Why You Should Visit Haunting Duckett’s Grove in Co. Carlow

“It was a vanity project” were the first words of our guide as we stood in Duckett’s Grove’s former courtyard. Duckett’s Grove used to be an extraordinary manor house rebuilt and expanded in Gothic Revival style, complete with towers and turrets—a true show of wealth aimed at impressing anyone who set their eyes on it. Destroyed in a fire in 1933, the empty shell remains as fascinating as ever, letting the visitor’s imagination run wild.

While the great house is beyond saving, the walled garden has been restored and opened to the public. Intrigued by its burned silhouette standing against a background of endless fields, I travelled to County Carlow to immerse myself in Duckett’s Grove’s unique story of glory and decay. Let me tell you why this now burned down manor house has taken a spot among my favourite places to visit in Ireland’s southeast.

What Is Duckett’s Grove?

A Ruined Castle With Restored Walled Gardens

Surrounded by endless maize fields thriving under the sun of County Carlow, Duckett’s Grove stands as a hauntingly beautiful testament to the former grandeur of a rich family. Once the elaborate manor house of the Ducketts, wealthy landowners of English descent with French origins, the castle was tragically destroyed by fire at the beginning of the 20th century. Today, the ruins of Duckett’s Grove still evoke a sense of bygone splendour, with one of its towers rising high above the crumbling structure, creating a romantic, if not ethereal, atmosphere that captures everyone’s imagination.

While the house is understandably off-limits, visitors to Duckett’s Grove can freely explore its beautifully restored walled gardens. These gardens offer a vivid and picturesque setting, showcasing a variety of plants, flowers, and fruit trees, which contrast starkly against the melancholic ruins in the background. As you wander the alleyways, now superbly revived, you can’t help but wonder how life must have been for those privileged enough to call this magnificent estate their home.

The History of Duckett’s Grove

The history of Duckett’s Grove begins in the late 17th century, when the Duckett family arrived from England, purchasing lands in County Carlow. By the mid-18th century, a Georgian country house was constructed on the land. As the Ducketts married into families of wealthy merchants and bankers, their estate expanded, and the house was remodelled in the early 19th century in the Gothic Revival style, complete with castellated walls and towers to showcase their growing wealth. This impressive house became the centrepiece of a sprawling 12,000-acre estate that stretched as far as the eye could see.

Although the Ducketts were Protestant, their benevolent attitude toward their Catholic employees earned them the high regard of the local population, providing work and support during the Famine. In 1908, William Duckett passed away without children, leaving the estate to his second wife, Maria Georgina. She lived in the house until her daughter, William’s stepdaughter, married in 1916, prompting Maria to move to Dublin, where she owned a luxurious residence.

In 1921, the house was sold and occupied by the IRA, who used the Greek and Roman statues dotting the grounds for target practice, though they left the house’s interior untouched, a testament to the community’s respect for the Duckett family. The house changed hands again but was tragically destroyed by fire in 1933. The cause of the fire remains suspicious, possibly set for insurance money or tax reasons, as a house without a roof did not incur property taxes.

In 2005, Carlow County Council purchased the estate. Since then, the beautifully restored walled gardens have been opened to the public, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of Duckett’s Grove and preserving its historical legacy for future generations.

Is Duckett’s Grove Haunted?

For those seeking an extra thrill, the guided tour of Duckett’s Grove may mention a few ghostly legends. One such story recounts the tragic tale of William Duckett’s young mistress, who died in a riding accident. Overwhelmed by grief, her mother cursed the Duckett family, leading some to speculate if this curse was responsible for the family’s decline in fortune. William died without a male heir, and his wife, Maria Georgina, suffered from paranoia and probable dementia. Could this misfortune be attributed to the curse? Visitors have also reported seeing a young woman in a white dress wandering the grounds of Duckett’s Grove, believed to be the ghost of the tragic mistress.

Rumours of spectral sightings at Duckett’s Grove even attracted the attention of the American TV show Destination Truth in 2011, which investigated the estate for paranormal activities. Whether you’re a sceptic or a believer, the eerie tales surrounding Duckett’s Grove add an intriguing side to this already fascinating historical site.

Things to Do in Duckett’s Grove

Visiting Duckett’s Grove exceeded my expectations. What should have been a quick visit turned into nearly three hours of exploration and relaxation in beautiful surroundings.

Wander Through the Beautifully Restored Walled Gardens

The number one reason to visit Duckett’s Grove is to wander through its beautifully restored walled gardens, with the ruined castle providing an eerie backdrop for your walk.

