Twin Trees Heywood Festival Ballinakill 2019
August 22nd – 25th 2019
Join us in celebrating the Heritage of Lutyens’ Heywood Gardens, and Ballinakill Village, Co. Laois
Our festival
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.
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
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.
Blog
Fire At Heywood House Ballinakill – January 1950
After the departure of the Poe family from Heywood, the house was sold to the then Leix Board of Health, with a plan to transform it into a home, for the care of the elderly. This idea was shelved because of the huge cost involved in the reconstruction of the house; which subsequently lay idle […]
Great News For Ballinakill
Funding Acquired! Ballinakill Community Development Committee has secured two grants, totalling €25,482 from Laois Partnership Company & LCDC. Firstly, to conduct a feasibility study into developing a multi-functional sports and community facility at Heywood Demesne, Ballinakill (Swimming Pool site), and secondly to promote the Twin Trees Heywood Art and Culture Festival. Thank you to the […]
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 […]