March 29th 2019 - Edwin Lutyens' 150th Birthday
Twin Trees Heywood Festival Ballinakill 2019
Ballinakill Community Development Committee will host its inaugural ‘Twin Trees’ festival this year with a strong focus on the ‘En Plein Air’ outdoor painting event, tutored by established artists Jock Nichol and Bridget Flannery. The festival is inspired by the 150th anniversary of Sir Edwin Lutyens, the celebrated architect who created the exquisite formal garden at Heywood Gardens. The festival will take place during Heritage Week 2019, on August 22nd, 23rd, 24th and 25th. On Saturday we are delighted to welcome some direct descendants of Sir Edwin Lutyens and representatives of the Lutyens Trust to give garden tours and presentations on the history of the house and gardens and on the unique style of Sir Edwin’s architecture. We will also host a talk by Dr Matthew Jebb the renowned Irish botanist and Director of the National Botanic Gardens. Saturday 24th promises to be a great celebration with numerous events including a musical evening hosted on the spectacular lawn at Heywood Gardens. There will be a range of interesting activities and events during the festival that promises to be a little different from the usual to delight all ages.
Ballinakill, Co. Laois
Photographs
View some photographs of the wonderful locations, in and around the village of Ballinakill, Co. Laois.
About Ballinakill
Learn a little more about the past, and more recent history of Ballinakill.
Contact Us
Should you have any query relating to the Twin Trees Heywood Festival, please get in touch.
Top Festival Attractions
En Plein Air Painting
Our Three Day En Plein Air, Outdoor Painting event takes place during Heritage Week 2019, on August 22nd, 23rd, and 24th, with tutors Bridget Flannery and Jock Nichol.
Floral Artistry
Floral Artisrty in The All Saints Church with expert Eva Holmes. Day 1: Friday 23rd August - Florists Prepare. Day 2: Saturday 24th- Display. Day 3: Sunday - Display and disassemble
Garden Party
A Garden Party set in the amazing surroundings of beautiful Heywood Gardens!
Why not....?
Explore our beautiful Looped Walks
Discover Ballinakill's Lakes
Around Heywood
What our visitors say
The formal Gardens form the centre-piece of the property and were designed by the famous architect, Sir Edwin Lutyens (1869-1944) and probably landscaped by Gertrude Jekyll (1843-1932). It is one of four Gardens in this country designed by him, the others being in the War Memorial Park, Lambay Island and Howth Castle.
Heywood is a little off the beaten track but well worth the detour. The demesne is a lovely place for a quiet walk and the garden designed by Lutyens is an absolute gem. From the terraces there is a wonderful panorama over the countryside towards the Slieve Bloom Mountains which alone would nearly justify a visit.
The whole is surrounded by a walk with ox eye windows, looking out over a panorama of seven counties, and approached by an alley of pleached limes. The other elements of the design are a cloister like terrace overlooking a chain of lakes, and a secret sundial garden hidden away by ramparts of yew.
Best time of year to visit: May, June, July, August
Our festival
Find Us
Three Day En Plein Air (Outdoor Painting)
With two exceptional and experienced landscape painters, Bridget Flannery and Jock Nichol.
- Day One Heywood Gardens
- Day Two The Woodlands
- Day Three The Village
Book Your Place for ONE DAY on our En Plein Air, (Outdoor Painting) Event
Heywood Gardens
Heywood Gardens were completed in 1912, and consist 50 acres of gardens, lakes, woodland and architectural features. The gardens have a spectacular setting on a hillside looking south-east over a sweep of undulating country which takes in seven counties. A walk lined with lime trees leads to a formal terrace overlooking the surrounding countryside.
Latest news
Yoga In Heywood Gardens with Simon Rogers
Sunday August 25th @ 11am We cannot think of a better way to wind down gently (after the garden party on Saturday evening) than a calming yoga class with Simon Rodgers of Blackhill Woods Retreat. Reconnect with yourself in the stunning and peaceful gardens, the perfect location to give gratitude through yoga. Simon, an experienced and […]
The Twin Trees of Ballinakill
Visitors to Ballinakill from the north side ( Abbeyleix) of the village, are met by a pair of very impressive twin trees. These common lime trees are considered ‘ Landmark’ trees, and are registered with the Tree Council of Ireland, due to the story of their existence, and are probably one of the most enduring […]
Photographs From Around Heywood, Ballinakill
A walk around Heywood Demesne A collection of photographs taken along the route from Heywood Gardens, and through the beautiful riverside walk that leads back to the village of Ballinakill. This is the stunning setting for the inaugural Twin Trees Heywood Festival, which takes place during Heritage Week 2019, running from August 22nd – August […]
Give the Gift of The Twin Trees Festival
Twin Trees Heywood Festival 2019. Our Perfect Mothers Day Gifts. En Plein Air LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT MOTHERS DAY GIFT? Something unique? Something different? Something she’ll remember forever? Then our En Plein Air (Outdoor Painting) Event, at the inaugural Twin Trees Heywood Festival, Ballinakill, may just be that perfect gift! Tutors for this event are […]