Overview
Huntington Castle & Gardens sits on the banks of the River Derry in the charming village of Clonegal, County Carlow. Since 1625 the estate has been the family home of the Durdin‑Robertson family, who have lovingly expanded the original garrison into a 17th‑century house surrounded by award‑winning gardens. The site is a magnet for history lovers, garden enthusiasts and families looking for a day out or a weekend retreat.
History
The present castle was erected in 1625 as a defensive garrison on the historic Wexford‑to‑Dublin route. Its origins, however, stretch back further: an earlier tower house built in the 1400s served the Caviness clan, and the site was seized by Oliver Cromwell in 1650 during the Cromwellian conquest. In the 18th century the estate passed to the Esmonde family, who transformed the fortified house into a comfortable family residence and laid out the first formal gardens.
The Durdin‑Robertson family took over the property in 1625 and have continued to add layers of intrigue. In the 1970s the Fellowship of Isis created the Temple of the Goddess Isis in the basement – a striking, colour‑rich space dedicated to the Egyptian deity. Today the castle’s interior showcases a tapestry‑rich drawing room, an elegant conservatory draped with grape vines, and the quirky Isis temple, offering a rare blend of medieval, Georgian and 20th‑century spiritual heritage.
What to See & Do
Castle Interior
Guided tours run throughout the year, taking visitors through the original kitchens, drawing room, refurbished conservatory and the famed Isis temple. The tour also includes access to the gardens and woodland playground, making it a comprehensive experience for all ages.
Gardens & Water Features
The gardens are a horticultural showcase. Highlights include:
- Italian Parterre – a formal lawn layout with symmetrical planting beds.
- Yew Walk – a serene avenue lined with ancient yew trees, some over 500 years old.
- Lime Tree Avenue – French limes that create a fragrant canopy in summer.
- Water Gardens – laid out in the 1680s, featuring ornamental ponds, a lake and fish ponds on either side of the central walk.
- Early Water Turbine House – built in 1888, it supplied electricity to the estate long before the national grid.
- Great Irish Trees – specimens of hickory, cut‑leaf oak, Siberian crab and buckeye chestnut add botanical interest.
During spring the estate hosts “Snowdrop Time”, a family‑friendly event celebrating the first blooms. Halloween sees the castle transformed with atmospheric lighting and special tours for children.
Woodland Playground
A dedicated playground set within the woodland offers safe, engaging play for younger visitors. It is open on the same schedule as the gardens and is included in the castle‑tour ticket.
Tea Rooms & Gift Shop
The 17th‑century tea room serves locally sourced coffee, tea and treats from artisanal bakers. Adjacent is a gift shop stocked with crafts, homemade jams and souvenirs.
Accommodation
For those who wish to linger, the castle offers both B&B rooms and self‑catering apartments. Each room retains historic features such as original fireplaces and four‑poster beds, while providing modern comforts and garden views.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
| Area | Season | Days | Times |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gardens & Woodland Playground | All year | Daily (Bank Holidays, Easter, Halloween) | 11:00 – 17:00 |
| Gardens & Woodland Playground | Feb‑Apr | Saturdays & Sundays | 11:00 – 17:00 |
| Castle Tours | All year | Daily (Bank Holidays, Easter, Halloween) | 13:00, 14:00, 15:00 |
| Castle Tours | Feb‑Apr | Saturdays & Sundays | 13:00, 14:00, 15:00 |
| Castle Tours | May‑Sep | Daily | 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00 |
| Castle Tours | Oct‑Dec | Saturdays & Sundays | 13:00, 14:00, 15:00 |
| Tea Rooms & Gift Shop | All year | Daily | 11:00 – 17:00 |
| Tea Rooms & Gift Shop | Feb‑Apr | Saturdays & Sundays | 11:00 – 17:00 |
Admission Fees
| Ticket | Adults | Concessions / Children |
|---|---|---|
| Gardens & Woodland Playground | €6.95 | €3 (4‑12 yrs) – under 4 free |
| Castle Tour (includes garden & playground) | €13.95 | €12.95 (Concessions) – €6.50 (under 12 yrs) |
No castle tours are run on wedding days.
Parking & Access
A free Castle Car Park is located opposite the tea rooms. The main entrance provides easy vehicle access, and the site is reachable via the coordinates 52.692096710205, -6.6466636657715. A Google Maps link is available here: Google Maps.
Contact & Booking
- Website: https://huntingtoncastle.com/
- Online ticketing: https://huntingtoncastle.digitickets.co.uk/tickets
- For accommodation enquiries, visit the “All Rooms” page on the official site.
Nearby Attractions
While you’re in County Carlow, consider a short drive to Altamont Gardens, Borris House, the River Derry for canoeing, or the Blackstairs Eco Trails for a longer walk.
Enjoy a day of history, mysticism and horticultural delight at Huntington Castle & Gardens – a truly unique Irish treasure.