Situated in Kiltegan village, Patthana is one of the best small secret gardens in the country. It is the garden of an artist, the painter T.J. Maher, and it shows. Standing outside the old granite house, one gets no indication at all of the magical courtyard garden that lies behind the wooden gates. There are so many distractions here. Each time one looks in a certain direction something unnoticed only a little while before becomes apparent. “Patthana is a garden I wish I had created.” – The 100 Best Gardens in Ireland by Shirley Lanigan.
FACILITIES: Tea/coffee and homemade desserts available to groups with advanced booking. Selection of antique and vintage tableware for sale. Entry fee €5 per person. No wheelchair access. Patthana Gardens offer a garden course which features a three hour class once per month from March – November. Pre-booking essential, contact 086–1944547. Plants for sale.
HOW TO FIND US: Turn off the N81 in Baltinglass into the town centre and take the R727 to Kiltegan for 8km (approx. 10 mins). Upon entering Kiltegan village take the first left. Patthana (two storey granite house) is on the right, opposite the village green.
OPENING TIMES: First Sunday in May – first Sunday in October from 12 – 5 p.m. Open to groups (5+) at other times by appointment only.
ADMISSION: €5.
GPS: 52.9048235, -6.606162.
