Woodstock Gardens & Arboretum - Image 1
1 / 10

Woodstock Gardens & Arboretum

4.7
·887 reviews·Inistioge, Ireland

A picturesque estate in Co. Kilkenny, featuring stunning gardens, diverse woodland walks, and a rich history.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Summer mornings

Flowers in bloom, pleasant weather

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Woodstock Gardens & Arboretum - Image 1

Woodstock Gardens & Arboretum

Best Time

Spring & Summer mornings

Flowers in bloom, pleasant weather

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A picturesque estate in Co. Kilkenny, featuring stunning gardens, diverse woodland walks, and a rich history.

4.7
(887 reviews)

"Fantastic value at €5 for parking with no entry fee to the gardens themselves. Well worth a visit."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Check Tea Room Hours

Tea rooms are seasonal & close by 5 PM. Gardens stay open later!

🚗 Easy Parking Payment

€5 parking fee per car, payable by card on exit. Fantastic value!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Walled Garden

Walled Garden

Central area

A vibrant display of colorful flowers and plants, especially stunning earlier in the year.

Woodland Walks

Woodland Walks

Throughout the arboretum

Explore diverse trails amidst towering trees, offering stunning views and a sense of tranquility.

Children's Playground

Children's Playground

Near the car park

A well-maintained and engaging play area, perfect for younger visitors to burn off energy.

Tea Rooms & Conservatory

Tea Rooms & Conservatory

Adjacent to the gardens

Enjoy refreshments in a beautiful glass conservatory or outdoor seating, offering coffee and snacks.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Parking & Entry Fees

A €5 fee per car covers parking and grants access to the gardens. Payment is typically made upon exit via card. While the gardens are generally free to enter, the tea rooms and coffee trucks have seasonal operating hours, so check ahead if refreshments are a priority.

Seasonal Delights & Amenities

Woodstock Gardens are stunning year-round, but the walled garden is particularly vibrant earlier in the year. The tea rooms and coffee trucks operate seasonally, usually closing by 5 PM, though the gardens remain open later. Toilets are available but may close earlier than the gardens.

Best Times

When
Spring & Summer mornings
Why
Flowers in bloom, pleasant weather
Crowd
Medium
When
Wednesday afternoons
Why
Free entry offer
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends (seasonal)
Why
Tea rooms open, lively atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Replying to @lilylolly0 It is truly the most beautiful village #inistioge #tidytowns #irishvillages #circleoffriends #widowspeak #cokilkenny #ireland #rivernore #woodstockestate #woodstockgardens
@laurabyrnesintheworld
969 likes • 19.4K views

🎯 Check Tea Room Hours

Tea rooms are seasonal & close by 5 PM. Gardens stay open later! Reddit

🚗 Easy Parking Payment

€5 parking fee per car, payable by card on exit. Fantastic value! Reddit

For the remainder of the summer, we are continuing our offer of a fresh scone with freshly brewed tea or coffee for just €5 and also enjoy FREE entry into Woodstock every Wednesday! So come along and explore all that Woodstock Gardens has to offer!! Gardens are open daily from 9 am - 7 pm. Tea Rooms are open daily from 11 am - 5 pm. Plan your visit at Woodstock.ie
woodstockgardenskk
43 likes • 926 views
Step into a lush oasis at Woodstock Gardens 🌿 Planters for your monstera, succulent sandwiches for your growlin’ tummy, @aperturecoffee_ for your sleepy brain. All with a side of greenhouse light and garden center dreams! If you haven’t yet ventured into this hidden gem, now is the time to schedule a visit. Located within and adjacent to the Woodstock Gardens in @discoverwoodstockva, you can enjoy...
shenandoahtravel
253 likes • 4.4K views

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Lots of walking trails and paths to explore. :athletic_shoe:

📸 Capture the Greenery

Every shade of green imaginable! Perfect for nature photography. :camerawithflash:

📍Woodstock Gardens, Inistioge, Co. Kilkenny Explore many beautiful walks: Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum The Monkey Puzzle Walk Woodstock Loop Walk (4.5km) Ladies Loop (3km) Woodstock Waterfall Loop (4.4km) Mount Sandford Castle (Room with a View) Enjoy the beautiful Tea Rooms, a fabulous playground, and well-maintained toilets. Picnic benches Huge car park (€5) Dog-friendly (on a lead...
ourlittlehiker
56 likes • 4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Check Tea Room Hours

