Carlow Floral Festival 2008, Ireland

Friday 08 Aug to Sunday 10 Aug: Bagenalstown Festival Festival Trail Map County Guide

Sunday 03/08/08

Huntington Castle with Éanna Ní Lamhna

Huntington Castle Gardens were mainly laid out in the 17th century by the Esmondes who also built Huntington Castle in 1625. These include the French limes on the Avenue, the terraced lawns and fountain to the side of the house, the fishponds and the majority of Yew trees which comprise the Yew Tree Walk. Larger plantings have resulted in Huntington possessing a number of champion Irish trees.

Guided tours – Huntington Castle

An insightful tour into one of Ireland’s most unusual castles featuring a visit to the Temple of Isis and many items of absorbing interest from Africa, Egypt and ancient Ireland.

Venue: The courtyard, Huntington Castle, Clonegal commencing at 2 p.m., 2.50 p.m., 3.40 p.m., 4.30 p.m. and 5.25 p.m.
Admission: Adults €6, children €4.

photo James Burke ARPS

Nature walk in the company of Éanna Ní Lamhna


Learn about the spectacular ecology and scenery of these romantic woodlands and meadows in the company of Éanna Ní Lamhna. This is truly a magical experience, added to by Éanna’s enthusiasm for the outdoors – savour the sight of the magnificent trees, learn about the history of one of Ireland’s earliest water turbine houses, smell the fresh fragrance of its wild flower meadows and listen to the soothing sound of the lakes and River Derry in the background.


Venue: Front entrance gate to Huntington Castle Gardens, Clonegal .

Time: 2 p.m.

Not suitable for the physically impaired or children in buggies

Photo: James Burke ARPS

 

Tree Trail

Join Éanna as she discovers some superb trees in the grounds of Huntington Castle including Hickory, Oak, Siberian Crab and Buckeye Chestnut.

Venue: Front entrance gate to Huntington Castle Gardens, Clonegal
Time: 3.30 p.m.

 

 

 

photo: James Burke ARPS

Huntington Castle and Gardens, Clonegal, Co. Carlow
t: 053-9377552
w: www.carlowtourism.com/gardens.html

Well known biologist Éanna Ní Lamhna, is the most distinctive voice in Irish Natural History, with a keen curiosity for the world around her. As well as her enthusiasm for creepy crawlies, she has a special interest in bats and her lively and informative workshops are guaranteed to keep both young and old entertained – Sunday 3rd August & Sunday 10th August 2008.

These gardens were mainly laid out in the 17th century by the Esmondes who built Huntington Castle in 1625 and include the French limes on the Avenue, the lawns to the side of the house, the fishponds on either side of the centre walk through the wilderness and the Yew Tree Walk.
 

A lake at the bottom of the wilderness was built for ornamental purposes but next to it is one of the earliest water turbine houses in Ireland, providing Huntington with its own electricity as early as 1888. Both the lake and turbine house are to be restored in the near future. The River Derry – also being the boundary line between Counties Wexford and Carlow – flows along the bottom of the wilderness, providing a pleasant setting for  woodland walks.

FACILITIES: Car park, toilets, restricted access for wheelchairs, guided tours of Huntington Castle.

LOCATION: In the village of Clonegal – well signposted.

OPENING TIMES: June – August inclusive. Open at other times by arrangement.

ADMISSION CHARGES: Admission charges to Huntington Castle as listed. Nature walk and Tree Trail free of charge.

“The first thing that strikes you about Huntington, apart from the derelict beauty which hangs over most of the ascendancy buildings, are the palm trees. Several tall specimens suddenly appear at the end of the long yew tree avenue” – Mal Rogers, Aer Lingus Cara Magazine August 2005.
 

For further information on Carlow's Floral Festival Trail contact Carlow Tourism

click for carlow tourism website

Tel +353 (0) 5991 30411
Fax +353 (0) 5991 30477

info@carlowtourism.com