Huntington Castle

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 by Sir Laurence Esmonde as a defensive garrison protecting the historic Wexford‑to‑Dublin route. An earlier tower house, built for the Caviness clan in the early 1400s, occupied the site before the Esmondes took over. The property was seized by Oliver Cromwell in 1650 during his Irish campaign.

In the 1680s the Esmonde family renamed the house “Huntington” and laid out the first formal gardens, planting the iconic lime‑tree avenue that still leads to the front door. Successive generations added Georgian refinements, a conservatory, and the early water‑turbine house (1888) that supplied electricity long before the national grid.

The Durdin‑Robertson family inherited the estate in the 20th century (the current owners, Alex and Clare, took over in 2010). They introduced the colourful Temple of the Goddess in the basement in the 1970s and have developed the B&B and self‑catering apartments that welcome visitors today.

Spiritual & Mystical Highlights

Temple of the Goddess (formerly Temple of Isis)

The basement houses the Temple of the Goddess, created by the Fellowship of Isis – an international spiritual organisation founded by Olivie Robertson, a descendant of the family. The temple’s vivid mosaics and Egyptian motifs make it one of the few publicly accessible Isis‑related temples in the world. In recent years the name was updated to “Temple of the Goddess” to avoid confusion with other uses of the word “Isis”.

Ghostly Legends

Huntington is famed for its ghost‑hunting tours, especially at Halloween. Local folklore tells of a soldier’s spectre in the Yew Walk, the mournful lady combing her hair by moonlight, and the restless spirit of Barbara St. Lego in the corridors. These stories add an atmospheric layer to the castle’s historic charm.

Gardens & Water Features

The award‑winning gardens blend formal and informal design:

• Italian Parterre – a symmetrical lawn with clipped beds.
• Yew Walk – an avenue of ancient yew trees, some over 500 years old.
• Lime‑Tree Avenue – French limes that perfume the summer air.
• Water Gardens – laid out in the 1680s, with ornamental ponds, a lake and fish ponds.
• Early Water Turbine House (1888) – an early source of electricity for the estate.
• Exotic Plantings – towering palm trees and graceful cypress stand alongside native oaks, hickory and Siberian crab apple.
• Farm Animals – free‑roaming chickens, lambs, sheep, cattle, a pig named Boris and a resident peacock add a lively countryside feel.

Notable Women & Unique Artefacts

The castle’s story is enriched by several remarkable women:

• Ailish O’Malley, granddaughter of the pirate queen Grace O’Malley, was an early chatelaine who ensured the estate stayed in Catholic hands.
• Nora Parsons, a big‑game hunter who brought back a 110‑tooth crocodile skull now displayed in the hallway.
• Olivia Robertson, a social worker and artist who founded the Temple of the Goddess in the 1970s.

Other curiosities include a deep well dedicated to St Brigid and a vine in the conservatory that originated from a cutting given to Anne Boleyn at Hampton Court Palace.

Accommodation

Huntington offers several overnight options:

• Bed & Breakfast rooms – historic guest rooms with four‑poster beds, original fireplaces and garden views.
• Self‑catering Esmonde Wing – a spacious apartment for up to six guests, overlooking the 14th‑century abbey.
• Castle Gatehouse – a converted 17th‑century barn now used as a private theatre for concerts, christenings and small gatherings.

All guests can enjoy a breakfast in the award‑winning conservatory, where grape‑vine‑covered ceilings create a unique dining ambience.

Events & Seasonal Highlights

• Snowdrop Time (late February–early March) – family‑friendly walks to view the first snowdrops.
• Halloween – atmospheric lighting, ghost‑hunting tours and special activities for children.
• Easter & Christmas – themed garden tours and craft workshops.
• Summer Music & Arts – occasional outdoor concerts and art installations (check the castle’s Facebook page for the current programme).
• Weddings & Private Events – the 14th‑century abbey and the Yew Walk provide a romantic backdrop; note that castle tours do not run on wedding days.
• Film & Media – the estate has been used as a location for Stanley Kubrick’s Barry Lyndon and other productions.

Film & TV Location

Huntington Castle’s dramatic setting has attracted filmmakers for decades. Most famously, Stanley Kubrick chose the castle’s gardens and interior for scenes in Barry Lyndon (1975). The property has also featured in several Irish television dramas and documentary series, drawn by its blend of historic architecture, mystical temple and striking gardens.

Family‑Friendly Activities

Beyond the guided tours, the grounds host a woodland playground, a petting farm with chickens, lambs, cattle and the ever‑curious pig Boris, and a resident peacock that often struts through the garden paths. Seasonal events – snowdrop walks, Easter craft sessions and Halloween ghost hunts – make the estate a lively destination for children and adults alike.

Accessibility

The castle itself is not wheelchair‑accessible due to narrow staircases and historic doorways. The gardens and playground are level and can be enjoyed by visitors with limited mobility, but the interior tour requires the ability to navigate stairs.

Film & Media

• Voted one of The Guardian’s “Top 20 Hidden Gems in Ireland”.
• Listed among Airbnb’s most wish‑listed castles in Ireland (2023).
• Featured in numerous travel guides and articles for its unique blend of history, mysticism and horticulture.

Nearby Walks & Trails

• Wicklow Way – the national long‑distance trail finishes at Huntington Castle, making it a perfect rest stop for hikers.
• Blackstairs Eco Trails – a network of forest walks a short drive away, offering panoramic views of the Blackstairs Mountains.
• River Derry – canoeing and kayaking are popular from the nearby launch points.
• Altamont Gardens, Borris House, and Delta Sensory Gardens are also within easy driving distance for a fuller day out.
• Carlow Castle – the medieval ruin in Carlow town is a short 30‑minute drive away.
• Brownshill Dolmen – Ireland’s largest portal tomb lies east of Carlow town and makes a fascinating side‑trip.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Admission Fees

No castle tours are run on wedding days.

Visitor Tips

• Dogs are not permitted on the grounds.
• Picnics are not allowed; use the tea rooms or designated picnic areas outside the garden walls.
• Guided tours are led by members of the Durdin‑Robertson family, offering personal anecdotes and family history.

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, the Blackstairs Eco Trails, Carlow Castle, and the impressive Brownshill Dolmen.

Enjoy a day of history, mysticism and horticultural delight at Huntington Castle & Gardens – a truly unique Irish treasure.