Tullynally Castle and Gardens

Tullynally has been owned by the Pakenhams, later Earls of Longford, since the 17th century. The original fortified house was remodelled by the 2nd Earl as a huge rambling Gothic revival castle in the early 1800s, now one of the largest in Ireland to survive as a family home.

Much of the garden layout also dates from the early 1800s. Terraced lawns around the castle look out over superb parkland. From there winding paths lead to a grotto (decorated with fantastic carvings by a local sculptor), walled gardens with generous flower borders and then down to the upper lake.

From the upper lake, a beautiful woodland path has been opended up, leading to the new Chinese garden complete with pagoda, and then on to the lower lake, past plantings of giant lilies, magnolias, camelias and rhododendrons, many of them collected as seed in China and the Himalayas by the present owner. Thomas Pakenham.

For the energetic, a new circular walk around the lake offers romantic long-distance views of the castle and for children, there are ducks, llamas and a special adventure trail leading to discoveries throughout the gardens.

Situated	Situated 1.5km outside Castlepollard on the Longford road (R345) 20km from Mullingar, 80km from Dublin via M4 or N3
Open	Gardens: Open May\June weekends and Bank Holidays. Then daily from 1st July to 17th August 14.00 - 18.00. Groups welcome at other times by appointment.
Admission	Adults €6.00, Children (6-16) €3.00. Castle Rooms open only to pre-booked groups by arrangement.
Facilities	Toilets, Parking, partial wheelchair access Cooffeshop/giftshop in castles courtyard open May/June w/ends and bank holidays, then daily from 1 July - 17 August 14.00-18.00.
Contact	Valerie Pakenham Tullynally Castle & Gardens, Castlepollard, Co Westmeath Tel: +353 44 9661159 Fax: +353 44 9661856 Email: tullynallycastle@eircom.net Web Site: www.tullynallycastle.com