Shankill Castle and Gardens

Set in the countryside of Co. Kilkenny just 10 miles from Kilkenny and 12 miles from Carlow, Shankill Castle and Gardens contain many unique features from the 18th, 19th and 20 century, including moated and walled gardens.

Shankill Castle started as a Bulter tower-house near the ruins of an old church. In 1708 Shankill was rebuilt and set in a formal landscape, with vista to the front and canal to the rear. In the 19th century, Shankill was enlarged and castellated, serpentine bays added to the canal and an unusual polyhedral sundial given pride of place on a sunken lawn. A gothic porch bearing the Alyward crest and a delightful conservatory were other additions. The stable-yard and the castellated entrance to the demesne are attributed to Daniel Robertson.

To visit Shankill is to sense the landscape's historical journey over the last three centuries of cultivation. In the garden there are remnants of 18th century lime all�es, 19th century laurel lawns, some Victorian favourites such as the now gigantic Sequoias and 20th century, self-sown ash trees. The moated garden, once a rose garden then forgotten and planted with Sitka spruces is now a spring garden, and the graveyard blooms all year round. The walled garden has a charming apple arch under-planted with red tulips; and some antique goblet-shaped pear trees trained against a mellow brick wall.

Shankill remains a residence in good standing, lovingly maintained. Since 1991 Shankill Castle is home and studio to the artist Elizabeth Cope, whose paintings are on display.

If You Go: Shakill Castle and Gardens are open every Sunday, between June and August, 14.00-17.00, and accepts group bookings at other times by arrangement. Admission to Castle and Gardens is �10 and the Gardens only �5.