Borris House, the ancestral home of the MacMorrough Kavanaghs, Kings of Leinster, is one of the most beautiful and historic Irish country houses located in the spectacular scenery of Carlow’s Barrow valley. Borris became the Kavanagh’s primary residence in 1570 and over that time the present-day demesne landscape slowly evolved from a formal Baroque landscape of axial approach avenues and formal gardens to a demesne parkland landscape, with serpentine avenues designed to capture views and prospects, lawns, tree plantations and a circular road around the perimeter.
Explore the grounds of the estate taking in Mount Leinster, the Blackstairs Mountains and the Barrow Valley; views that have been preserved by the family for centuries. Stroll along the woodland paths, enjoy some of the beautiful specimen trees, view the original Stew Pond and on your way take in the original Victorian laundry, the recently restored granary and the 18th century Ice House.
The new lace garden which is set within the walls of the original laundry green illustrates the fascinating story of the Borris Lace through its predominantly white colour palette, lace inspired flowers, sculptures and stylised planting. This garden is a work in progress, so please visit again and see how this story develops. Visitors can also avail of a tour of Borris House and the private Chapel of St. Moling and learn more about this fascinating estate and the people who lived and worked there.
"Another Love Story"
A Dinner & Dancing New Year's Eve Extravaganza + A New Year's Day Soft Landing
Another Love Story are thrilled to announce the return to their much-loved New Year’s Eve event Another New Year’s Eve – this time with an added New Year’s Day Programme, and held, for the first time in the stunning surrounds of Borris House, Co. Carlow.
A very special event is promised on March 2nd in Borris House when Black Sheep Events hosts a six-course evening menu from Paul’s Kitchen including cocktails […]
The Borris House Festival of Writing and Ideas will mark its eleventh year in 2023, bringing a weekend of stimulating dialogue and discourse, gathering together intriguing international minds – historians, novelists, journalists, film-makers, poets, theatre directors, war correspondents, biographers, artists and political commentators – for a weekend of stimulating dialogue and discussion.
The Borris House Festival of Writing and Ideas has become known for its languid and laid-back feel – selected as Best Literary Festival in the World 2019 by the Telegraph and Net-a-Porter.
The Rare and Special Plant Fair, in association with Bord Bia, has taken place annually at various historic homes and gardens throughout Ireland. Due to extenuating circumstances, the venue has changed from Huntington Castle and Gardens, Clonegal, Co. Carlow, to Borris House, Borris, Co. Carlow, which will host to this special event on Sunday 14th May 2023.
