Carbury – Castle, Gardens and Bogland

Carbury lies at the foot of Carbury Hill; the village’s best-known landmark, Carbury Castle, stands on the hill. History, gardens and nature shape different aspects of the place: there are flowerbeds in the centre, while the source branches of the River Boyne run along the village’s southern edges. A raised bog lies north of Carbury. This means the view extends from the village itself to clearly identifiable landscape features in the surrounding area.

Carbury Castle and its history

Carbury Castle was built by the Bermingham family in the 14th century. Later, Sir Henry Colley remodelled the castle with distinctive Elizabethan chimneys. These are believed to be the only example of their kind in Ireland. The construction date and later remodelling mark two distinct phases in the history of the landmark.

Ivy is the dominant plant on the castle’s old stone walls. Trinity Well is near the foot of Carbury Hill. A visitor information board was installed in the village centre in 2016.

Gardens and nature in the village

Carbury Community Garden is at the edge of the village, beside the R402. Its features include decorative herb beds and flowerbeds with plants suited to pollinators. A mural on one of the garden’s boundary walls depicts local heritage, including the area’s flora and fauna. The specific planting and condition of the mural may change.

There are also two ornamental flowerbeds in the village centre, which are highly significant for biodiversity. At Old Carbury Graveyard, the grass is managed so that wildflowers grow between mown grass paths. The flowerbeds in the centre and the naturally managed grass area bring different accents to the village.

The source branches of the River Boyne run along the southern edges of Carbury. Carbury Bog NHA is four kilometres to the north. The area consists of raised bog, a habitat that is rare in the European Union. The river branches south of the village and the bog to the north provide two distinct points of reference for the landscape around Carbury.

Activities and destinations nearby

Highfield Golf Course in Carbury is an 18-hole parkland golf course; FootGolf is also available there. As the availability of this offering may change, check the latest information before planning a visit.

Eight kilometres south of Carbury, in Lullymore West, is the Bog of Allen Nature Centre. On individual visits, you can explore the Peatland Museum, the biodiversity gardens, the greenhouse with carnivorous plants and Lodge Bog, a living raised-bog habitat. Staff offer guided tours. If you are planning an individual visit or a guided tour, check the centre’s latest visitor information.

More destinations in County Kildare

The wider destination of County Kildare includes other distinct destinations with different highlights. At Donadea Forest Park, the Lake Walk is 0.8 kilometres long and takes about 30 minutes; the route is accessible to everyone. There are also three permanent orienteering courses, measuring 1.8, 3.4 and 4.6 kilometres. This gives you a choice of a short route with a stated duration and three courses of varying lengths.

Castletown House is in Celbridge, County Kildare, in an 18th-century parkland setting on the banks of the Liffey. The house is now home to an important collection of paintings, furnishings and works of art. The parklands are open year-round from 07:00 to 22:00; check the opening conditions before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Moone, Monasterevin, Ballitore, Straffan, Naas, Kildare, Ballymore Eustace, Athy.

Back to the wider travel overview: County Kildare.