DinnerBreakfastLunchBrunchDessertWine

Tea Room

Craft Fair

Parties Events and Groups

Home

Tearoom & Gallery closed for the winter....please check this website for opening dates.

tullynally

castle

&

gardens

castlepollard co. westmeath

Tullynally has been the home of the Pakenhams, later Earls of Longford, for over 350 years. The original 17th century fortified house was remodelled first as a comfortable Georgian mansion, then as a huge rambling gothic revival castle in the early 1800's, by the 2nd Earl of Longford. It is still lived in as the family home, now probably one of the largest in Ireland to survive in private hands. The interiors, part Georgian, part Gothic revival, have a fine collection of furniture and pictures. Guided tours also take in the splendid Victorian kitchens and laundries, complete with all their equipment. (n.b. castle tours by previous appointment only : see contact us).The gardens, like the castle are on a magnificent scale, taking in nearly 12 acres. Terraced lawns around the castle overlook superb 18th century parkland. The adjoining woodland gardens and walled gardens date largely from the early 19th century and encompass a grotto of eroded limestone from nearby Lough Derravaragh and two ornamental lakes. The present owners have added a Chinese garden, complete with pagoda and a Tibetan garden of waterfalls and streams; and a local sculptor has made fantastic woodcarvings in existing roots and trees. The walled gardens have extensive flower borders and an avenue of magnificent 200 year old Irish yews.For children, there is also an Adventure Trail leading to the lower lake, and for those who wish to take the gardens more slowly, there is an assortment of delightful, ornamental summer houses and seats, each offering a different view.

Gardens closed until Spring

Garden Opening Hours...

May to September

Thursday to Sunday

Including Bank Holidays

1 pm to 6 pm

Walk through the Gardens snc14003 2

Terraces

Desmesne And Terraces

Tullynally has been the home of the Pakenham family, later Earls of Longford, since the 17th century. There is an illustration and description of a large formal garden here in a family journal of 1736...."My brother's house" wrote George Pakenham, "is situated in the declivity of a hill from whence descending by a variety of slopeworks you come to a basin 300 foot wide; from this cascade falling into another basin at the head of a canal... on each side a large grass walk planted with trees. From this canal runs another near a mile in length... and terminates in a large basin at the foot of 3 or 4 beautiful hills".All that remains of this great water garden however is the lake to the far right of the DESMESNE; for soon afterwards the taste for more romantic "natural" landscaping reached Ireland and it was all swept away. By 1760 the park was already laid out much as it is today. The TERRACES date from Victorian days when croquet and tennis came into their own.

Pleasure Ground maples1

Pleasure ground...

Pass through the red gates to the right of the terrace and you enter the informal WOODLAND GARDEN or PLEASURE GROUND which succeeded the formal walks and canals of the early 18th century. There are many exotic species of trees here including new collections of magnolias and maples.To the left, stone steps lead down through an old beech grove to the upper pond or RIVER SHAM (so called because it is curved to look like a river). The main gravel path leads to the walled FLOWER GARDEN and KITCHEN GARDEN. A few yards down it a Victorian garden seat marks a view of Knock Ion, the beautiful conical hill by Lough Derravaragh. Just beyond a turn to the right will take you to the GROTTO. Note the cut-leaved beech beside it which is reverting in places to the normal beech leaf.

Grotto Path

The Grotto Path

The GROTTO PATH is planted as in Victorian times with ferns, periwinkle and laurels under a canopy of old beech. The grotto is built of the natural eroded limestone found by Lough Derravaragh and from the clearing in front you can glimpse faraway this legendary lake, the home of the Children of Lir. The clearing is planted as a wild garden with lilies, astilbes, hypericums and Japanese anemones. The Grotto itself has grotesque carvings of humans and animals made by a local artist. You can either descend direct from here to the WALLED GARDENS (taking care on the worn steps). Alternatively you can take the longer easier way down continuing along the Grotto path and turning left along the garden wall. There is another grotesque carving in an old yew tree along this path on the right.

Walled Garden scan20005

Walled Flower Garden...

The Flower Garden was once laid out with elaborate Victorian flower beds and pergolas, but has now been simplified with herbaceous borders around the walls. Most of the shrubs are old favourites; along the upper wall cydonia, clematis, jasmine and old rambler roses. Kerria japonica frames a marble goddess at the end of the terrace and above it a stone plaque commemorates the first planting of the garden - 1740. A Gothic summer house provides shelter. On the lawn below are Japanese maples, weeping pears, cornus contoversa alternifolia (the "wedding cake tree"). At the bottom is a small lily pond with a fountain designed as a "weeping pillar", made about 1830. Framing the gate to the kitchen garden are two sphinxes ( known colloquially as the merry maids).