Tea rooms are seasonal & close by 5 PM. Gardens stay open later! Reddit

🚗 Easy Parking Payment

€5 parking fee per car, payable by card on exit. Fantastic value! Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Lots of walking trails and paths to explore. :athletic_shoe:

📸 Capture the Greenery

Every shade of green imaginable! Perfect for nature photography. :camerawithflash:

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kid-Friendly Fun

Excellent playground and spacious grounds for family adventures. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(887 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Woodstock Gardens for its beautiful, well-maintained grounds, offering lovely walks and a peaceful atmosphere. The €5 parking fee is considered excellent value for access to the expansive gardens, and the playground is a hit with families. Some visitors note that the tea rooms and toilets have seasonal hours and may close earlier than the gardens.

"Woodstock Gardens is a great place to visit whether alone or with family and friends. Lovely walks and trails around the gardens and the whole area. There's a lovely looking tea rooms where you can get some refreshments inside and outside but only open in season. Closed when we went on weekday in early September. Open weekends till October it seems. Good car park with a 5 euro fee but they accept cards.lovely playground for children as well. . Lovely way to spend a day."

Tim H

"Beautiful woodland area with some fantastic trees. Walled garden very colourful. Would imagine other flower beds would be stunning earlier in the year, we visited in September. Also fantastic value at €5 for parking (you tap your card on the way out of the car park) and no entry fee to the gardens themselves. Well worth a visit."

Gary Dyson

"Love this place.. Gardens are pretty magical and lots of places to explore.. Beautiful glass conservatory that serves coffee and snacks... Not to be missed.. Walled garden, playground for kids too... Old original house is just a ruin now but they have kept facade and you can get an idea of what it was like... It's only 5 euro per car and no charge for gardens... Well worth visiting on a sunny day..."

Gary Sullivan

What People Like

Beautiful gardens and walks
Great value parking
Family-friendly playground

What People Dislike

Seasonal tea room hours
Early toilet closures

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Woodstock Gardens are located in Inistioge, Co. Kilkenny. Driving is the most convenient way, with ample parking available on-site. Public transport options might be limited, so check local bus schedules if you're not driving. TikTok

Yes, there is a car park available. The fee is €5 per car, payable by card on exit. Reddit

Yes, there are provisions for disabled visitors, including transport to the tea room at set times and accessible walkways. Reddit

The most direct route from Kilkenny city typically involves heading south towards Inistioge. GPS or a navigation app is recommended for precise directions. TikTok

While direct public transport to Inistioge might be infrequent, it's advisable to check with local transport providers for the most up-to-date schedules and routes from Kilkenny city. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

While the gardens themselves are free to enter, there is a €5 parking fee per car, payable on exit. Reddit

The gardens are generally open daily from 9 am to 7 pm. However, the tea rooms and coffee trucks have seasonal hours, typically closing around 5 pm. Instagram

The tea rooms operate seasonally and are usually open daily from 11 am to 5 pm. It's best to confirm their operating dates for your visit. Instagram

Yes, on Wednesdays during the summer, you can enjoy FREE entry into Woodstock Gardens with the purchase of a scone and tea/coffee. Instagram

The parking fee is typically payable by card on exit. It's recommended to have a card available for payment. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Woodstock Gardens offers several beautiful walks, including the Monkey Puzzle Walk, Woodstock Loop Walk (4.5km), Ladies Loop (3km), and Woodstock Waterfall Loop (4.4km). Instagram

Yes, there is a well-maintained and fabulous playground for children located near the car park. InstagramReddit

The original house at Woodstock was burnt down in 1922 after being occupied by the 'Black and Tans' during the Irish War of Independence. The facade has been preserved to give an idea of its past. Reddit

Yes, there are large picnic benches available, some of which are covered by a marquee for protection from inclement weather. Reddit

The arboretum features a beautiful woodland area with a variety of fantastic, towering trees, offering a diverse range of greenery. InstagramReddit

🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining

There's a lovely tea room and coffee trucks offering refreshments like scones, coffee, and snacks. They are open seasonally and typically close by 5 PM. InstagramReddit

Yes, coffee is available at the tea rooms and coffee trucks, often paired with fresh scones. Instagram

Specific dietary options are not detailed in the provided information, but typical tea room offerings might include vegetarian choices. It's best to inquire directly. Instagram

