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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.
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
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Get tickets for all 2020 Twin Trees Events!
Blog
Floral Artistry 2020
Details of this year’s Floral Artistry Exhibition will be updated, as soon as possible. Below are some photographs, from last year’s Floral Artistry exhibition, which was held at All Saints’ Chuch, Ballinakill. The festival of flowers depicted architectural designs by Sir Edwin Lutyens (1869-1944), as our festival celebrated his 150th birthday. All exhibits were expertly […]
Twin Trees 2020 Tickets Now On Sale
En Plein Air 2020. Event Confirmed! We are delighted to confirm that this year’s Three Day Tutored En Plein Air event, will go ahead as planned, and we are really looking forward to welcoming you all to Heywood Gardens, Ballinakill, from August 20th – 22nd! With every consideration of the ongoing Covid-19 situation studied, in […]
Lutyens & Heywood In Context, by David Averill
Lutyens & Heywood In Context A Talk by David Averill FRIAI As part of our Tours, Talks & Afternoon Tea package, at this year’s Twin Trees Heywood Festival, David Averill delivered a wonderful talk, entitled ‘ Lutyens & Heywood In Context.’ In the idyllic setting of Ballinakill’s All Saints’ Church, David held the sell out […]
Map from Heywood Gardens to All Saints’ Church
The maps below outline both driving and walking routes, from Heywood Gardens, to All Saints’ Church in Ballinakill Village. We highly recommend the scenic walk, to Ballinakill Village, which is just a little over a mile, from either the upper or lower carparks. Again our recommendation is to start you walk from the upper carpark, […]
OUR PARTNERS
Heywood Gardens, Ballinakill, is owned and managed by the Office Of Public Works, since 1993; after ownership was transferred from the Salesian Fathers, who had taken care of it, since 1941.