Overview
Tullynally Castle sits on a gentle rise in north County Westmeath, overlooking the waters of Lough Derravaragh. Known locally as Pakenham Hall, it remains a working family home for the Earls of Longford while welcoming visitors from April to September. The estate combines a striking Gothic-revival mansion with 12 acres of carefully cultivated grounds, offering a quiet alternative to more commercialised attractions in the Midlands. Whether you are interested in horticultural history, architectural evolution, or simply a peaceful walk through mature woodlands, the grounds provide a structured yet relaxed visit just an hour’s drive from Dublin.
History & Architecture
The Pakenham family’s connection to this land dates back to the mid-17th century. Henry Pakenham, a Parliamentary Dragoon, was granted the estate around 1655 to settle military arrears. The original square plantation house formed the nucleus of what would become Ireland’s largest castellated private house.
Architectural shifts mark the estate’s evolution:
- 1780: The residence was expanded in a Georgian style by architect Graham Myers.
- Early 1800s: The 2nd Earl of Longford commissioned a dramatic Gothic-revival transformation, adding towers, crenellated façades and a surrounding moat.
- Late 19th century: Landscape architects shaped the terraced lawns and ornamental lakes that frame the castle today.
- 1960s onward: Thomas and Valerie Pakenham revitalised the grounds, introducing exotic plantings from the Himalayas, China and Tibet, and constructing distinctive features like the Chinese pagoda.
The castle’s position on the historic “Hill of the Swan” has long made it a local landmark, framing views across the lough that feature in the ancient legend of the Children of Lir.
Gardens & Grounds
The 12-acre garden layout reflects over two centuries of horticultural trends. Visitors follow gravel and grass paths through distinct themed areas:
- Terraced Lawns & Ornamental Lakes: Sweeping grassy slopes descend toward two man-made lakes, designed to maximise sightlines back to the castle.
- Walled Garden: Enclosed historic borders host a 200-year-old avenue of Irish yews, summerhouses, a stone Nandi (sacred Indian bull), and a small resident herd of llamas.
- Woodland Walk: A shaded route passing a limestone grotto adorned with local stone carvings, alongside native trees that shift through autumn and winter tones.
- Chinese Garden: Built around a multi-tiered pagoda pavilion, this section features rare magnolias, lilies and the striking Cardiocrinum giganteum (Giant Himalayan Lily), introduced by Thomas Pakenham during his travels.
- Tibetan Garden: Stepping stones, cascading water features and carefully placed boulders recreate Himalayan mountain streams, offering a quiet spot away from the main paths.
Families will find dedicated routes through the grounds, including a Children’s Discovery Trail with hidden wooden carvings to spot, a Tree Trail highlighting 24 favourite species, and a climbing frame near the entrance courtyard.
Castle Tours
Guided interior tours run from May through September, typically on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 11:00, 12:30 and 14:00. The 45-minute walk covers the Great Hall, Library, Drawing Room and Dining Room, before moving downstairs to the Victorian servants’ quarters, kitchens and laundries.
The tour focuses on the everyday operation of a large country house, showcasing family portraits, period furniture and artefacts that illustrate how staff maintained the estate. Due to the narrow staircases and historic layout, the castle interiors are not suitable for children under ten. Advance booking is strongly recommended, particularly during school holidays and weekends.
Tearoom & Shop
The Stables Tearroom operates alongside the gardens, open Thursday to Sunday from 09:00 to 17:00. The menu features freshly baked scones, seasonal sandwiches and a range of hot drinks, served in a converted stable space with both indoor seating and a covered terrace overlooking the parkland.
The adjacent gift shop carries books authored by the Pakenham family, locally crafted ceramics, gardening tools and souvenirs inspired by the estate’s plant collections.
Visiting Information
Opening Hours & Admission
- Gardens & Tearoom: Open Thursday–Sunday, 09:00–17:00. Closed Monday–Wednesday.
- Castle Tours: May–September, Thursday–Saturday at 11:00, 12:30, 14:00. No Sunday tours outside of Heritage Week.
- Admission: Garden entry is €9 for adults, €4 for children, with a family ticket at €24. Castle tours cost €17 for adults and €9 for children (10+), and include garden access.
- Season Tickets: Available for €60 (adult + guest) or €73 (two adults + two children aged 5–16). These provide unlimited visits during opening hours and a 50% discount on guided garden walks.
Getting There & Parking
The estate is located 2 km south of Castlepollard on the Granard road (N91 HV58). From Dublin, take the N4 to the N3, then follow the N52 to Castlepollard. Free parking is available at the estate entrance, though spaces fill quickly on summer weekends. Bus Éireann services connect Castlepollard to Athlone and Mullingar; from the bus stop, it is a 25-minute walk or a short taxi ride to the castle gates.
Facilities & Accessibility
Toilets are located in the courtyard near the reception. Dogs are permitted on leads throughout the grounds, but picnics are not allowed in the gardens. Photography is welcome outdoors but prohibited inside the castle during tours.
Most garden paths, including the Pleasure Ground, Grotto Glade and Walled Garden, are firm gravel and suitable for wheelchairs and buggies. The Forest Walk is grass-covered and may be uneven. Castle interiors are not fully wheelchair accessible; visitors requiring specific accommodations should contact the estate ahead of their visit.
Events & Seasonal Visits
Summer months bring classical concerts, literary talks and seasonal garden festivals. During Heritage Week (13–23 August 2026), the castle and gardens open daily from 09:00 to 17:00 with additional guided walks and special performances. The walled garden and arboretum are also available for private hire, including weddings and corporate functions.
Nearby Attractions
- Abbey Blooms Botanical Gardens – A short drive north, featuring themed garden rooms and a year-round butterfly house.
- Belvedere House Estate and Jealous Wall – 30 km south, showcasing Georgian architecture and extensive parkland.
- Hill of Uisneach – A historic ceremonial site a few kilometres east, traditionally regarded as the centre of Ireland.
- Lough Derravaragh – The large lake visible from the castle grounds, offering fishing and lakeside walks.
Note: Always verify opening times and tour availability before travelling, as seasonal schedules can shift due to weather or private family events.