The restored Victorian gardens and arboretum above the Nore Valley, once counted among the great gardens of Ireland, now free to wander beside the picturesque village of Inistioge.
The mid-18th-century walled garden is stocked with fruit trees, a vegetable garden and a showy herbaceous border, with the flower terraces stepping down towards the valley. The gateways and the cast iron seat on the terrace carry the same detailing as the conservatory.
Monkey Puzzle Avenue and Noble Fir Avenue are the signature walks here, replanted as part of the restoration of the original Victorian path network. The Noble Fir Walk dates back to 1878 and was rediscovered and reopened.
The Pleasure Grounds hold fine specimen trees from Asia and South America, several recognised as champion trees for their size. Look out for Pinus montezumae var hartwegi, Sequoia sempervirens and Cryptomeria japonica, planted in the 19th century and revived by drainage works in 1861-62.
The 18th-century house by Francis Bindon was burned in 1922 and lost its central bay to a storm in 2001; its ruined facade still overlooks the gardens. Conservation work continues to hold what remains.
The recreated cast iron conservatory, originally built 1853-56, houses seasonal tea rooms serving teas, coffee and treats, with terrace seating and a swing and dove cote nearby for children.
Miles of trails run through the gardens and surrounding forest, with recent works restoring loop walks to features such as the waterfall. Over 1.5km of paths were upgraded for accessibility, with accessible seating and inclusive play equipment.
A rustic summer house built from materials found in the gardens, a fountain replacing the original sold off around 1930, and wide views over the Nore Valley are all part of the walk.
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