Kilruddery House and Gardens is an elegant 19th century regency mansion with elaborate gardens within 1,200 acres on the Kilruddery Demesne Estate and is located on the outskirts of Bray, County Wicklow in the south east of Ireland. It has been home to Brabazon family, the Earls of Meath since 1618. Kilruddery is absolutely gorgeous, and is known as “the garden of Ireland in the garden of Ireland”.
This large country house is thought to be one of the best examples of a Elizabethan Revival Mansion in Ireland. It dates back to the 17th century and was designed by the architect Sir William Morris. Access to the house is by guided tour only, where visitors will get to see the wealth and opulence and learn about the history of this gorgeous house. The many rooms of the house retains many of its original features, architecture, stunning antiques and family portraits.
The spectacular gardens here at Kilruddery are one of the few surviving 17th century gardens in Ireland. These renowned gardens are filled with lovely planting and wooded areas, water features and distinctive outdoor rooms. The gardens are divided into different areas, the formal gardens were designed by French gardener Bonet in 1682. Notable features of the gardens are the Angles, the Long Ponds, the Wilderness, the Sylvan Theatre, the Lime Walks and the Beech Hedge Pond.
The Orangery is an impressive feature of the house and is influenced by the bold style of Crystal Palace in London, it was designed and built by William Burns in 1852. It contains a number of marble statues brought back from a grand tour of Italy during 1830-1850 by the 11th Earl. The collection includes a number of classical sculptures and busts of Napoleon, William Pitt and Wellington.
A farm market takes place here every Saturday from 10.00am to 4.00pm. There is a great selection of locally grown and produced products for sale, as well as craft items and more. There is hot food available and a pleasant atmosphere pervades.
Throughout the year a number of events, activities and festivals take place, including outdoor concerts, falconry, yoga, crafts, painting, hiking and much more catering to all ages and interests.
There are delightful Tea Rooms where visitors can enjoy the pleasant surroundings whilst sampling the tasty light lunches, snacks and delicious home baked goods. Much of the ingredients used in the Tea Room are grown on the estate.
Kilruddery House and Gardens are open weekends only from October to April and daily from May to September. Guided tours of the house are available Saturday to Thursday when the gardens are open. There are no House tours on a Friday.