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Kilruddery Estate: A Historic Irish Gem

Explore Killruddery Estate: a historic house and gardens with a working farm, cultural events, and stunning scenery in County Wicklow, near Dublin.

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Nestled between the mountains and the sea near Bray, County Wicklow, Killruddery Estate is an 800-acre historic house and garden that has been home to the Brabazon family, the Earls of Meath, since 1618. With its stunning 17th-century gardens, working farm, and cultural events, Killruddery offers a memorable day trip from Dublin.

A brief summary to KilIruddery Estate

Local tips

  • Visit the Killruddery Farm Market on Saturdays for local and international arts, crafts, fashion, homeware, and vintage items.
  • Check the Killruddery website for events and workshops, including falconry, beekeeping, and botanical workshops.
  • Enjoy a meal at the Grain Store Restaurant or Tea Room, which feature fresh produce from the estate's farm.
  • Wear appropriate footwear, especially during winter or after heavy rain, as the grounds can be wet and muddy.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Dublin city center, take the DART green line to Bray. From Bray Station, the L1 or L14 bus will take you to Briar Wood. From Briar Wood, it is a 10-minute walk to Killruddery Estate. The bus fare is approximately €3. Alternatively, Dublin Bus route 45A operates directly from Sussex Road in Dublin to Riddlesford, a short walk from Killruddery, five times a day, Monday to Friday, for approximately €3.

  • Driving

    Killruddery Estate is located south of Bray, off the N11. From Dublin Airport, the drive is approximately 40 minutes. There is ample free parking available on the estate. Note that during winter and after heavy rain, the roads can be wet and muddy. Nearby parking is available in Bray at Q-Park Bray on Killarney Road, about 0.1 km away.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from Bray Daly Station to Killruddery House and Gardens is approximately a 4-minute drive and costs between €8-€11. A taxi from Dublin city center will cost significantly more.

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Discover more about KilIruddery Estate

Killruddery Estate, a sprawling 800-acre property in County Wicklow, has been the ancestral home of the Brabazon family, the Earls of Meath, since 1618. The estate boasts a rich history, stunning gardens, and a vibrant cultural scene, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The gardens at Killruddery are among the oldest in Ireland, with elements dating back to the 17th century. Designed by a student of André Le Nôtre, the landscape architect of Versailles, the formal gardens feature long ponds, a sylvan theatre, and distinctive outdoor rooms. Visitors can explore the flowering woodlands, walled garden, and the unique Beech Hedge Pond. The Orangery, built in 1852 and inspired by London's Crystal Palace, houses a collection of marble statues brought from Italy in the 19th century. Today, Killruddery Estate is a working farm that embraces biodiversity. Chemical-free vegetables, fruits, and free-range meats are produced on the estate and sold in the farm shop and garden center. Visitors can enjoy 'garden-to-plate' menus at the Grain Store Restaurant and Tea Room. The estate also hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year, including falconry, beekeeping workshops, outdoor concerts, and children's events. Killruddery House itself can be visited on a guided tour, offering insights into the family's history and the house's architectural evolution.

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