Duckett’s Grove, the 18th, 19th and early 20th century home of the Duckett family, was formerly at the centre of a 20,000 acre (8,093 hectares) estate that has dominated the Carlow landscape for over 300 years. Even in ruin, the surviving towers and turrets of Duckett’s Grove Walled Gardens and Pleasure Grounds form a romantic profile making it one of the most photogenic historic buildings in the country and a castle in Ireland to visit. This part Cobden designed building is structurally intact and accessible to the public. Its precincts have been the subject of at least two international film sets and the site is a continuous mecca for paranormal groups. The revival of two old walled gardens has been completed by Carlow County Council, the old paths revealed and the beds and borders reinstated. Stylistically the new planting schemes echo the past yet reflect changing fashions, utilising plants and planting patterns that may have evolved over time. Open daily, daylight hours.
New for 2023 is the Lazy River Café, open seven days per week between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Serving breakfast, lunch, afternoon teas, picnics and a delicious array of treats and beverages with a brand new menu offering a host of home made delights.
FREE guided tours of Duckett’s Grove are available at 12.30 p.m. and 2.30 p.m. each Friday – Sunday (and to groups outside of those times by prior appointment). To book a guided tour visit Duckett’s Grove Historic House and Walled Gardens Tickets. Departure from the reception point opposite the Lazy River Café in the courtyard. There will be no guided tours on August 18th, 19th and 20th.
Pick up an audio guide at the reception point within the courtyard to hear the stories and meet some of the characters who lived and worked here for 250 years before the disastrous fire of 1933 destroyed Duckett’s Grove. Hear from William Duckett, his wife Maria, her daughter Olive O’Grady, as well as Mr Mitchell the steward and Mr O’Brien the head gardener, and discover what life was like for the gentry and those they employed to work at Duckett’s Grove.
In the courtyard of Duckett’s Grove is Nic Angels Candles who individually hand – crafts marble, fragrance-free, Irish-made dinner candles creating unique patterns on each. They also hand paint glass candle holders to accompany their candles. Their attractive craft unit at Duckett’s Grove also features a selection of gift ideas from other crafters. Bespoke service also available.
Facilities
Large car and coach park, toilets, wheelchair access, guide dogs only, playground, gift shop, new Lazy River Café .
The New Lazy River Café@ Ducketts Grove:
Opening Times: 10 am to 5 pm daily . 10am to 4pm for the food menu and 4-5 pm tea/coffee/cakes available.
Group bookings available by prior arrangement.
T: 059-9163972 E: thelazyrivercafe@hotmail.com W: www.thelazyrivercafe.com
How to get there
From Dublin/Waterford take exit 4 on M9 motorway. Follow signs for Castledermot then take the R418 Castledermot – Tullow road for 6km and turn right at the signed junction.
From Carlow take the R726 Hacketstown Road for 10 km to Killerig Cross Roads. Turn left at this junction onto the R418 for 2.5 km, turn left again at the signed junction.
GPS: 52.858748, –6.812787
Opening Times
Gardens and ruined mansion daily, daylight.
Admission: Free