Overview
Ballintubbert Gardens & House sits in a picturesque valley that stretches between the village of Stradbally and the town of Athy in County Laois. Spread over 14 acres, the estate is a living canvas of ornamental planting, historic garden rooms and a bold commitment to sustainability. In the process of becoming Ireland’s first organically certified ornamental garden, Ballintubbert blends 19th‑century design with a forward‑looking, earth‑friendly ethos. Visitors are welcomed into an intimate, peaceful setting where every path, pond and planting bed has been thoughtfully curated to create an ever‑changing journey through colour, texture and scent.
History & Architecture
The Georgian house at the heart of the estate was built in 1725 and has been home to a number of literary and theatrical figures, including poet laureate Cecil Day‑Lewis, actors Sir John Hurt and Sebastian Shaw (who famously portrayed Darth Vader). Shaw, an avid herbalist, created the original herb garden in the 1930s; the garden was restored in March 2021 to its historic planting scheme.
The gardens themselves began to take shape in the 1850s, following the Arts and Crafts tradition that prized craftsmanship and harmony with nature. Over the decades a series of “garden rooms” were added, each with its own character – from formal terraces to informal cottage‑style corners. Notable designers include Sir Edwin Lutyens (the sunken garden) and Arthur Shackleton (the cottage garden). In May 2022 the estate achieved the distinction of being Ireland’s first organically certified ornamental garden.
Garden Highlights
| Feature | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Lutyens Sunken Garden | Formal recessed garden designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, with stone walls, a reflective pool and Gertrude Jekyll‑style planting. |
| Arthur Shackleton Cottage Garden | A charming, informal garden with yew cloisters, herb borders and a small water feature, echoing early‑20th‑century design. |
| Rose Garden | Over 300 varieties of roses, arranged in a series of beds that bloom from late spring to early autumn. |
| Robinson Woodland Walk & Mirrored Canal | A shaded woodland path leading to a narrow, water‑filled canal that creates striking reflections of surrounding trees. |
| Secret Garden | A hidden enclave of shade‑loving perennials and winding paths that feels like a private sanctuary. |
| Bee‑topia Biodiversity Area | Purpose‑built habitat encouraging bees, ladybirds and blackbirds (which naturally control slugs). |
| Beech Wood | Mature beech trees provide a cool, dappled walk perfect for quiet contemplation. |
| Herb Garden | Restored 1930s planting of culinary and medicinal herbs, used by the estate’s chefs and for foraging workshops. |
| Living Garden Rooms | A series of themed rooms that shift with the seasons, each offering a distinct sensory experience. |
Seasonal Flora Highlights
- Spring (March‑May) – Anemones, snowdrops, crocuses and a spectacular display of peonies (including the rare Paeonia ludlowii). The herb garden bursts with rosemary, thyme and sage.
- Summer (June‑August) – Over 300 roses at peak, dahlias, cannas and a profusion of Echinops and Cephalaria gigantea in the Shackleton garden.
- Autumn (September‑November) – Fruit trees laden with apples, pears and plums; late‑season asters and ornamental grasses turn the grounds gold.
- Winter (December‑February) – Evergreen yew cloisters, striking bark of the rare Ginkgo biloba and the ever‑present reflective canal.
Sustainability Practices
Ballintubbert is certified by the Irish Organic Association as the nation’s first organically certified ornamental garden. The estate runs on 100 % green electricity, bio‑LPG heating and rain‑water harvesting. Composting stations turn garden waste into nutrient‑rich soil, and LED lighting reduces energy consumption. The Bee‑topia area demonstrates biodiversity‑friendly planting, while the mineral‑rich well water is offered to guests in reusable glass bottles.
Activities & Experiences
Garden Tours & Afternoon Tea
- Guided tours (by appointment) led by head gardener Jenifer, covering the garden’s organic methods and historic design.
- Seasonal afternoon tea served from a pop‑up tea shop on open days.
Wellness Retreats & Workshops
- Spring Rising – Lu Thornely‑led yoga and mindfulness weekend.
- Boann Yoga – Breath‑work sessions amid the orchard and meadow.
- Foraging & Herbal‑Medicine – Hands‑on workshops exploring the 1930s herb garden and estate wells.
Events
- Rugged Little Pill – Live music series.
- Gearóid Farrelly – Comedy nights.
- Private celebrations, weddings and corporate retreats (see Book Events page).
Outdoor Pursuits Nearby
The Laois tourism brochure highlights a network of walking and cycling trails that pass close to Ballintubbert. The Laois Heritage Trail and River Erkina routes are easily accessed from the estate, offering options for a longer hike or a gentle bike ride after a garden visit.
Practical Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Website | ballintubbert.com |
| Phone | +353 (87) 398 1191 |
| events@ballintubbert.com | |
| Open Days | Scheduled open days (2024) – Saturday 25 August and Saturday 26 September. Dates vary each year; check the website or Facebook for the current schedule. |
| Admission | Adults €10 (children under 12 free). Last entry at 15:00. |
| Booking | Advance booking required for open days, workshops, retreats and private hires. |
| Parking | Free on‑site parking for visitors and guests. |
| Accessibility | Accessible restrooms available; garden paths are uneven and may be challenging for wheelchair users – contact the estate for assistance. |
| Dogs | Dogs are not permitted on the grounds. |
| Facilities | Library with garden maps, on‑site café (pop‑up tea shop on open days), playground, free chemical‑free drinking water in glass bottles. |
| Sustainability | Organic certification, bio‑LPG heating, 100 % green electricity, rain‑water harvesting, composting, LED lighting, on‑site firewood. |
Getting there – Ballintubbert Gardens is easily reached by car from the N80. It lies about 5 km from Stradbally and 10 km from Athy. Follow the signs for Ballintubbert House; free parking is provided at the entrance.
What to bring – Reusable water bottle, comfortable walking shoes and, if you have small children, a stroller that can handle uneven paths.
Nearby Attractions
- Abbeyleix – heritage town with a historic market square and the Abbeyleix Bog nature reserve.
- Emo Court – 18th‑century neoclassical house set in extensive parkland.
- Rock of Dunamase – dramatic ruins with panoramic views.
- Laois Heritage Trail – a scenic walking route that passes close to the estate.
Ballintubbert Gardens & House offers a blend of historic garden design, organic stewardship and wellbeing experiences. Whether you are strolling the Lutyens Sunken Garden, joining a foraging workshop, or simply enjoying a quiet moment among the beech trees, the estate provides a uniquely Irish garden experience.