ALTAMONT GARDENS

ALTAMONT

GARDENS

POCKET IRELAND › Place Guides › Altamont Gardens

‹ Place Guides

Altamont Gardens captures the essence of a romantic, lost world. Located near Tullow in County Carlow, this estate is a masterclass in the Robinsonian style of gardening, which strives for "honest simplicity" by blurring the lines between manicured precision and the wild natural landscape.

JUMP TO THE PHOTOS

The Lake

A central feature of the gardens, the lake was dug as famine relief work in the 1800s. It is framed by rare rhododendrons and weeping trees that cast perfect reflections on the dark water, creating a mirror-like surface that changes mood with the passing clouds.

The Ice Age Glen

Perhaps the most atmospheric part of the estate, this ancient glen features a canopy of centuries-old oak trees and massive stone outcrops that date back to the last Ice Age. It feels prehistoric and deeply secluded.

The Hundred Steps

A hand-cut granite staircase, known as the "Hundred Steps," winds steeply down through the bluebell woods to the banks of the River Slaney, offering dramatic views of the water and the Blackstairs Mountains beyond.

While the Lake Walk itself is gentle and accessible, the path down to the River Slaney involves steep gradients and the famous 100 steps. It is not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs, but it is essential for seeing the "wild" side of the estate.

N.B. During winter these areas can be closed off due to slippery conditions.

The Temple

This structure is a beautiful example of a modern "eye-catcher" in a traditional setting. Built in 1998 by the garden's late owner, Corona North, shortly before her death, it was designed to anchor the view from the house and provide a destination for walkers. Constructed from local granite, it features six Doric columns supporting a simple domed roof. It sits in isolation on the brow of the hill, creating a striking silhouette against the sky.

Snowdrop Collection

Altamont possesses one of the largest and most diverse collections of snowdrops in Ireland, turning the ground into a carpet of white during late winter (usually February), a phenomenon known locally as "Snowdrop Week."

While summer offers the lushness of roses and rhododendrons, many insiders prefer visiting in February for the spectacular snowdrop display or late October when the ancient trees turn the glen into a tunnel of gold and russet.

Hidden Café and Plant Nursery

Don't miss the small café located within the Walled Garden. It is often described as a hidden gem itself, perfect for a post-walk scone, surrounded by the intense colours of the herbaceous borders. The plant nursery here is highly regarded by horticulturists. If you are a gardener, leave space in your car, as you can purchase rare heritage plants propagated from the garden's own collection.