Things To Do Explore the Gardens and Beyond Woodstock Gardens & Arboretum is open to the public and there is so much for you to explore. Woodstock Gardens & Arboretum is the perfect place for a family day out that offers plenty of fun for every member of your family, from the littlest adventurers to the young at heart. Whether you’re seeking an outdoor playground for the kids, educational adventures for curious minds, or simply a tranquil space to unwind with loved ones, Woodstock Gardens & Arboretum is the perfect destination. Discover the boundless fun and exploration that awaits you, making this a place where cherished memories are created at every stage of life. From toddlers to grandparents, there’s something for everyone. The Woodland Trail This downloadable tree trail map highlights some of our favourites. Click here to download Explore the trees for which Woodstock Gardens & Arboretum is renowned and enjoy the tranquillity of our woodland walks through beech and oak woodland. The woodland trail leaves from the car park. This walk, which takes approximately 25 minutes, will bring you back to the formal gardens via the Noble Fir Walk or if preferred, a longer walk through the loop walk will connect one back to the Gardens via the Monkey Puzzle Avenue. Gardens & Arboretum Arboretum Alongside the beautiful floral gardens in Woodstock Gardens, we have a large arboretum with many unusual tree-lined walks. The arboretum is dominated by conifers, notably Pinus montezumae var hartwegi, (Hartweg’s pine), Sequoia sempervirens (Coast Redwood), Cryptomeria japonica (Japanese Cedar), Sequoia dendron giganteum (Giant Redwood), Chamaecyparis pisifera (Sawara cypress), Thuja standishii (Japanese Arbor-vitae) and Thuja plicata ‘Zebrina’ (Golden Variegated Western Red Cedar) to name a few. In addition to the conifers are several other notable trees including Fagus sylvatica ‘Pendula’ (Weeping beech – Irish Clone), Castanea sativa (Sweet Chestnut), Quercus ilex (Holm Oak), Luma apiculata (Chilean myrtle), Crinodendron hookerianum (Chilean Lantern Bush). Read more about the various plant species Winter Garden The Winter Garden was designed in the 1860’s by Scottish man, Charles McDonald, then head gardener at Woodstock. The garden is made up of four sunken panels that once contained elaborately planted parterres. These were sited within a massive embanked terrace, held in place by ashlar granite stone walling. The creation of the great terrace was a massive undertaking and involved the removal of more than 200,000 cubic yards of soil from the area adjacent to the Monkey Puzzle walk thus forming the present rockery and ponds. The masonry was quarried, cut and ornamented by local men, as were the granite balls and finials that once surmounted the wall coping. On the east side a magnificent perron staircase, surmounted by balls and cast-iron urns, led down to the Croquet Lawn. The positioning of the Winter Garden provided a foreground to the magnificent views to Brandon Hill and the River Nore Valley and complemented the late 18th Century ‘natural’ landscape. Each sunken panel of the Winter Garden was planted with evergreen trees and shrubs set out in regular patterns. The beds were surrounded by coloured gravel, which gave a certain amount of colour throughout the year. The highly contrived patterns of this ornamental area could be admired from the elevated position of the house. The sunken garden maximised the possibilities of the parterres, enabling visitors to look down as well as across. Access to the Winter Garden from Woodstock House was by means of a magnificent iron staircase, designed by the famous Dublin iron master Richard Turner. The Gardener’s Chronicle in 1863 described the staircase as being ‘a masterpiece of elegance and durability’. The two panels nearest the house had an embroidered design in box with a red gravel background – in the style of what was sometimes known as a ‘parterre des pièces coupées’. The two panels furthest from the house were designed as a St. Andrew’s Cross, with one pair of the resultant triangles filled with scroll work in a Grecian honeysuckle design and the other pair filled with flowers. Plants used in the garden included Japanese laurel, Alexandrian laurel, butcher’s broom, cotton lavender, Laurustinus, box and yew. The Summer House (Knox’s Bower) The summer house is rectangular in plan and 5 metres by 2.7 metres in size. It was originally constructed from logs with a cane lining set in a herringbone pattern. The roof cornice was also decorated with cane lining set in diagonal diamond patterns, from which projected a set of four antlers. The Summer House was mentioned by a visitor to Woodstock in 1863:- ‘at the top of the walk is a pretty rustic arbour erected by an ingenious labourer on the place. From this can be obtained a beautiful view of Brandon, and to the left, towards Kilkenny, fine distant views of the hill and dale’. (The Gardener’s Chronicle and Agricultural