Skip to content

Heritage Ireland

Heywood Gardens

Discover a tranquil and romantic hillside landscape

08:30 – 21:00

See all opening times

Heywood Gardens

Discover a tranquil and romantic hillside landscape

08:30 – 21:00

See all opening times

Limited Access

Access to outside areas only.

Admission

Free admission

Getting here

Ballinakill
Co. Laois
R32 K4V6

Get Directions

Follow us

Heywood Gardens

The entrancing eighteenth-century landscape at Heywood Gardens, near Ballinakill, County Laois, consists of gardens, lakes, woodland and some exciting architectural features. The park is set into a sweeping hillside. The vista to the south-east takes in seven counties.

The architect Sir Edwin Lutyens designed the formal gardens, which are the centrepiece of the property. It is likely that renowned designer Gertrude Jekyll landscaped them.

The gardens are composed of elements linked by a terrace that originally ran along the front of the house. (Sadly, the house is no more.) One of the site’s most unusual features is a sunken garden containing an elongated pool, at whose centre stands a grand fountain.

The Heywood experience starts beside the Gate Lodge. Information panels and signage will guide you around the magical Lutyens gardens and the surrounding romantic landscape.

Opening Times

Open all Year

Average length of visit: 1 hour

Notice

There is also limited access for visitors with disabilities.

Please Note :

Grounds: Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leads at all times.

No cycling on walkways.

No fire lighting.

No camping.

No Barbeques.

Hazard Warning

Lake in parklands- deep water caution. Uneven terrain in parklands- suitable footwear required.

Seasonal Opening Times

October – March

08.30 – 17.00

April and September

08.30 – 19.00

May – August

08:30 – 21.00

Contact

Ballinakill
Co. Laois
R32 K4V6

086 8107916

Getting Here

Located 7km southeast from Abbeyleix, off R432 to Ballinakill, adjacent to the grounds of Heywood  Community School

Open location in Google Maps

Click the relevant icon below to open Maps directions

Facilities

  • Brochure
  • Car park
  • Guided tours
  • Interpretive exhibit
  • Toilets

Restrictions

Nearby sites to visit

Heritage Card

Unlimited access to Ireland’s past

Buy one today

Join our mailing list

Are you happy to receive marketing material via email from Heritage Ireland

Subscribe