Huntington Castle & Gardens: A Fairytale Estate
Discover a fairytale castle in Ireland's Ancient East, with stunning gardens, fascinating history, and family-friendly fun.
Huntington Castle, also known as Clonegal Castle, is a historic castle and gardens in County Carlow, Ireland, dating back to 1625. Originally built as a garrison, it evolved into a family home and is now open for guided tours, offering a glimpse into its rich history and beautiful grounds.
A brief summary to Huntington Castle & Gardens
- Huntington Castle, Clonegall, Huntington, Co. Carlow, Y21 K237, IE
- +353539377160
- Visit website
Local tips
- Check the Huntington Castle website or Facebook page for updated schedules of events, especially around holidays like Christmas, Halloween, and Easter.
- Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the castle, gardens, and grounds.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven ground and exploring the gardens.
- Note that no dogs are allowed on the grounds.
- Consider staying overnight in one of the castle rooms for a truly immersive experience.
Getting There
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Driving
Huntington Castle is located in the village of Clonegal, Co. Carlow. From Carlow town, follow the N80 towards Ballon and Enniscorthy. Approximately 6 kilometers past Ballon, turn left onto the L2024 towards Clonegal. In Clonegal, turn right and drive through the village towards the river. The entrance to Huntington Castle is on the right before the bridge. Drive up the avenue to the car park opposite the Tea Rooms. Parking is free. Note that buses and trucks must use a specified route when entering from the north.
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Public Transport
To reach Huntington Castle via public transport, take a Bus Éireann Expressway service from Dublin's Busáras (central bus station) to Waterford. This bus will stop at Kildavin, a village 3km from Clonegal. From Kildavin, you can take a taxi to Huntington Castle. Alternatively, take a bus from Carlow to Kildavin. From Kildavin, it is a short taxi ride to Huntington Castle. Bus fares from Dublin to Kildavin range from €21-€28. Taxi fares from Kildavin to Huntington Castle are approximately €10-€15.
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Walking
If arriving in Clonegal village via the Wicklow Way, Huntington Castle's entrance is located just off the main street near Osborne's pub. Walk along the avenue, enjoying the views of the tall French lime trees planted in 1680. The walk from the entrance gates to the castle is approximately 5-10 minutes. There is no charge for walking the avenue to the castle entrance.
Discover more about Huntington Castle & Gardens
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Ballyloughan Castle
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Essential places to dine
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The Pint Depot
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Clashganny House Restaurant
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La Gusto
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Saviour Boutique
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Loch Garman Antiques and Collectables
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