Kilruddery House & Gardens

Bit of a random one today and definitely off the #SBBC track but I went to Kilruddery House and Gardens yesterday and wanted to share some of its beauty with you all. 

I had to borrow this photo from the official website as all of my own turned out very gloomy, what with the rain. You can visit the site HERE

Kilruddery is one of Ireland's most historic homes and has housed several generations of Earls since 1618. Situated in Co. Wicklow, a very short drive from Dublin, it's also quite near Avoca in Kilmacanogue, so there's lots to do in the area if you were looking for a pleasant day out. We went on a guided tour of the house itself, which is crammed full of ornate furniture, priceless heirlooms and just general loveliness. Plus, heads up brides-to-be, you can get married in the Orangery there, which actually looks like a stunning place to say "I do"!

Apple Orchard

We also went for a walk around the grounds and farmyard and stopped for coffee and lemon cake in the little tea rooms. Overall, it was a really fantastic way to spend an afternoon. If you can get out there, it's well worth a stroll about- the history of the place is so interesting and if you have kids (or are just a big child like myself), then you'll appreciate all the animals, vegetable patches, apple orchard and little mazes about the place- really, it's almost like a fairytale wandering around there and interestingly, as part of their scheduled events they have a "fairytale day" for your little ones. Very cute. 

Also on the programme list is mushroom picking & cooking lessons with the chef, berry foraging with jam making lessons, a film festival, the Kilruddery Farm market, falconry, a painting workshop, an opera festival, pilates for adults and kids (!) and my own personal favourite- a Halloween day out where you pick your pumpkin, design its pattern, watch a master craftsman (fancy) cut it out and then take part in the "design and build your own scarecrow" competition! I'm sure that one is just for kids, but how much fun does that sound! 

My own dark shot of the house, looking all Daphne Du Maurier-esque.

A lake in the middle of the gardens, very idyllic.

If you want to find out more about Kilruddery, or indeed go on one of those exciting days out I've mentioned, then you can check out their official website HERE.

XX