The gardens are quite unique, as two of them interconnect, having been created by the Ducketts to produce enough vegetables and fruits to feed the household and its many employees (up to 70). You will be happy to learn that access is entirely free, making Duckett’s Grove a must-visit destination if you are travelling in Ireland on a budget.

Today, the restored “Upper Walled Garden” showcases vibrant borders of shrubs, roses, and peonies along an impressive curving wall of red bricks and narrow alleys. While the ingenious heated greenhouses that once produced exotic fruits like pineapples are sadly gone, one can’t help but wonder if they might be recreated one day to bring back even more the garden’s historical charm. The “Lower Walled Garden” was the family’s old orchard. Here, apple trees are thriving once more, and visitors are welcome to enjoy a fresh apple during their stroll.

Enjoy a Free Guided Tour of the Estate

Duckett’s Grove offers a free guided tour that runs twice daily from Friday to Sunday. Like me, you can book online to secure your spot, but I don’t believe it is necessary as the demand seemed quite low when I visited in the summer.

During the tour, your guide will provide fascinating background information about the Duckett family, including how they arrived in County Carlow, how they were perceived by the locals, and the reasons behind their departure.

The tour includes a comprehensive walk through the gardens, where your guide will highlight various interesting features and the work carried out by the head gardener to revive these once glorious gardens.

The tour also takes you for a walk around the former manor house, where your guide will explain its many architectural features, including its magnificent viewing tower, and recount the dramatic fate of this once magnificent jewel. You’ll hear a wealth of intriguing anecdotes about Duckett’s Grove and the various people who resided, legally or illegally, on the property over the years until it was finally brought under the protection of Carlow County Council.

The tour is an hour-long deep dive into the history of Duckett’s Grove and the history of Ireland, led by an enthusiastic guide, passionate about this historical place in Ireland’s southeast. I would recommend it to any visitors.

If English is not your forte, audio guides in various languages are also available for free at the reception/tourist office in the courtyard.

Ideal Off-the-Beaten-Path Destination to Relax

Duckett’s Grove is the ideal off-the-beaten-path destination for a quiet lunch. Hidden in a converted outbuilding, The Lazy River Café offers a surprisingly varied menu. You can order anything from soup to sandwiches and even burgers. For those with a sweet tooth, the café also has an array of treats like brownies and muffins. With outside tables available in the courtyard, you can enjoy your lunch al fresco in the shadow of the great manor house.

In addition to the café, a tiny gift and craft shop can be found on site, offering a selection of charming souvenirs and handcrafted items. Don’t hesitate to take a peek; you could be taking home a piece of Duckett’s Grove.

What I love about Duckett’s Grove is that it is truly off the beaten path. As a visitor, you can slow down and take the time to enjoy the place without the hustle and bustle of more crowded tourist spots. The tour guide even admitted that some locals are unaware of its existence, making it a hidden gem perfect for a peaceful and picturesque lunch experience.

How to get to Duckett’s Grove?

How to find Duckett’s Grove and get there?

Direction to Duckett’s Grove

Duckett’s Grove, located in the north of County Carlow, is a fascinating historical site, but getting there requires a bit of planning as there is no public transport available. To visit this whimsical place, which is literally off the main road, you will need to rent a car. The most convenient option is to rent a vehicle at Dublin Airport, where you will find all the major rental agencies. You can start by comparing your options on sites like rentalcars.com.

From Dublin, it took me a little over an hour to reach Duckett’s Grove by taking the M7 and M9 motorways. It is an easy drive, and there are no tolls on this route, which is always a plus. Once you exit the M9 for Castledermot, it is just another 10 minutes on country roads to Duckett’s Grove.

Duckett’s Grove is also situated about 40-50 minutes from Kilkenny, making it an excellent stop if you are planning a road trip from Dublin to one of my favourite heritage towns in Ireland.

On arrival, we will find a free car park. 

Duckett’s Grove opening times

Duckett’s Grove is open to visitors from April to October, from 8:30 am to 8:30 pm, and from November to March, between 8:30am and 5pm.

The café, however, has different hours: from January to March, it is open Friday to Sunday and on Bank Holidays from 9am to 3pm. Starting from the 1st of March, the café operates seven days a week.

Duckett’s Grove is truly a hidden gem that captures the imagination of all who visit. The contrast between its glorious past and its current state of ruin is striking, a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of wealth and power. The restored walled garden provides a glimpse into the manor’s former splendour, while the haunting remains of the great house add mystery and drama to your visit in Ireland’s sunny southeast. Do not miss it!

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