Location – Just off the R418 E of Carlow town and S of Castledermot.
OS: S 800 790 (map 61)
Longitude: 6° 48' 43.99" W
Latitude: 52° 51' 21.7" N
See map at the bottom of the page.
Description and History – Duckett’s Grove is probably the most recent site that I have on this website as it only dates to 1830. It is, however, a spectacular ruin that dominates the North Carlow landscape. The castle was designed by Thomas A. Cobden for John Davidson Duckett in the Castellated Gothic revival style. It is almost fairy like in its appearance with many turrets and towers reaching up towards the sky. The walls of the castle are covered in little niches with many statues (many still in situ) filling them up. The Ducketts did not live there for very long and by 1921 the castle was in the care of an agent and then by local farmers until it was destroyed by fire in 1933. Although now gutted it could be possible restored to its former glory. It was used as an IRA training camp during the 1920’s. The formal gardens have been restored in recent years and are now open to the public. It is not possible to get into the ruins themselves but the Abandoned Ireland website contains pictures of the interior. I would like to get inside myself some day. This is well worth a visit and the grounds very suitable to families.
Difficulty – Easy with good parking.
For more castles, click here.
For more sites in Co. Carlow, click here.
OS: S 800 790 (map 61)
Longitude: 6° 48' 43.99" W
Latitude: 52° 51' 21.7" N
See map at the bottom of the page.
Description and History – Duckett’s Grove is probably the most recent site that I have on this website as it only dates to 1830. It is, however, a spectacular ruin that dominates the North Carlow landscape. The castle was designed by Thomas A. Cobden for John Davidson Duckett in the Castellated Gothic revival style. It is almost fairy like in its appearance with many turrets and towers reaching up towards the sky. The walls of the castle are covered in little niches with many statues (many still in situ) filling them up. The Ducketts did not live there for very long and by 1921 the castle was in the care of an agent and then by local farmers until it was destroyed by fire in 1933. Although now gutted it could be possible restored to its former glory. It was used as an IRA training camp during the 1920’s. The formal gardens have been restored in recent years and are now open to the public. It is not possible to get into the ruins themselves but the Abandoned Ireland website contains pictures of the interior. I would like to get inside myself some day. This is well worth a visit and the grounds very suitable to families.
Difficulty – Easy with good parking.
For more castles, click here.
For more sites in Co. Carlow, click here.
A gate in the outer wall.
The building is covered with figures such as this.
