HUNTINGTON CASTLE & GARDENS

Huntington Castle in County Carlow was built in 1625 as a garrison on the historically important Wexford to Dublin route. Today, it is a unique visitor attraction—boasting beautiful gardens, guided tours and family events.

Visit Huntington Castle to step into another world. The 17th century house is a treasure trove of historical architecture and objects, while the Yew Tree Walk, Lime Tree Avenue and water features are just some of the elements of Huntington’s delightful gardens and pleasure grounds.

Located in Clonegal, County Carlow, Huntington Castle was originally built as a defensive garrison—after its soldiers relocated, it was developed into a family estate by the Baron of Esmonde. Many generations of the family added various extensions and details, resulting in the creation of a truly unique and interesting building.

Visit the Fellowship of Isis temple at Huntington Castle—in the 1970s, this spiritual organization established the basement of Huntington Castle as a place of worship of the Egyptian Goddess Isis. Present day tours of Huntington Castle include a visit to the temple where the sacred well of St Brigid, the main altar to Isis and other altars reflecting different goddesses and zodiac signs can be viewed.

The old kitchens and drawing room of Huntington Castle and the refurbished conservatory are just some of the new areas of the house that will be included on the guided tour this year. The tour takes approximately half an hour and brings the history and stories of the castle and its occupants to life.

Visit the gardens of Huntington Castle to get truly lost in nature. From the French limes trees bordering the avenue to the ornamental lawns and fish pond, each is a destination worth visiting in themselves and the perfect place for a family stroll. The estate contains a number of great Irish tree varieties like hickory, Siberian crab and buckeye chestnut.

A lake near the garden wilderness was originally built for ornamental purposes but next to it, visitors can view one of the earliest water turbine houses in Ireland which provided Huntington with its own electricity as early as 1888. There are plans to restore both the lake and turbine house in the near future.

The River Derry—the boundary line between counties Wexford and Carlow—flows along the bottom of the garden wilderness, providing a pleasant setting for woodland walks at Huntingdon Castle and Gardens, a member of the Carlow Garden Trail. Visit Huntingdon for a wonderful day out for all the family—or make it a weekend at Huntington Castle B&B or self-catering apartments.

SOURCE: IRELAND.COM