Overview
Set on the rolling hills of north County Westmeath, Tullynally Castle (also known as Pakenham Hall) is a striking Gothic‑revival mansion surrounded by twelve acres of meticulously designed parkland. The estate is a living family home for the Earls of Longford, yet it welcomes the public from April to September for garden strolls, a tea‑room, and guided tours of its historic rooms. With a blend of 19th‑century formal gardens, a Chinese pagoda, a Tibetan waterfall garden, and a network of woodland trails, the site offers a tranquil escape just 80 minutes’ drive from Dublin.
History
The Pakenham story begins in 1665 when Henry Pakenham, a Parliamentary Dragoon, was granted the Tullynally lands as payment for arrears. The original square plantation house formed the core of today’s castle. In the early 1800s the 2nd Earl of Longford remodelled the house in the Gothic Revival style, adding towers, a moat and crenellated façades that made it the largest castellated private house in Ireland. Over the centuries the estate has been home to notable figures such as General Sir Edward Pakenham and, through marriage, the future Duke of Wellington. Today the 8th Earl of Longford still resides on the grounds, and the family’s passion for horticulture is evident in the diverse plant collections – from Himalayan specimens gathered by Thomas Pakenham to a modern Chinese garden added in the 21st century.
What to See & Do
The Castle Interior
Guided tours (May‑September) take visitors through the Great Hall, Library, Drawing Room and Dining Room, before descending into the Victorian servants’ quarters, kitchens and laundries. The tours, lasting about 45 minutes, reveal personal artefacts, family portraits and the everyday life of staff who kept the house running. Children under ten are not admitted, and advance booking is recommended during peak weekends.
Gardens
The gardens are a showcase of landscape design spanning two centuries. Highlights include:
- Terraced lawns that sweep toward two ornamental lakes, offering classic vistas of the surrounding countryside.
- Walled Garden with historic flower borders, a 200‑year‑old avenue of Irish yews, and summerhouses that frame picturesque views.
- Woodland Walk – a shaded glade dotted with a limestone grotto and native trees, ideal for quiet contemplation.
- Chinese Garden – a pagoda‑capped pavilion surrounded by exotic shrubs.
- Tibetan Garden – cascading waterfalls and streams that add a touch of the Himalayas.
Families will love the Children’s Discovery Trail, a whimsical path where hidden creatures invite young explorers to hunt for clues, and the Tree Trail, a curated walk past 24 of Thomas Pakenham’s favourite trees. A climbing frame near the entrance provides a quick play break.
Tearoom & Giftshop
The Stables Tearroom, open the same hours as the gardens (09:00‑17:00 Thursday‑Sunday), serves freshly baked scones, sandwiches and a selection of teas. Indoor and covered outdoor seating let visitors savour a light lunch while overlooking the parkland. The adjoining shop stocks Pakenham‑authored books, locally made mugs and garden‑inspired souvenirs.
Events
Throughout the summer, the castle hosts classical concerts, literary talks and seasonal festivals. While these events are not listed here, the website’s “What’s On” page provides up‑to‑date details for culture‑seekers.
Practical Information
Opening Hours & Tickets
| Facility | Opening Times | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Gardens (incl. Tearroom) | Thu‑Sun 09:00‑17:00 (Closed Mon‑Wed) | Adults €9, Children €4, Family €24 |
| Castle Tours (May‑Sep) | Thu‑Sat 11:00, 12:30, 14:00 | Adults €17, Children €9 (10+ only) – includes garden entry |
Tickets can be purchased on‑site at the courtyard reception or booked online via the official booking links. Season tickets are also available for frequent visitors – €57 for an adult plus guest, €70 for a family of two adults and two children (5‑16 years). Season‑ticket holders enjoy unlimited visits during opening hours and a 50 % discount on guided garden walks.
Getting There
Tullynally lies 2 km south of Castlepollard on the Granard road (N91 HV58). From Dublin, follow the N4 to the N3 and then the N52 to Castlepollard; the drive takes roughly 80 minutes. Detailed directions and a Google Maps link are provided on the website.
Facilities
- Restrooms – available in the castle courtyard; none within the garden paths.
- Dog policy – dogs are welcome on leads throughout the grounds.
- Picnics – not permitted in the gardens; the tearoom offers a convenient alternative.
- Photography – allowed in the gardens and exterior; interior photography is prohibited during castle tours.
Accessibility
The Pleasure Ground, Grotto Glade, Walled Garden and Flower Garden feature firm gravel surfaces suitable for most wheelchairs and buggies. The Forest Walk consists mainly of grass and may be difficult for wheeled users. Castle interiors are not fully accessible; visitors requiring assistance should contact the estate in advance to discuss possible accommodations.
Contact & Further Details
For the latest updates, event listings or to arrange a private group visit, email the tearroom team at info@stablestearooms.ie or call +353 44 966 1856. All official information, including ticket booking, is available on the estate’s website.
Tullynally Castle & Gardens offers a rare combination of private‑home intimacy, grand historic architecture and award‑winning horticulture. Whether you’re tracing the lineage of the Earls of Longford, hunting for rare trees, or simply enjoying a cream tea amid lakeside vistas, the estate promises a memorable day in the heart of Ireland’s hidden heartlands.