Duckett's Grove is a fire-gutted Gothic revival castle whose towers and turrets rise above two restored walled gardens and Georgian pleasure grounds in the Carlow countryside.
The shell of the 1820s castellated mansion designed by Thomas A. Cobden for John Dawson Duckett still stands after the 1933 fire that gutted its interior. Round, square and octagonal towers, oriels and statues make it one of the country's most photographed ruins.
Two interconnecting walled gardens are planted with historical roses and peonies and mixed perennial borders; the lower garden, once the orchard, holds figs and heritage Irish apples such as Irish Peach and Kerry Pippin.
Restored paths, a sunken stone bridge and the unusual Carlow Fence of vertical stones recreate the Georgian pleasure grounds, with Ireland's largest castellated gateway out on the Carlow road.
Free guided tours leave the courtyard reception point at 12.30pm and 2.30pm each Friday to Sunday. Outside those times, pick up a free audio guide to hear the Duckett family and their staff tell the estate's story.
A rustic children's playground sits within the pleasure grounds, built to blend into the estate's natural surroundings.
The courtyard is home to the craft unit of Elaine Kelly of NicAngels Candles, selling hand-marbled Irish candles and other craft gifts. It opens on selected days during the week.
An intermittent tea and coffee service runs in the grounds through the year, so bring a picnic if you want to be certain of food on quieter days.
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