Absolutely! There are large picnic benches available, making it a great spot for a family picnic. Reddit

The tea room and coffee trucks usually close at 5 PM, even if the gardens remain open later. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The walled garden with its vibrant colors, the diverse woodland with towering trees, and the scenic views across the river valley offer excellent photographic opportunities. Instagram+1

Yes, the gardens provide stunning landscapes, especially with the views across the river valley and the variety of trees in the arboretum. Instagram

While the house is a ruin, its preserved facade can be photographed, offering a glimpse into its past. Reddit

No specific restrictions on personal photography are mentioned, but it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors. Instagram

Morning light can be beautiful for capturing the lush greenery, while late afternoon might offer softer light for landscape shots. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Woodstock Gardens is a top pick for families! The excellent playground is a guaranteed hit, providing hours of fun for children. InstagramReddit The spacious grounds and numerous walking trails are perfect for little legs to explore, encouraging active play and discovery. Instagram Pack a picnic to enjoy at the designated benches, and take advantage of the on-site toilets for convenience. Reddit It's a place where kids can run, play, and connect with nature in a safe and beautiful environment. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples

For those seeking a peaceful escape, Woodstock Gardens offers a tranquil retreat. Wander through the diverse woodland walks, find a quiet spot to read, or simply soak in the stunning views across the river valley. Instagram The arboretum provides a serene backdrop for contemplation, and the historical elements add an intriguing dimension to your visit. Reddit Enjoy a coffee from the tea rooms or pack your own picnic for a relaxed afternoon surrounded by nature's beauty. InstagramReddit

🌳 Nature Enthusiasts & Garden Lovers

Woodstock Gardens is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates botanical beauty and natural landscapes. Explore the vibrant walled garden, marvel at the towering trees in the arboretum, and discover the waterfall on one of the scenic loops. Instagram+1 The variety of plant life and the meticulously maintained grounds are a testament to the care and dedication put into this estate. Reddit Photographers will find endless inspiration in the rich greenery and picturesque vistas. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Diverse Walks

Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum is a paradise for walkers, offering a variety of trails to suit all fitness levels. From the gentle Monkey Puzzle Walk to the more extensive Woodstock Loop Walk (4.5km) and the Woodstock Waterfall Loop (4.4km), there's a path for everyone. These walks wind through the beautiful woodland area, showcasing fantastic trees and offering stunning views across the river valley. Instagram+1 Many visitors appreciate the well-maintained paths, making it easy to immerse yourself in the natural beauty. Reddit

For those seeking a bit more adventure, the Ladies Loop (3km) provides a pleasant route, while the Mount Sandford Castle offers a 'Room with a View'. Instagram The trails are often described as having 'secrets' and 'stories to tell', adding a layer of enchantment to your exploration. Instagram Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as you'll want to explore as much of this verdant landscape as possible. Reddit

A Glimpse into History

Woodstock Gardens holds a poignant history, most notably the tragic burning of the original house in 1922. This event occurred after the building was occupied by the 'Black and Tans,' British ex-servicemen recruited during the Irish War of Independence. Reddit While the house is now a ruin, its facade has been carefully preserved, allowing visitors to imagine its former grandeur. Reddit This historical context adds a layer of depth to the visit, connecting the beautiful landscape to Ireland's past.

The 'Black and Tans' were known for their harsh tactics, and their presence at Woodstock is a somber reminder of a turbulent period in Irish history. Reddit Exploring the grounds, you can feel the echoes of the past amidst the serene beauty of the gardens, making it a place of both natural splendor and historical reflection.

Family Fun and Amenities

Woodstock Gardens is a fantastic destination for families, with a range of amenities designed to keep younger visitors entertained. The fabulous playground is a major draw, offering a safe and engaging space for children to play. InstagramReddit Beyond the playground, the expansive gardens and numerous walking trails provide ample space for families to explore together, fostering a sense of adventure and discovery. Instagram

Practical facilities like well-maintained toilets are available near the car park, ensuring comfort during your visit. InstagramReddit The availability of picnic benches also makes it easy to enjoy a family meal amidst the beautiful surroundings. Reddit With its combination of natural beauty, recreational activities, and family-friendly facilities, Woodstock Gardens offers a memorable day out for all ages. Instagram

You may also like

1 of 2