Burtown is a living Quaker estate near Athy, where 12 acres of celebrated gardens, 160 acres of organic farm walks and sculpture surround one of Ireland's most loved garden-to-table restaurants, The Green Barn.
Over 12 acres of historic gardens: herbaceous borders, a yew walk and pergola, rock garden, sundial garden, old orchard and the water-ringed Nutgrove woodland garden with candelabra primulas, hostas and ferns. The walled kitchen garden has been in continuous production for over 150 years.
Mown trails cross 160 acres of organic farmland, wildflower meadows and forestry, with restored bridges, ponds and lakes and abundant wildlife. An easy, mostly level circuit takes in the never-ploughed front meadow.
Large stone sculptures by Sligo artist Eileen MacDonagh are set in the front parkland meadow, and more art is hidden along the walks and in the gardens.
The award-winning barn serves brunch, lunch and Friday-Saturday dinner overlooking the walled kitchen garden, with produce grown on the estate. The weekend seasonal 3-course set lunch is €55.
Snowdrops and aconites naturalise across the park from January, daffodils follow in April, and May-June is peak colour before the autumn crocosmia and phlox show.
Saturday-Sunday casual dining (no booking) in a pergola room with a wood-burning stove: soup, toasted sandwiches, scones and cake, plus natural wines. The Burtown Pantry shop sells artisan food, wines, books and interiors.
Burtown House, built around 1710, can be toured by prior appointment May-September, led by owner James Fennell, covering the family, the Quaker village of Ballytore and the surrounding landscape.
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