We take a look at Heywood Gardens, a stunning outdoor space near Portlaoise

Garden Magic in Laois

Heywood Gardens sit just a 20-minute drive from Portlaoise and are well worth seeing. The gardens are located around where an 18th century house once stood. In the early 20th century renowned English architect Edwin Lutyens was commissioned to design the formal gardens and horticulturalist Gertrude Jekyll was brought on to create the landscaping aspects. The house itself is no longer standing but the stunning gardens remain. There are lakes, a sunken garden, a grand fountain, woodland and some unexpected architectural features along the way.

There are over 50 acres of stunning gardens at Heywood and lots of surprises await along the way like unexpected follies and features. The gardens look wonderful at any time of year and are open all year round. It's also a haven for wildlife, so keep an eye out for squirrels and even kingfishers! Only a short hop from Portlaoise, Heywood Gardens is a perfect spot for a springtime walk.

Visitor Information

Heywood Gardens are open all year round; entry is free and there is ample parking. The gardens are open until 5:00 p.m. from October to March and later as the days get longer with the park open until 9:00 p.m.

For more information visit Heritage Ireland.