Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum & Parc Glynliffon
Parc Glynllifon in Gwynedd, Wales and Woodstock Gardens in Kilkenny, Ireland are currently being restored to their former glory by their relevant local authorities. The twinning of the gardens creates a link between these two similar projects and aims to promote a relationship which benefits training and sharing of expertise. The project also seeks to encourage the twinning of two rural communities, promoting cross cultural exchange and contributing to the future sustainability of Woodstock Gardens and Parc Glynllifon as cultural, educational and amenity facilities that will benefit both local and wider communities.
Woodstock Gardens are located in the south east of Kilkenny just outside the picturesque village of Inistioge. The gardens, overlooking the River Nore Valley, offer the visitor a wide variety of attractions and are a most relaxing and beautiful environment in which to spend a day. The gardens are currently undergoing restoration by Kilkenny County Council and further features and planting are being added all the time.
The main development of Woodstock Gardens occurred in the Victorian Period with the works being overseen by Lady Louisa Tighe nee Lennox and head gardeners, Pierce Butler and later Charles McDonald. The gardens are being restored to the period 1840 -1890 with every effort being made to use plants and materials typical of the era.
The gardens are home to a mix of formal and informal gardens with an arboretum, walled garden, terraced garden, yew walk and rose garden providing the main interest. Also of significance are two stunning avenues, the Monkey Puzzle Avenue and Noble Fir Avenue. Recently added are a rustic summer house, constructed from materials from the gardens and a fountain to replace the original which was sold from the gardens c.1930. The arboretum is home to many fine specimen trees from Asia and South America in particular. A number of these trees are recognised as champion trees due to their size.
The Restoration Project
The main aim of the Woodstock Gardens Restoration project is to maintain Woodstock as a heritage garden for public 
enjoyment.
Woodstock is a major heritage site whose status and importance merits conservation and restoration for future generations. The restoration is being carried out to a very high standard with due respect to the historical integrity of the site. The date bracket to which the restoration is being placed is the period c.1840 to 1900 and all planting and features correspond to this.
Restoration has now been underway for almost three years and Kilkenny County Council are actively seeking funding to continue the project into future phases of restoration.
