Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum

Woodstock Gardens are located in the south east of County Kilkenny, just outside the picturesque village of Inistioge. The gardens, set overlooking the River Nore Valley, offer the visitor a wide variety of attractions and are a most relaxing and beautiful environment in which to spend a day. The gardens have recently been restored by Kilkenny County Council, and further features and planting are being added all the time. The main development of Woodstock Gardens occurred in the Victorian Period, with the works being overseen by Lady Louisa Tighe and head gardeners, Pierce Butler and later Charles McDonald. The gardens were restored to the period 1840 to 1890 with every effort being made to use plants and materials typical of the era. Woodstock Gardens are home to a mix of formal and informal gardens, with an arboretum, walled garden, terraced garden, yew walk and rose garden. Also of significance are two stunning avenues, the Monkey Puzzle Avenue and Noble Fir Avenue. Recently added are a rustic summer house, constructed from materials from the gardens, and a fountain to replace the original, which was sold from the gardens about 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. On-site facilities include car parking, toilets, a children’s playground, picnic area and seasonal tea rooms (check website for tea rooms opening times). A mobility buggy (request in advance) is available for those less able-bodied visitors. Guided tours are available by appointment.

attractions

Kilkenny