A visit to Arboretum Inspirational Gardens at Arboretum Home and Garden Heaven, Leighlinbridge

is a treat for the amateur and the enthusiast alike. These gardens were created to inspire visitors to realise their own dream gardens. The gardens showcase a variety of planting schemes and garden designs, all of which deliver a wow factor and yet are low maintenance. One of the great joys of gardens is colour and these gardens were designed to make the most of the positive effects of colour on our wellbeing – red for vitality, yellow for contentment, purple for knowledge, and so on. Families will enjoy exploring the African mud hut and spotting the friendly koi who reside in the Arboretum pond. Group tours of the Arboretum Inspirational Gardens may be booked on 059–9721558.

There is an excellent children’s playground and a maze adjacent to the Inspirational Gardens. Rachel’s Garden Café has a terrace area located beside the playground so that while the children play, their parents can enjoy delicious home-cooked food.

Rachel’s Garden Café

The award-winning Rachel’s Garden Café at Arboretum is a self- and assisted-service restaurant which champions Irish and preferably locally sourced produce; a particular favourite is the

beef braised in O’Hara’s Stout which is brewed by the Carlow Brewing Company only 5 km down the road. Enjoy breakfast (including ‘the full Irish’) from 9 a.m. and lunch including soups (gluten free), salads, daily specials and a roast of the day from 12 noon. The tempting desserts are all made on the premises and special dietary needs are catered for with gluten-, sugar- or dairy-free options. The little ones are kept happy with a children’s menu, indoor and outdoor play areas and a fun maze. Tempting afternoon tea options are available, bookable in advance. Pre-booked groups and tours are welcome.