The picturesque village of Inistioge in south County Kilkenny hosts Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum, with magnificent views over the River Nore Valley to Brandon Hill.
Woodstock Gardens were once considered one of the great gardens of Ireland dating to the Victorian Period from 1840-1900 and attracted many visitors. Since 1999 Kilkenny County Council has been undertaking an ambitious scheme of restoration to return to these gardens to their former glory.
The team is restoring the gardens to the period 1840-1890, and they are making every effort to use plants and materials typical of the era.
Today the gardens are home to a mix of formal and informal gardens.
With an arboretum, walled garden, terraced garden, yew walk and rose garden providing the main interest. Also of significance are two stunning avenues: Monkey Puzzle Avenue and Noble Fir Avenue. Of interest to many of our visitors is the rustic summer house, constructed from materials from the gardens. And they replaced the original fountain, which they sold from the gardens c.1930.
The arboretum is home to many fine specimen trees from Asia and South America in particular. A number of these trees are recognised as champion trees due to their size. Near the arboretum is the walled garden laid out with fruit trees, a vegetable garden and a beautiful herbaceous border. Just outside the Walled garden is our stunning cast iron conservatory which houses the tea rooms.
The grounds of Woodstock House contain the gardens, which Sir William Fownes originally built in 1745-47. The Black and Tans burnt it in 1922 following their occupation. Now, the house stands in a much dilapidated state, particularly after the front facade collapsed in 2001. Although they propose conservation work for the house.
Admission is €5 per car with contactless and cash payments taken. Opening hours vary with the seasons and with available daylight. April to September 9am to 7pm daily. October to March 10am to 4:00pm daily. Including weekends and bank holidays.
Visit the official website: www.woodstock.ie
Location:
Below are photos I took in September 2022.