Gazette, February 21st 1863) Further information comes from another article ten years later: ‘the ground rises very considerably all the way to Knox’s Bower. A spur of Mount Alto is the background and from this point blends finely into the park. By this walk we meet Rhododendrons in broad masses … we are in front of ‘Knox’s Bower’, standing on the edge of a gentle, natural looking slope. This bower is of elegant design and exquisite workmanship and it commands a beautiful view of Brandon and the country to the east of it. Here we find at an outside suitable point, nine fine young Araucarias (Monkey puzzles) planted on a curved line’ (Journal of Horticulture and Cottage Gardener) We would have had no idea of the appearance of ‘Knox’s Bower’ was it not for a photograph in the Hamwood Collection. This depicted the arbour as it appeared in the 1860’s. The summer house was recreated in 2003 by Lionel Powell with grant assistance from BNS Leader and the Kilkenny Civic Trust. The Fountain The fountain you see today is a replica of the original fountain which once occupied this position. The original is believed to have been sold in the 1920’s. The fountain is located in the ‘Pleasure Grounds’, adjacent to the Walled Garden and was clearly intended as a focal point as it is visible from many viewpoints. The fountain was composed of two tiers of stone basins rising out of a circular stone lined pond. The fountain was described by Thomas Lacy who visited the gardens in October 1860 as a ‘powerful jet d’eau’, in the centre of the circular stone basin of about 24 feet in diameter. Evidence from old photographs and the Ordnance Survey maps show that the basin was enclosed in a large area of gravel and a path ran to the pedestrian gate of the Walled Garden. Clearly the fountain was carefully located to lie on axis with one of the cross paths of the Walled Garden. Photographs also show Rhododendrons planted on thelawns around the fountain. ‘By this walk we meet Rhododendrons in broad masses and as single specimens, especially the large scarlet ones near the fountain. Here too is a great Mass of the Mediterranean Heath, and also many fine shrubs which time will not permit to note’ (Journal of Horticulture and Cottage Gardener, June 20th, 1872, p504) The Flower Terraces The terraced flower garden lies to the western side of the walled garden and was completed in the early 1850’s by Lady Louisa Tighe. It comprises three long terraces, formerly devoted to annual bedding schemes. The central path was aligned upon a very fine circular conservatory designed and built in 1853-56 by the famous Dublin iron master, Richard Turner and has been described as one of his finest works. Flanking the other end of the terrace was a semi-circular wrought iron seat, also by Turner. There is no knowledge of a professional garden designer being involved and it seems most likely that most of the work was largely planned by the then head gardener, Pierce Butler who died in 1858. The garden had to be created by making three level terraces in the gentle slope of the hillside, rising above the Walled Garden. The completed work was c.340ft (c.103m) long and 90ft (c.27m) wide overall. The central or middle terrace was aligned upon the conservatory and was flanked each side by gravel paths. The flower beds between these paths were of a classic Victorian chain of circles consisting of a series of double concentric circles enclosed by low box edging running down the centre. The inner circle of each was filled with bedded annuals and the outer ring with red and white coloured gravels obtained from the demesne. An extract from the Irish Farmers Gazette in 1863 described the flower terraces as a very extensive chain border of very beautiful design and execution. ‘Set in grass, planted with rich scarlet pelargoniums and other bedding out plants in full bloom and the walks covered, as is now the fashion, with different coloured gravels (by-the-bye a fashion we don’t admire)’. The upper terrace of the garden was separated from the middle terrace by a bank. This also contained flower and gravel beds in a diamond pattern. The lower terrace flanked the Walled Garden, the wall itself being planted with Garrya latifolia, Magnolias, Viburnums, Smilax, Tasmania aromatica and Olea excelsa. The Rockery The Rockery is an enchanting and atmospheric feature and is a by-product of the excavations carried out to provide material for the Winter Garden. The rockery was completed in 1862, the date being supplied by a convenient date stone near the entrance to the pool area. Over 50,000 loads of earth were taken to create the terraces of the Winter Garden. The resulting cutting was faced with masses of granite rock and white quartz boulders. Main features include a pond with small islands, a spring called the ‘rock well’ and a number of viewing points along the top, the most prominent of which is located at the southern end. The rockery is in quite a good state of