wear sturdy shoes for the gravel paths, and aim to arrive shortly after opening to explore the garden rooms before the midday light shifts.