At last the summer has really arrived and we are now open every day for June July and August. The tours of the house are on the hour in the afternoon, and the tearoom and giftshop opens between 12.00 – 17.30 everyday too. We have also been hard at work in the gardens and are clearing a new quarter of the wilderness and planting new shrubs and making paths. The new rose garden is taking shape as well so come along and see what we’ve been up to…

We really enjoyed ourselves over the last weekend and thanks to the lovely sunshine and rising temperatures all our bluebells are now out and coming into their best.

This weekend we are a stage stop for vintage cars on the Highbank proper cider run - this will be taking place on the afternoon of Sunday May 12th so come along and see some lovely old vintage cars, and don’t forget to bring your camera to take some pictures of the bluebells!

It finally looks like spring has sprung so make sure you come along and visit us during Bluebell week! This year we will be putting on special woodland walks and opening a brand new woodland path. The refurbished tea room and gift shop will also be open and visitors can also explore the castle on a guided tour. We are open every day between the 4th – 12th May 1-5 pm.

We are hard at work putting in a brand new Rose Garden in place, and getting the gardens ready for Easter. This year we will be running a fantastic Treasure Trail for children where the kids will have to follow clues, explore the woodlands, and meet different characters to get their hands on loads of lucky dip goodies! There is no need to book – you can just turn up anytime between 1 and 5pm on the Saturday, Sunday or Monday.

This is National Tree week and we are looking forward to celebrating some of our amazing trees on St. Patrick’s weekend with guided tree walks and tours from 1pm till 5pm on the 16th 17th and Monday 18th March. The new tearooms and giftshop will also be open so come rain or shine there will be something for everybody.

Over the Easter Weekend we will also be open for our fantastic Easter Treasure Hunt which will feature a fun treasure trail through the woods and gardens with a gift for all children who take part. Our adventure playground will also be open along with tours of the Castle as well as the tearooms – so make sure you bring the family for a great day out. open on Easter Sat, Sun and Mon 1pm till 5pm.

Come along and spend a few hours out and about walking through our famous gardens and woods. See the early snowdrops and take part in our guided nature walk to find out what’s going on in the world of nature.

*** Snowdrops

*** Children’s adventure playground

***Guided nature walk at 3.00 pm each day

***Guided tours of the castle (extra)

***New for 2013: Refurbished tea rooms and gift shop

Admission €2.50 u 12’s. €5.00 adults. Family tickets available.

We are looking forward to our christmas fair this Saturday 8th December from midday until 6pm . there will be stands selling delicious food, kooky crafts, and perfect presents so come along to experience some christmas magic.

We will also be having a christmas ‘wish tree’ where you can buy a ribbon in aid of the Andrew Dawson lukemia fund so please give generously towards this great cause.

Other events include our ‘Letter to Santa’ and christmas tour where you can see the castle decorated for christmas and find out some interesting christmas facts as well as meeting the man himself as he relaxes in the tapestry room.  We will have a letter workshop to help write the perfect letter so book your places by calling us on 05393 77160.

This Saturday 22nd September make sure you come along and sample our first saturday kids club between 2 – 5 pm with a fantastic day of supervised activities at the castle. Kids and parents can join in fun activities and learn something new:

*Craft and painting class with a take home wooden animal *Activities and adventures in the playground *Nature walks and treasure trail *Tearooms open for parents and kids!

ADMISSION: Adult €5.00 Child €9.50 Please call or email to book places suitable for ages 2-10 yrs.

We are really looking forward to what promises to be a fantastic and fun packed week! We will be running three extra special tours through-out the week to celebrate aspects of the castle you don’t always get to see…

One tour will focus more on ‘History through objects’ and will tell the tale of history through pieces as diverse as military weapons and tibetan prayer bells. The other tour will talk more about the different family characters and legends, while the flora and fauna tour will take visitors outside through the beautiful gardens and woodlands pointing out unique features such as champion trees, wildlife, and the restored water features. 

The tours will be taking place every afternoon between the 18-26th August and no booking is necessary. You can just turn up and enjoy a fascinating afternoon.

After Saturdays fascinating talk  with Thomas Packemham we are really looking forward to thursday morning with Dr John McCullen of the OPW. John is an expert on Irish flora and fauna as well as the history of Gardens so make sure you come along for what promises to be a very informative talk. We will also be having tree surgery and hedge laying demonstrations as well as local crafts people. The tea rooms will be open for light lunches as well as tea’s, coffees and some tasty treats!