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Duckett's Grove: A Gothic Revival Ruin

Explore the hauntingly beautiful ruins and restored gardens of Duckett's Grove, a 19th-century Gothic mansion in County Carlow, Ireland.

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Duckett's Grove, a ruined 19th-century mansion in County Carlow, Ireland, stands as a testament to the Duckett family's prominence. Once the heart of a vast estate, the Gothic revival house was gutted by fire in 1933, leaving behind a striking silhouette of towers and turrets. Today, its restored walled gardens offer a tranquil contrast to the haunting ruins, inviting visitors to explore its history and beauty.

A brief summary to Duckett's Grove

  • Duckett's Grove, Rainestown, Co. Carlow, IE
  • Monday 9 am-8:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-8:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-8:30 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-8:30 pm
  • Friday 9 am-8:30 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-8:30 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-8:30 pm

Local tips

  • Take a guided tour, offered for free on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, to learn about the Duckett family and the history of the estate.
  • Explore the restored walled gardens, featuring historical varieties of roses, peonies and fruit trees.
  • Visit the craft studio in the courtyard, offering a selection of locally made gifts and artisan crafts.
  • Enjoy a walk through the pleasure grounds, with paths shaded by native trees and unique 'Carlow Fence' made from vertical stones.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Duckett's Grove is located in Rainestown, Co. Carlow. From Dublin/Waterford, take exit 4 off the M9 motorway and follow the signs for Castledermot & Duckett's Grove, R93 RF80. From Carlow, take the R726 Hacketstown road for 10 km to Killerig Cross Roads. Turn left at this junction onto the R418 for 2.5 km, then turn left again at the signed junction. There is a free car park available on arrival.

  • Taxi

    From Carlow town, a taxi to Duckett's Grove takes approximately 13 minutes and costs between €18-€22. Taxis are readily available in Carlow town.

  • Bus

    Bus route 874 stops near Duckett's Grove. From the Kernanstown stop, it is about a 85 minutes walk to Duckett's Grove.

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Discover more about Duckett's Grove

Duckett's Grove, located in County Carlow, is a captivating historical site, offering a glimpse into the lives of the Duckett family, who were once prominent landowners in the region. The site features the ruins of a grand 19th-century house built in a castellated Gothic revival style, designed by Thomas Cobden, along with two inter-connecting walled gardens that have been carefully restored. Originally built around 1745 as a two-story Georgian country house, it was redesigned in the 1820s for John Dawson Duckett. The Duckett family's lineage can be traced back to William the Conqueror and King Edward I. The house was the centerpiece of a 12,000-acre estate, reflecting the family's wealth and status. In 1933, a fire destroyed the interior of the house, leaving only the striking Gothic exterior. The walled gardens have been meticulously restored and opened to the public in 2007. The Upper Walled Garden features historical varieties of shrub roses and a collection of Chinese and Japanese peonies. The Lower Walled Garden contains fruit trees and shrubs, including historical varieties of Irish apple trees. Visitors can also explore pleasure grounds with paths shaded by native trees. Duckett's Grove is also known for tales of a family curse and paranormal activity. Some believe the ruins are haunted by a banshee, adding to the site's mystique. Today, visitors can take free guided tours of the grounds and gardens, available Friday to Sunday, to learn more about the Duckett family and the history of the estate.

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