Kitchen Garden 04072517

Kitchen Garden & Llamas...

The KITCHEN GARDEN is one of the largest in Ireland - it was already being described by its owner in 1835 as "impossibly large for these times!" Nowadays the problem is partly solved by using a family of friendly llamas to graze the upper section (there is usually a new baby llama born in July or August.) The splendid central avenue of Irish yews is still intact; they are linked by an unusual "tapestry" hedge of mahonia, box, yew and holly. To the right there was once a great wall of Regency hothouses which once supplied the castle with grapes and peaches. Only two of the peach houses survive.The space between them has been planted with espalliered pear trees and a new herbacious border planted, amongst other things with oriental poppies, sweet rocket and giant red crocosmia.

Summerhouse gothsumh1

The River Sham

Pass back through the flower garden and turn right down the hill.On the right, framed by magnolias is QUEEN VICTORIA'S SUMMER HOUSE, copied from one in her garden at Frogmore. The path leads down to the RIVER SHAM. A small gazebo provides shelter at one end. Originally this ornamental lake also had a practical use. It could be released at the far end to drive the great waterwheel that ground the corn. The rustic bridge across it is dated 1884 on the mossy stone just before you cross it.On the far side there are clumps of Rodgersia and the giant rhubarb, Gunnera Mannicata.

American Garden tully520

Tibetan Garden...

On the far side, there was once an elaborate "American Garden" planted by the 2nd Countess of Longford and described rapturously by the Irish novelist, Maria Edgeworth who often stayed here."I take back all I have said about Lady Longford" she wrote in 1829. "She may want Feeling" (Lady Longford had refused to have a numerous family of hard-up in-laws to stay!) "but Taste she has... I never saw in England or Ireland such beautiful gardens as she has made". Most of the American plants have vanished, but the current owner, Thomas Pakenham has created a new garden in its place by diverting the old millstream into a series of waterfalls and pools. These are edged with plants collected as seed by him in Tibet in 1996, notably the blue Himalayan poppy and the yellow Primula Florinda. There is a small summer house copied from a Tibetan shrine and decorated with swirling oriental dragons.

Forest Walk

Cross the farm road and take the FOREST WALK to the LOWER LAKE or SWAN POOL. The path is bordered by a stream and the first clearing on the left has water loving plants like Skunk Cabbage, Rodgersia and Fritillaries.Note the giant ash tree on the left, one of the tallest in the garden; and the trail made by badgers where they cross the path.

Chinese Clearing

Chinese Clearing...

The second clearing on the right, has two new ponds excavated from the limey soil and a scarlet PAGODA built by local craftsmen.This is the CHINESE CLEARING. All the plants here were collected by Thomas Pakenhan in the wild in Yunnan in 1993 and grown from seed here at Tullynally. These are the lime-tolerant species, such as sorbus, white pine and birch. Further on where the soil changes to acid, there are plantings of lilies - including the giant Himalayan lily (Cardiocrinum Gigantium) which can grow up to 12 feet high.

The Ginger Bread House

The Gingerbread House

The third clearing has magnificent old trees (notably a giant Caucasian pine) and a doll-sized gothic summer house, the GINGERBREAD HOUSE, built for the owners' grandchildren. It is framed by two rare magnolias, andjust to the south of it alongside the stream are plantings of camellias and rhododendrums.At this point the path divides creating two approaches to the Lower Lake or "Swan Pool".

Swan Pool

Swan Pool...

Following either path, you willl reach will reach the lower lake or SWAN POOL, usually inhabited by a pair of swans and their cygnets. There is a bridge to a small island in the middle and a little summer house at the end of the lake, both of which offer a superb view of the castle. Adventurous visitors can follow the path beyond the lake and climb the new viewing mound at the furthest end.

Terraces
Pleasure Ground
Grotto Path
Walled Garden
Kitchen Garden
Summerhouse
American Garden
Forest Walk
Chinese Clearing
The Ginger Bread House

Tea Room

TeaRoom

imgp0279
imgp0289
imgp0286
imgp0305
imgp0324
imgp0314
imgp0157-2
tomato salad
Salad
Green Diet
Soup
Quiche
Cake
Meringue-Kiss 5
Pizza
Hot Choco
Beet salad
Brownies
Meringue-Kiss 3
927257

The Tearoom is now closed for the winter... for details about opening dates please check this website...no emails please!

