Carlow Garden Trail Excursion. Blooming Gardens and Great Houses
Friday, 18th September 2026
Time: 9 AM to 4 PM
Admission: €15 p.p.
This one-day guided tour introduces you to the very best of what County Carlow has to offer.
Itinerary and Schedule
9.00 AM Collection - Woodford Dolmen Hotel, Kilkenny Road, Carlow, R93 N207
9.10 AM Collection - Talbot Hotel, Portlaoise Road, Carlow, R93 Y504
9.20 AM Collection - Seven Oaks Hotel, Athy Road, Carlow, R93 V45K
9.30 AM Arrival - Delta Sensory Gardens
Delta is an oasis of peace and tranquillity, with sixteen interconnecting gardens set on 2.5 acres of what was formerly waste land. From the Waterfall Garden to the Rose Gardens and Willow Garden there’s something for everyone. The gardens contain numerous water features including the famous Kugal, one tonne of pink marble floating on a cushion of water. Opportunity to meet with Trevor Gillespie, manager to discuss the origins of the gardens and their sustainability journey.
10.30 AM Departure - Delta Sensory Gardens for Duckett’s Grove Historic House and Walled Garden
11 AM Arrival - Duckett’s Grove Historic House and Walled Garden
Duckett’s Grove is one of the most photographed ruins in Ireland. Once the centre of a vast estate, Duckett’s Grove was home to the Duckett family in the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries. In 1933, the interior of the mansion was sadly destroyed by a fire. What remains is a stunning Gothic exterior and two beautiful interconnecting walled gardens. In recent years the gardens have undergone an exciting restoration completed by Carlow County Council. Restored paths and the repaired sunken bridge plus plantings of oak, lime, hazel, spindle and laurel add to the atmosphere of the Georgian pleasure grounds. Guided tour with Eamonn Wall, Head Gardener.
12 PM Departure - Duckett’s Grove Historic House & Walled Garden
12.45 PM Arrival - Arboretum Garden Centre and Inspirational Gardens
Arboretum Home and Inspirational Gardens is Ireland’s largest garden centre. In addition to the five-star garden centre visitors will find beautiful interior furnishings, quirky gift ideas, Weber barbecues and accessories, ladies’ fashion and kitchenware. Lunch will be provided in the award-winning Rachel’s Garden Café – where all food is made on site, using local ingredients where possible. Afterwards there will be a visit to Arboretum Inspirational Gardens, which feature a stunning display of colourful plants, shrubs, fruit trees and ornamental features. Rachel Doyle, Owner, has been involved in Entente Florale in her home village of Leighlinbridge (2001) and Carlow Town (2024).
1 PM - Lunch followed by opportunity to explore the inspirational gardens and garden centre and to meet with Rachel Doyle, Owner.
2.15 PM Departure - Arboretum Garden Centre and Inspirational Gardens
2.45 PM Arrival - Altamont Gardens - Guided Tour
Altamont Gardens is often referred to as the most romantic garden in Ireland. You can’t fail to be charmed by the glistening lake and weaving paths adorned with amazing plants and trees. Grand oak trees over 200 years old are spotted around the estate, while Irish yews line the formal Board Walk.
3.30 PM Departure - Altamont Gardens
4 PM Arrival - Carlow Town - Drop to relevant hotels
Download the full itinerary HERE
Ticket options
Friday, 18th September 2026
Time: 9 AM to 4 PM
Admission: €15 p.p.
This one-day guided tour introduces you to the very best of what County Carlow has to offer.
Itinerary and Schedule
9.00 AM Collection - Woodford Dolmen Hotel, Kilkenny Road, Carlow, R93 N207
9.10 AM Collection - Talbot Hotel, Portlaoise Road, Carlow, R93 Y504
9.20 AM Collection - Seven Oaks Hotel, Athy Road, Carlow, R93 V45K
9.30 AM Arrival - Delta Sensory Gardens
Delta is an oasis of peace and tranquillity, with sixteen interconnecting gardens set on 2.5 acres of what was formerly waste land. From the Waterfall Garden to the Rose Gardens and Willow Garden there’s something for everyone. The gardens contain numerous water features including the famous Kugal, one tonne of pink marble floating on a cushion of water. Opportunity to meet with Trevor Gillespie, manager to discuss the origins of the gardens and their sustainability journey.
10.30 AM Departure - Delta Sensory Gardens for Duckett’s Grove Historic House and Walled Garden
11 AM Arrival - Duckett’s Grove Historic House and Walled Garden
Duckett’s Grove is one of the most photographed ruins in Ireland. Once the centre of a vast estate, Duckett’s Grove was home to the Duckett family in the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries. In 1933, the interior of the mansion was sadly destroyed by a fire. What remains is a stunning Gothic exterior and two beautiful interconnecting walled gardens. In recent years the gardens have undergone an exciting restoration completed by Carlow County Council. Restored paths and the repaired sunken bridge plus plantings of oak, lime, hazel, spindle and laurel add to the atmosphere of the Georgian pleasure grounds. Guided tour with Eamonn Wall, Head Gardener.
12 PM Departure - Duckett’s Grove Historic House & Walled Garden
12.45 PM Arrival - Arboretum Garden Centre and Inspirational Gardens
Arboretum Home and Inspirational Gardens is Ireland’s largest garden centre. In addition to the five-star garden centre visitors will find beautiful interior furnishings, quirky gift ideas, Weber barbecues and accessories, ladies’ fashion and kitchenware. Lunch will be provided in the award-winning Rachel’s Garden Café – where all food is made on site, using local ingredients where possible. Afterwards there will be a visit to Arboretum Inspirational Gardens, which feature a stunning display of colourful plants, shrubs, fruit trees and ornamental features. Rachel Doyle, Owner, has been involved in Entente Florale in her home village of Leighlinbridge (2001) and Carlow Town (2024).
1 PM - Lunch followed by opportunity to explore the inspirational gardens and garden centre and to meet with Rachel Doyle, Owner.
2.15 PM Departure - Arboretum Garden Centre and Inspirational Gardens
2.45 PM Arrival - Altamont Gardens - Guided Tour
Altamont Gardens is often referred to as the most romantic garden in Ireland. You can’t fail to be charmed by the glistening lake and weaving paths adorned with amazing plants and trees. Grand oak trees over 200 years old are spotted around the estate, while Irish yews line the formal Board Walk.
3.30 PM Departure - Altamont Gardens
4 PM Arrival - Carlow Town - Drop to relevant hotels
Download the full itinerary HERE
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