Huntington Castle

Service Description

Huntington Castle was originally built as a garrison in the 17th century and was later turned into a family estate by the Lord Esmonde. A direct descendant of the castle’s founders, current custodian Alexander Durdin Robertson and his family is keeping tradition alive in a decidedly hands-on fashion. These gardens were mainly laid out in the 17th century by the Esmondes. They include the French limes on the Avenue, the ‘parterre’ or lawns to the side of the house, the fish ponds on either side of the centre walk through the wilderness and the majority of Yew trees which comprise the Yew Walk. Larger plantings have resulted in Huntington possessing a number of great Irish trees, including four varieties of hickory, a cut leaved oak, Siberian crab and buckeye chestnut. Explore the kitchen gardens, with the Greenhouse and the recently restored Rose Gardens. Then stroll through the enchanting Italian Gardens and the ruins of the old Abbey before walking through to the ‘Wilderness’ woodland where formal walks and pathways will guide you past shrubs, flora and bamboo to the old turbine house which supplied electricity to Huntington as early as 1888. The bottom of the wilderness is marked by the delightful River Derry which flows as the boundary between County Carlow and Wexford. Then head back to the castle where a guided tour of the house provides a window into both its fascinating past, and the lives of the family who call the castle home today – or simply take a well-earned break in the tea rooms. To get the full Huntington experience stay the night in one of their beautiful castle rooms. OPENING TIMES: May – September 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily. House tours 2, 3, 4 and 5 p.m. daily. For special events outside these times see website – e.g.: Easter, Halloween and Christmas at the Castle. Open at other times by prior arrangement.

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