Colclough Walled Garden
Description
Colclough Walled Garden is a beautifully restored 2.5-acre nineteenth-century estate that ranks among the best things to do with kids in Wexford if you love outdoor exploration. This historical botanical attraction is entirely enclosed by old stone and brick walls, featuring curved corners and a natural river flowing straight through the center. The property has been completely reinstated to match its original 1838 layout, splitting the grounds into a vibrant ornamental half and a busy kitchen garden.
Prices start from just £2.10 (€3) for student or senior concessions, while standard adult entry is only £3.50 (€5). Children under a certain age can visit for a heavily discounted rate, making it a very low-cost day out for families looking to spend time in nature. You can purchase entry permits easily at the main gate using cash or card, or secure them online before you travel.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids, this walled oasis blends active play with an authentic educational experience. Youngsters can search for tiny fish from five different footbridges, explore winding garden paths, and spot wild birds or butterflies flying between the flowers. The secure, enclosed space gives parents peace of mind while kids discover where their fresh fruits and vegetables actually grow.
Features
- Paid
- Host birthday parties: No
Features
Key Features
- Sensory Play: Little ones can breathe in the sweet scents of seasonal lavender, roses, and fresh herbs blooming throughout the ornamental paths.
- Interactive Exhibits: Families can explore the active kitchen plot, check out the traditional fruit trees, and pick up fresh produce via a rustic honesty box.
- Educational Day Out: Children can learn about historic food production, old-world water systems, and centuries of Irish heritage.
Top 5 Highlights
- The Five River Bridges: A natural river runs along the entire length of the brick-lined garden. Kids will love crossing back and forth over the five distinct footbridges while looking out for splashing wildlife in the water.
- The Magic Honesty Box: Located in the kitchen garden, this traditional setup lets families purchase organic fruits and vegetables picked straight from the soil. It is a wonderful way for kids to practice using coins while learning about farming.
- The Intra-Mural Structures: Two historic brick structures are built directly into the tall dividing wall that splits the estate. They look like tiny secret fortresses, which adds a great sense of mystery for young explorers.
- The Pollinator Haven: The floral schemes are explicitly designed to attract friendly bees, massive bumblebees, and colourful butterflies. Children can get up close to watch these busy insects collect pollen from the summer blooms.
- The Giant Heritage Orchard: The orchard features old varieties of heritage apple trees inspired by the historical Norman era. It serves as a beautiful, shaded spot to teach children about ancient fruit varieties.
Specific Named Areas & Sub-Exhibits
- The Ornamental Garden: The eastern half of the estate, packed with bright floral displays and paths.
- The Kitchen Garden: The western section containing active vegetable beds and fruit plots.
- The Main Dividing Wall: The impressive red-brick divider holding historical internal buildings.
- The Curved Stone Corners: The unique architectural border walls built in the early 1830s.
- The Tintern Forest Walk: A gorgeous, bluebell-filled woodland path that begins just outside the garden gates.
Facilities
- Toilets: Public toilets and a clean baby changing unit are located nearby at the Abbey entrance.
- Buggy Accessibility: The primary garden pathways are flat and wheelchair-accessible, though some gravel paths can feel slightly uneven.
- Food Options: There is a family picnic ground on site, plus seasonal dining at the adjacent Abbey cafe.
What to see
What Visitors Love
- The wonderful sense of peace and safety inside the tall stone walls.
- Pushing pushchairs easily along the wide, scenic loop paths.
- Extremely friendly volunteer staff who love explaining the history of the plants to children.
- High value for money compared to expensive commercial theme parks.
What Visitors Don't Like
- The gravel pathways can become a little bit muddy and sticky after heavy Irish rain.
- The toilet blocks are situated outside the garden walls rather than inside the central grounds.
Pro-Tips
- Bring Pocket Cash: Remember to pack some loose change so the kids can buy freshly picked organic produce from the honesty box.
- Visit Early: The early morning hours are the quietest times to visit if you want to avoid crowds and view the birds undisturbed.
- Keep Dogs on Leads: Four-legged family members are very welcome to join you, provided they stay securely on a lead.
Price
Price: Paid
Price Details
- Adults (Age 18+): €5.30
- Children (Age 0-14): Free
- Students (Age 15+ with student ID): €3.18
- Senior Citizens (Age 65+): €3.18
- Group Tickets (Age 18+ • 2 people): €3.18
Birthday Parties
Offer Birthday Parties: No
- April to September: 10:00am to 6:00pm daily
- October to March: 10:00am to 4:00pm daily
Note: Last admission is strictly 30 minutes before the gates close.
Address: Tintern Abbey, Saltmills, New Ross, County Wexford, Ireland
Post Code: Y34 XA66
Council: Wexford County Counc
County: County Wexford
- By Car: Take the N25 road from Wexford towards New Ross, then follow the local regional signs onto the Hook Peninsula toward Saltmills.
- Parking Options: Free car parking is available at the main entrance right in front of Tintern Abbey.
- By Bus: Take a regional bus service to New Ross town centre, then book a short 15-minute taxi ride straight to the gates.
Rating breakdown
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