Russborough house, Blessington, Co Wicklow, Ireland. W91 C640

22nd December 2017 ♦

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Russborough house is a famous old lady built in the mid 1700’s located in West Wicklow near the Blessington Lakes in County Wicklow, Ireland. Its is a stunning Richard Cassels designed 18th-century Palladian villa made from local grey granite that’s also famous for its art roberies but but we’re here to talk about the gardens. For family friendly activities in Russborough click here

: Russborough House Entrance

: Russborough House side

The Gardens

From reading about Russborough, a number of terraced levels are on show but its not cleared if they were ever finished. The landscape layouts were originally Palladian but then altered to “Augustan” which are are not the pastoral slopes of capability brown. The heritage council have published an exhaustive history on Russborough House , If you are interested in the history of the garden, I have extracted this piece and attached to the bottom of the post.

The 18th century walled garden is gradually being restored by the RHSI. A curvilinear cast iron greenhouse is in existense here and is currently being restored. The restoration is being done by volunteers from the RHSI. Please note that this walled garden is only open on specific days so it might be worth calling or emailing the house on +353 (0)45 865239 \ info@russborough.ie to avoid any disappointment.

Where there are a number of treelined avenues and walkways, alot of its gardens arent formal like their neighbours Powercourt and Kilruddery House, there are vast areas to explore and wander around the parkland absolutely free including the wildlife walk and habitat, the woodland walk, the quaint gardeners cottage and lady’s Island. Who says gardens need to be formal, its not robinsonian but it is wild in parts but this adds to it’s charm. Depending on the time of year, these gardens change dramatically with stunning views on the Blessington lakes.

Family Friendly

Russborough House is really family friendly with lots to do for kids. The maze is one of the main features with a challenging 2000 metre beech hedge, formed at head height and is well maintained but obviously more beautiful in the summer with lush green leaves that turn brown in the Autumn. Its area is 20,000 sq ft and is a great challenge with accompanying map and number to call if you have any trouble getting out.

A decent kids playground is nearby with sandpit and also a spider web climbing frame for older kids to keep all ages happy. There is also an ever popular fairy trail and a birds of prey centre but its worth contacting to make sure all is open +353 (0)45 865239 \ info@russborough.ie

Russborough_landscape_history

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