The Tea Room at Tullynally Castle is situated in the heart of the outer castle courtyard in the old Georgian stable block. This in turn has been home to the family's hunters, and laterly to the 19th century generator for the castle's electricity supply, one of the earliest in Ireland.Now converted into a Tearoom, the building still retains some of the character and charm of its earlier incarnations.It now opens into a large, sunny, covered seating area in the castle courtyard. This "Loggia" provides an ideal place to sit and enjoy a tranquil afternoon in the Irish summer, or if the weather turns wet you can retreat into the cosy interior of the Tearoom itself., with its antique woodburning stove.There's a warm friendly atmosphere and all of the food is freshly prepared here on the premises. In our kitchen we try to source the freshest ingredients and where possible use local suppliers and producers. We also harvest wild ingredients when in season such as elderflowers (picked from the grounds), which we use to produce our own Elderfower Cordial.Our speciality is Cream Teas, using homemade berry compote, fresh cream and scones (for which we have developed our own special recipe).

Craft Fair

Christmas

Craft Fair

Tullynally Castle Tearoom held it's first Christmas Craft Fair on Saturday and Sunday 3rd & 4th December from12.30 - 6pm. There was a Charity raffle in aid of Crumlin Children's Hospital, with kind donations from local businesses such as Barry's Pharmacy Castlepollard, Abbey Workshop Granard, local carpenter George Brown, and Stuart Gibbs Ceramics from Cavan.The Fair showcased local artisans and craft makers and stalls included wooden crafts, vintage jewelry, pottery, vintage clothes, paintings, homemade cosmetics, indian head massage, textiles and much much more. The Tearoom in Tullynally is open every weekend from 1 - 6pm for home baked cakes, soups, panini, and lunches. Tullynally Castle is situated 1 mile outside Castlepollard (for map go to the Info section of this website). The tearoom has an ongoing dedicated craft area, so it is still possible to treat your friends and family to unique handmade gifts this Christmas while supporting local craftspeople...there's something for every body at the Tullynally Tearoom.

x-mass poster A4.jpg

Parties Events and Groups

imgp0279
imgp0289
imgp0286
Cake 8

Parties and Groups...

If you are planning a partyfor an anniversary or special occasion we can cater to your needs.We offer a group discount for groups of 20 and more. If you need a cake for the occasion we can provide one and where there are specific dietary requirements we will do all we can to facilitate them.For enquiries please contact Nicola Lane ...email: nicolapeola_gmail.com

Events

Film Night at the Tearoom presents...

"La Dolce Vita" Federico Fellini

Saturday 24th September 6.30pm....ITALIAN FILM NIGHTClassic Italian film"La Dolce Vita" by Federico Fellini, followed by a three course Italian meal.No charge to see the film.BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL FOR FILM NIGHTS AS THERE ARE LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE.Contact Nicola on 0868647451nicolapeola_gmail.com

Tea Room
Craft Fair
Parties Events and Groups

Four Seasons

The Seasons in Tullynally...

History

The Gardens in Winter

tttt2010_1208_160000aa
tttt2010_1208_152442aa
tttt2010_1208_104826aa
ttt2010_1202_111642aa
tttt2010_1208_152240aa
tttt2010_1208_151724aa
tttt2010_1208_141344aaedit
tttt2010_1208_141344aa
tttt2010_1208_104500aa
tttt2010_1208_104106aa
tttt2010_1208_102922aa
tttt2010_1208_102528aa
tttt2010_1208_101500aa
tttt2010_1208_101134aa
tttt2010_1208_100820aa
tttt2010_1208_100512aa
tttt2010_1208_100424aa
tttt2010_1208_100210aa
tttt2010_1208_100132aa
tttt2010_1208_100024aa
tttt2010_1208_095720aa
tttt2010_1208_095554aa
tttt2010_1208_092334aa
tttt2010_1208_091856aa
tttt2010_1208_091738aa
tttt2010_1207_124030aa
tttt2010_1207_123606aa
tttt2010_1207_123507aa
tttt2010_1207_123054aa
tttt2010_1207_123048aa
tttt2010_1207_112604aaedit
tttt2010_1207_112604aa
tttt2010_1207_111014aaedit
tttt2010_1207_110922aa
tttt2010_1206_131520aa
tttt2010_1206_125734aa
tttt2010_1206_125634aa
tttt2010_1206_123706aa
tttt2010_1206_123602aa
tttt2010_1206_123306aa
tttt2010_1206_123226aa
tttt2010_1206_122928aa
tttt2010_1206_122854aa
tttt2010_1206_122812aa
tttt2010_1206_121942aa

