Have you ever wondered what secrets lie within ancient walls? Kilruddery House and Gardens beckon you. For centuries this magnificent estate has stood sentinel overlooking the Irish countryside. It’s a living testament to generations of the Brabazon family the Earls of Meath. Their legacy stretches back to 1618 when they first made Kilruddery their home.
Kilruddery House is more than just a beautiful building. It’s a dynamic place. Three generations of Brabazons still call Kilruddery home. The gardens are among the oldest in Ireland. They offer visitors tranquil walks and stunning views. Imagine strolling through flowering woodland. Picture yourself in the formal 17th-century gardens. You can explore a high-hedge sylvan theatre or wander along the serene long ponds. Don’t miss the walled garden.
But Kilruddery is not static. It’s a vibrant working farm. It produces chemical-free vegetables fruit cut-flowers and free-range meats. You can taste these homegrown delights. Visit the Killruddery Farm Shop. Enjoy the ‘garden-to-plate’ menus at The Grain Store. Sip coffee at the Dairy Yard Coffee Shop or grab a pizza at the Pizza Shed. They are all located in the charming Killruddery Yard. The Tea Room and Carrot & Coffee Corner offer more options within the garden walls. There is a farm market every Saturday.
Kilruddery House boasts an impressive history. The current structure is a stunning Elizabethan-Revival mansion. It’s one of the earliest and most successful examples in Ireland. The house underwent a major reconstruction between 1820 and 1830. Architects Sir Richard Morrison and his son William Vitruvius Morrison were responsible. They incorporated the original 17th-century structure. The resulting house is a sprawling irregular quadrangle around a courtyard. A unique feature is the orangery. Designed by William Burn in the 1850s it’s a large domed conservatory.
The gardens are breathtaking. Originally designed for entertaining large numbers of people their scale is comparable to a park. The 4th and 6th Earls played a major role in their design. The impressive Long Ponds are twin canals. They are 187 meters long and offer magnificent views. They also once stocked fish for the house.
The house itself is full of fascinating details. The entrance hall displays the stone coat-of-arms of Sir Edward Brabazon. He was a Privy Councillor to Queen Elizabeth I and an MP for Wicklow. The Great Drawing Room showcases the neo-classical style. Its ceiling was completed in 1824 by Simon Gilligan. The Orangery houses a remarkable collection of marble statues. These were gathered in Italy between 1830 and 1850. The collection includes classical figures like Ganymede and Cupid and prominent busts.
Kilruddery has also played a role in modern entertainment. It’s been a filming location for numerous movies and television series. These include My Left Foot Far and Away Angela’s Ashes Camelot and The Tudors. More recently it’s appeared in Into the Badlands The Turning Fate: The Winx Saga and Irish Wish.
Kilruddery House and Gardens is truly a place of wonder. It combines history heritage and modern innovation. It’s a must-see destination for anyone visiting Dublin. As you leave today remember the stories etched in stone and the vibrant life that flourishes within its walls.