The Formal Gardens & Italian Parterre
Laid out by Lord Esmonde in the 1680s, the parterre features formal plantings and a fragrant rose walk, framed by the avenue of lime trees planted in 1687.
Huntington Castle & Gardens
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About
A privately owned 1625 castle in Clonegal, still home to the Durdin Robertson family, with 17th-century formal gardens, a 500-year-old yew walk and a dungeon temple. Guided tours take visitors through the lived-in rooms and gardens.
Things to Do
The Yew Walk
A short stroll among yew trees planted before the formal gardens and now over 500 years old, said to be among the world's finest.
Guided Castle Tour
Hourly guided tours (13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00) wind through passages to the living quarters and formal rooms, then down to the dungeon. Highlights include the Tapestry Room with Aubusson tapestries and the Conservatory, whose grape vine ceiling is said to be a gift from Hampton Court. Tours are not wheelchair accessible or buggy friendly.
Water Gardens & Lake
Recently restored stew ponds, lake and original 1680s water gardens, opened to the public and a good spot for wildlife.
Woodland Playground
A woodland adventure playground where children can explore while adults walk the gardens and grounds.
Seasonal Gardens & Champion Trees
The gardens change with the seasons: snowdrops in the woodlands, bluebells in spring, and colour beneath the champion trees later in the year.
Tea Rooms & Staying Over
The on-site tea rooms serve visitors during opening hours. The family also offers castle B&B rooms and self-catering stays, including the Esmonde Wing apartment built into the former chapel.
Plan Your Visit
- Hours: Gardens, woodland playground and tea rooms 11:00–17:00; castle tours at 13:00, 14:00, 15:00 and 16:00. Daily May–September; Saturdays and Sundays February–April and October–December; daily during bank holidays, the Easter break and the Halloween break. No castle tours on wedding days or during private events.
- Admission: Garden day pass: adults €6.95, children 4–12 €3.00, under 4 free, family (2 adults + 3 children) €20.00. Guided castle tour with garden entry: adults €13.95, concessions €12.95, children under 12 €6.50, infants free, family €39.95.
- Parking: Parking is in the castle car park: drive through the main entrance, the car park is opposite the tea rooms. Google lists both a free and a paid car park.
- Food: Tea rooms on site. In Clonegal village, near the main gate, are Sha-Roe Bistro and Osbourne's Pub.
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