Trees

The Gardens in Spring

1.JPG
IMG_0040.JPG
IMG_0078.JPG
IMG_0033.JPG
IMG_0141.JPG
IMG_0136.JPG
IMG_0134.JPG
IMG_0133-1.JPG
IMG_0127.JPG
IMG_0106.JPG
IMG_0096.JPG
IMG_0017.JPG
IMG_0043.JPG
SA2008_0426BS.JPG
IMG_0029.JPG
SNC14005 2-1.jpg
SNC14016.JPG
SNC14017.JPG
SNC14037.JPG
SNC14011.JPG
SNC14015.JPG

Walks

The Gardens in Summer

tp652006_0701AI.JPG
tp812007_0731DB.JPG
fp2006_0618BY.jpg
fp2006_0618CL.jpg
fp2006_0618CI.jpg
tp812007_0731CB.JPG
Blank

Childrens Faerie Trail

The Gardens in Autumn

maples1.jpg
ginger1.jpg
Gardenpeople0007.jpg
IMG_0116.JPG
18_Swan_Lower_Lake.jpg
ducks1.jpg
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank

History
Trees
Walks
Childrens Faerie Trail

Our normal season is from May to the end of August, but we are open to goups by prior arrangement throughout the year. Please look at our Events page for out of season events.
Music rb_shade_001

Upcoming Events

Music in the Great Hall

Upcoming Events...

D.M.A. (The Derravaragh Music Association) Concert Programme 2011-2012... Winter Programme 2011-2012 Saturday 8th.October 2011 John O’Conor-piano Saturday 19th. November 2011 Ivan Zenaty-violin Stefan Bogunia-piano Saturday 18th. February 2012 Cara O’Sullivan-sopranoDegani Ensemble Saturday 24th March 2012 The Prazak Quartet Advance Bookings for Concert Tickets can be made by Friends at any time by contacting Mrs. Bridget Taylor, Lough Bawn, Collinstown, Co.Westmeath Tel no. 044-9666344, e-mail loughbawn_eircom.netCandle lit Three Course Pre Concert Suppers are available in the Tearooms...for bookings please contact Nicola Lane, mob: 0868647451 or email: nicolapeola_gmail.com.

Summer 2011

Music in theGreat Hall

Summer 2011...

Saturday the 18th June 2011 The Derravaragh Music Association (Founded 1987) Presents...A Performance by Andy Morton-Tenor, with Janet Haney on Piano. Andy has performed leading roles as Nemorino (L'Elisir), Canio (Pagliacci), Turiddu (Cavalleria Rusticana) Fenton in Falstaff for Music Theatre London, Balakin in Tchaikovsky’s Enchantress for Grange Park Opera and Ecclitico (The World Upon the Moon) for Opera East. He has performed regularly at Battersea Arts Centre in London and in venues as diverse as the Royal Concert Halls in Glasgow, The Globe Theatre and the Royal Albert Hall. He is particularly proud of his performances with the world’s foremost improvising opera ensemble, Impropera. Since graduating from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Janet has been working as a freelance repetiteur, recital accompanist, conductor and is in particular demand as a vocal coach. On the Concertplatform, Janet has performed at most of the UK's Festivals and Concert Halls; St David's Hall Cardiff, Symphony Hall Birmingham, The Wigmore Hall and Cadogan Hall. In Opera, she has worked for the Royal Opera House, English Touring Opera, Wexford Opera, Harvey Goldsmith Productions, European Chamber Opera, Travelling Opera, Opera Project and Opera Holland Park. She works closely with Dame Kiri Te Kanawa coaching students supported by her Foundation Trust. Concert Programme:“Caligrammes” and other melodies by Francis Poulenc, the most anarchic and striking composer of French songs and a lighter second half involving contrasting wit from the pen of Spike Milligan and other surprises.The whole programme eminently suited to a Summer’s evening in the magical surroundings of Tullynally’s magnificent gardens. Advance Bookings for Concert Tickets can be made by Friends at any time by contacting Mrs. Bridget Taylor, Lough Bawn, Collinstown, Co.Westmeath Tel no. 044-9666344, e-mail loughbawn_eircom.netTickets will be on general sale from Friday 27th.May, Price €25.00, which includes admission to Tullynally Gardens. The newly refurbished Tearoom at Tullynally is now under new management and will be providing a candlelit buffet supper at 6.30 on the night.The meal consists of main course, followed by dessert and tea or coffee - wine is optional. Price is 25euros.Available by arrangement only, limited number of places, please contact Nicola on 0868647451 for reservations.

Upcoming Events
Summer 2011

Pictures

Photo Gallery

Autumn

Events

the platform gallery rb_shade_001

info