Out of Town: Kilmacurragh gardens and arboretum

 

The Diary took a trip over the mountains to the National Botanic Gardens site at Kilmacurragh House, Co Wicklow, yesterday, a hidden gem of 18th century garden and arboretum developed by the Acton family. Like many such big houses, they were hit with double death duties following WW1 when members of the family, and the staff of the demesne, lost their lives fighting in the trenches.

The Queen Anne style house is now roofless and derelict, but there is a commitment from Government to rehabilitate it under the direction of the OPW, which has managed Kilmacurragh for many years. The gardens have been restored by the National Botanic Gardens, and it's possible to enjoy the legacy of a family who took the long view in their travels around the world to bring exotic specimens of plant biodiversity back to their home.

There's also an excellent cafe operated by Brambles on site. A recommended trip, and you can get a 5-minutes photographic flavour of Kilmacurragh above.

Produced by Brian Byrne for Kilcullen Diary.

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