A lived-in 1625 castle — still the family home of the Esmonde descendants — with 17th-century formal gardens, a 500-year-old yew walk, and a temple to Isis in the dungeon.
A 35–40 minute tour through the family's living quarters, formal rooms, and dungeon. See Aubusson tapestries, a grapevine cut from Hampton Court's 'Great Vine', and the unexpected Temple of Isis in the basement. Tours run at 13:00, 14:00, 15:00 & 16:00 on open days. Not wheelchair or buggy accessible — many staircases and tight corridors.
Laid out in the 1680s by Lord Esmonde, the formal gardens feature French-inspired symmetry, a fragrant rose walk, and restored water gardens with stew ponds and a lake. Also includes the kitchen gardens, greenhouse and recently restored Rose Garden.
Walk beneath a natural archway of English yews planted over 500 years ago — predating the formal gardens. Paths wind through the 'Wilderness' woodland past bamboo, shrubs, and the 1888 turbine house (one of Ireland's first private electricity plants). The walk ends at the River Derry, which forms the Carlow–Wexford boundary.
Set in the 17th-century barn, the tea rooms serve Badger & Dodo artisan coffee, locally baked cakes, scones and biscuits on vintage china. The shop stocks Irish-made gifts, books, jams, chutneys and homewares. Seating is available indoors or in the courtyard, often visited by resident peafowl.
The family offers B&B rooms in the castle with four-poster beds and period features, plus self-catering options: the Esmonde Wing apartment (sleeps 6, built into the former chapel), the Gate Lodge (sleeps 4), and Gate Cottage (sleeps 4). Book via Airbnb or the castle website.
A children's adventure playground set within the woodland. Included with garden admission. Perfect for families — let the kids burn off energy while you explore.
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