Page 110 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Ireland

108 BACK ROADS IRELAND

7 Altamont Garden
Ballon, Co Carlow
Altamont (open daily) is a natural
woodland garden of some 16 ha
(40 acres). The woodland walks and
granite steps leading up from the
River Slaney are thought to have been
designed by William Robinson. Called
“the most romantic garden in
Ireland”, it is now managed by the
state according to the principles of
Corona North, the last member of
the family to live there. There are
many mature trees, both native and
exotic, and walks take visitors along
the lawns and paths, by the pond
and down to the river. A highlight
in spring is one of Ireland’s largest
snowdrop collections.
ª Continue along the road to the N81.
Turn left, then right at the N80. Before
reaching Ballon, turn left, heading south.
At the R724, turn right to Bagenalstown.
Above Entrance of Altamont Garden Above
right Colourful herbaceous border in the
Robinsonian garden Above top right 8 Bagenalstown (Muine Bheag)
Overgrown doorway, Altamont Garden Co Carlow
This pretty market town on the River Barrow is now officially called
Muine Bheag, meaning “small thorn tree”, but is still widely known
by its old name. It was founded in the 18th century by Walter, Lord
VISITING BAGENALSTOWN Bagenal, who intended it to bear the name New Versailles. While not
(MUINE BHEAG) achieving this level of magnificence, the town does have notable
buildings, including a courthouse modelled on the Parthenon in
Parking
There is ample parking in town. Athens – the only part of Bagenal’s grand plans to be realized – and
a handsome 19th-century Neo-Classical railway station.
Tourist Information
www.ireland.com
A two–hour walking tour back is along a stretch of the Barrow
WHERE TO STAY This 8-km (5-mile) walk from Way, a walk trail that covers 114 km
Bagenalstown to Leighlinbridge (65 miles) in total, following the
AROUND ALTAMONT GARDEN (pronounced “lock-lin-bridge”) and canal and river towpaths of the
Sherwood Park House inexpensive
A short way northeast of Ballon, this is
a beautiful Georgian farmhouse.
Kilbride, Ballon; 059 915 9117;
www.sherwoodparkhouse.ie
AROUND BAGENALSTOWN
(MUINE BHEAG)
Kilgraney House moderate
A charming Georgian house
overlooking the Barrow valley. Two
courtyard suites complement the
elegant rooms in the main house.
The Drawing Room is a delight too.
Kilgraney (6 km/4 miles on the R705
from Bagenalstown); 059 977 5283;
www.kilgraneyhouse.com
Lorum Old Rectory moderate
A former Victorian rectory with elegant
rooms and a warm welcome. Above Picturesque ruins of medieval Ballymoon Castle, with its thick granite walls, standing majestically
Kilgraney; 059 977 5282;
www.lorum.com in fields to the east of Bagenalstown
Where to Stay: inexpensive, under €100; moderate, €100–€200; expensive, over €200

106-109_Back_Roads_Ireland.indd 108 11/09/17 12:29 pm
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