preservation, however some of the rockwork has collapsed and needs to be restored. A heavy overhang of trees has been recently cleared allowing more light through to the rockery. Unfortunately, little remains of the original planting with the exception of a palm which gives a tropical accent at the northern end. Plants would have included Osmunda regalis (Royal Fern) and many other native ferns, Stonecrops, Saxifrages, Linaria cymbalaria (Toadflax) and Spiraea filipendula. The small islands were planted with bamboo and New Zealand flax. One contemporary writer of the day wrote ‘In many places, this rockery would be considered a great work; never in this case of garden have we seen component parts so well united- ‘To form one beauteous well-connected whole To charm the eye and captivate the soul’ ‘It would have been worse than useless to attempt to describe in a paper like this the details of such a rock garden where there is such a wealth of rare things. It may interest some to know, that the more valued plants in the rock garden have in certain cases 5 feet deep prepared for them, and filled with peat, leaf mould, or the kind of material best suited to the plants intended to be grown; yet this preparation is not perceptible to strangers, but the results are unmistakeable’ (Journal of Horticulture and Cottage Gardener, June 13th 1872, p482) Tea Room and Picnic Area click here to visit information page Woodstock Loop Walks Want to explore further? The Woodstock Loop Walks provide a means to explore the fabulous gardens, the wider woodlands of the original 850 acre estate and the stunning waterfall. The walks offer a delightful mix of nature, history, and gentle adventure—perfect for walkers of all ages and fitness levels. Trail Name Distance Time Difficulty Highlights Woodstock Loop 4.5 km 1–1.5 hours Moderate Gardens, Forest Paths, River Views Woodstock Waterfall Loop 4.5 km 1–1.5 hours Moderate Waterfall, Woodland, Scenic Vistas Ladies Loop 3 km 45 min–1 hour Moderate Shorter Route, Peaceful Forest Setting Click there to download a pdf of the Woodstock Loop Walks Map For further information see https://www.trailkilkenny.ie/activity-trail/walking-trails/woodstock-loop-walk/ Ice-cream Hut and Coffee Truck Whether you need a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon recharge, our coffee truck offers a variety of hot and iced drinks. Our ice cream hut is the perfect place to cool down on a sunny afternoon or treat yourself after a long day. Ideal for kids, families, and anyone who loves a good brain freeze! Opening Times May – June (inclusive) – Saturdays & Sundays July – August (inclusive) – 7 days a week September – Saturdays & Sundays Wedding Venue If you’re looking for a unique and intimate setting for your civil ceremony, Woodstock Gardens & Arboretum is the ideal venue. Our stunning gardens and enchanting woodlands are licensed for civil ceremonies, providing the perfect backdrop for your special day and unforgettable wedding photos. Woodstock Gardens is also available for exclusive wedding photography sessions at a rate of €100. Advance booking is essential to ensure availability and for insurance purposes. For further information on weddings at Woodstock Gardens or to view our facilities for the possibility of a civil ceremony please contact:056 7794441 or woodstock@kilkennycoco.ie. Event Venue Woodstock Gardens & Arboretum is more than a scenic retreat—it’s a vibrant venue for hosting a wide variety of events that celebrate nature, heritage, and community spirit. Whether you’re planning a cultural gathering, a wellness retreat, or a family-friendly day out, Woodstock Gardens & arboretum offers a unique and flexible setting that blends Victorian charm with outdoor beauty. What You Can Host at Woodstock Gardens & Arboretum Guided Garden Tours & Talks Ideal for horticultural groups, schools, or history enthusiasts looking to explore the estate’s rich legacy and biodiversity. Workshops & Retreats From gardening and nature crafts to yoga and mindfulness sessions, the tranquil surroundings make it perfect for immersive experiences. Outdoor Performances & Concerts The gardens have hosted live music and theatre events, especially during summer months when the grounds are in full bloom. Community & Cultural Events Seasonal festivals, art exhibitions, and local heritage days bring people together in celebration of Kilkenny’s creative spirit. Family Fun Days With woodland trails, a playground, and orienteering courses, Woodstock is a natural fit for school outings or family adventure days. Venue Features Multiple garden zones for flexible event layouts Tea Rooms in the Turner Conservatory for refreshments Outdoor seating and picnic areas Newly upgraded trails and signage for easy navigation Dog-friendly and accessible for all age For further information on hosting an event at Woodstock Gardens & Arboretum or to view our facilities please contact :056 7794441 or woodstock@kilkennycoco.ie.
