Overview
Ballintubbert became Ireland’s first certified-organic ornamental garden in May 2022, and as of that year it was the only one in the country – no synthetic feeds, no chemical sprays, on 14 acres of formal planting. The estate sits in a sheltered valley between the village of Stradbally and the town of Athy in County Laois, and the gardens are laid out as some 40 linked rooms, each planted to shift through the seasons. Gravel paths and stone steps thread them together; it’s a place that rewards a slow morning rather than a quick lap.
History & Design
The Georgian house at the centre of the estate dates, by the family’s own account, to 1725, though some sources put it closer to 1780. Either way it has drawn literary and theatrical residents: the poet laureate Cecil Day-Lewis was born here in 1904, and the actors Sir John Hurt and Sebastian Shaw both lived on the estate – Shaw, who played the unmasked face of Darth Vader in Return of the Jedi, is credited with establishing the original herb garden in the 1930s. The planting was restored in 2021 to follow that historic layout.
The wider gardens began taking shape in the 1850s in the Arts and Crafts spirit, with enclosed rooms added over the following decades. The formal sunken fountain garden is Lutyens-inspired, using the structured, colour-repeating planting associated with Gertrude Jekyll, while a separate garden room was designed by Arthur Shackleton. (The nearest actual Lutyens garden is a few miles off at Heywood.) Certification through the Irish Organic Association followed in 2022.
Exploring the Gardens
The estate is divided into clearly defined spaces, each offering a different sensory experience:
- Lutyens-inspired sunken garden: A formal, recessed space framed by stone walls around a fountain and reflective pool, with structured beds and repeating colour themes in the Gertrude Jekyll manner. This is the set-piece – if you see one thing here, see this.
- Arthur Shackleton garden room: An informal, romantic space of yew cloisters, herb borders and a small water feature, designed by the plantsman Arthur Shackleton.
- 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 herb collection, following the estate’s historic layout, features culinary and medicinal plants. It supplies 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
Private guided tours are available by appointment, led by head gardener Jenifer Taggart, and cover the estate’s organic methods, historic design and seasonal planting. Afternoon tea in the house – billed as High Tea in The Tabernacle – runs at €30 a head for groups of six or more. On open days, a pop-up tea shop handles walk-in visitors.
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 opens only on scheduled days through the year rather than daily, and the dates change annually, so check the official website or social channels before setting out.
- Admission: charged per open day and not fixed – recent open days have run somewhere between €5 and €10 for an adult, children free. Confirm the price for the specific day when you book.
- 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.