Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum is located in the south east of Kilkenny, just outside the picturesque village of Inistioge. The gardens which overlook the Nore Valley offer visitors a wide variety of attractions and are a most relaxing and beautiful environment in which to spend a day.
The main development of Woodstock Gardens occurred in the Victorian Period with the works being overseen by Lady Louisa Tighe (née 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: Monkey Puzzle Avenue and Noble Fir Avenue. Of interest to many of our visitors is the rustic summer house, constructed from materials from the gardens and a fountain replacing 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. Near the arboretum is the walled garden laid out with fruit trees, a vegetable garden and a beautiful herbaceous border. Just outside the Walled garden is our stunning cast iron conservatory which houses the tea rooms. A visit to Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum is unforgettable.
Admission is €5 per car with contactless and cash payments taken. Opening hours vary with the seasons and with available daylight.
April to September 9am to 7pm daily
October to March 10am to 4:00pm daily
Including weekends and bank holidays.
For any queries between 9am- 5pm please contact Kilkenny County Council +353 (0) 56 7794 441
Any Queries outside of these times please contact Head Gardener John +353 (0)878549785
