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Duckett's Grove: A Gothic Revival Ruin

Explore the romantic ruins and restored gardens of Duckett's Grove, a historic estate in County Carlow, Ireland. A glimpse into Ireland's past.

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Duckett's Grove, located in County Carlow, is a ruined 19th-century mansion that was once the heart of a vast estate owned by the Duckett family. Destroyed by fire in 1933, its dramatic Gothic revival exterior remains, offering a glimpse into the past. Today, visitors can explore the ruins and wander through the restored walled gardens.

A brief summary to Duckett's Grove

  • Duckett's Grove, Rainestown, Co. Carlow, IE

Local tips

  • Visit on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday to take advantage of the free guided tours at 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm.
  • Pick up a free audio guide at the reception point in the courtyard to learn about the history and characters of Duckett's Grove.
  • Explore both the Upper and Lower Walled Gardens to see the diverse plant collections and historical varieties.
  • Bring children to enjoy the playground located within the pleasure grounds.
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Getting There

  • Car

    From Dublin/Waterford, take exit 4 off the M9 motorway. Follow the signs for Castledermot, then take the R418 Castledermot – Tullow road for 6km. Turn right at the signed junction. 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 at Duckett's Grove.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from Carlow Town to Duckett's Grove takes approximately 13 minutes and costs between €18 - €22. Taxi services available in Carlow include Erin Cabs, Carlow Cab Service, and Bridge Cabs Carlow.

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Discover more about Duckett's Grove

Duckett's Grove, an iconic landmark in County Carlow, is a testament to the grandeur and eventual decline of the Anglo-Irish gentry. Built around 1745 as a Georgian country house, it was later transformed in the 1820s into a castellated Gothic revival mansion by architect Thomas Cobden for John Dawson Duckett. The Duckett family, who originated from England, were significant landowners in Carlow for over 300 years. The estate originally spanned 12,000 acres and was a symbol of the Duckett family's wealth and influence. The mansion featured towers, turrets, and ornate details, showcasing a desire to impress. Inside, the house was richly decorated to reflect the families status. The Duckett family were known for their contributions to agricultural development and their involvement in local politics and social affairs. Following the departure of the Duckett family, the estate was managed by agents and later used by local farmers. In 1933, a fire tragically destroyed the interior of the house, leaving only the striking Gothic exterior. In 2005, Carlow County Council acquired the property and began restoring the walled gardens, opening them to the public in 2007. Today, visitors can explore the Upper and Lower Walled Gardens, which feature historical varieties of roses, Chinese and Japanese peonies, fruit trees, and shrubs. The pleasure grounds offer scenic paths shaded by native trees. A children's playground is also located within the grounds. Guided tours are available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, offering insights into the history of the Duckett family and the estate. Visitors can also pick up a free audio guide to learn more about the site's history.

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