A Tale from the Schools’ Collection It seems the fascination with Heywood, Ballinakill, is not just a modern conviction! In the late 1930’s, a primary school student, named Nicholas Delaney, from Bray, Co. Wicklow, wrote of Heywood, for a schools project. His information had been sourced from Mr. Thomas Delaney, living at the same address […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Twin Trees Heywood Festival. The Orangery at Heywood. Orangeries were a popular, stylish addition to grand homes between the 17th and 19th centuries. They originated in the Renaissance gardens of Italy, after advancements in glass production, allowed for the glazing of large expanses, such as roof areas. The Orangery was used almost like a conservatory, […]
Twin Trees Heywood Festival. Sham Castle at Heywood, Ballinakill. Situated at Heywood Demesne, Ballinakill, Sham Castle, and the Gothic Ruin, were constructed as follies, which were whimsical and fashionable additions to wealthy estates, at the time. The Trench family, who lived in Heywood House, intentionally had the follies constructed as ruins. They appear as they […]
Twin Trees Heywood Festival. Gothic Ruin at Heywood, Ballinakill. Situated at Heywood Demesne, Ballinakill, Sham Castle, and the Gothic Ruin, were constructed as follies, which were whimsical and fashionable additions to wealthy estates, at the time. The Trench family, who lived in Heywood House, intentionally had the follies constructed as ruins. They appear as they […]
Heywood Ballinakill 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 […]