Equine Elegance & Artistrocratic Estates

Explore the Irish National Stud & Gardens, home to world-class thoroughbreds and serene Japanese gardens. Then enjoy a private tour of Russborough House, a Palladian mansion filled with fine art and history. Optional visit to Castletown House, Ireland’s largest and earliest Palladian-style estate.

Irish National Stud Farm. The farm at Tully was purchased from the Fay family in 1900 by Colonel William Hall Walker. Hall Walker became the most successful breeder of the age, enjoying his finest hour when King Edward VII led Minoru, born and raised at Tully, into Epsom’s winners’ enclosure following a famous victory in the 1909 Derby. In 1915 the farm and all its stock was gifted to the Crown and became The National Stud under the leadership of Sir Henry Greer. The success continued with the farm producing the winners of all five Classics. In 1942 Sun Chariot, born and bred at Tully, earned herself an indelible place in racing history when landing the fillies’ Triple Crown – the 1,000 Guineas, Oaks and St. Leger – for King George VI.

Russborough House. Nestled in the heart of County Wicklow, Russborough stands as a testament to Ireland’s rich architectural heritage and the legacies of the families who called it home. From its grand Palladian design to the meticulously crafted interiors and expansive Parklands, Russborough offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyles of the 18th and 19th Centuries. Surrounding the house, the Parklands were designed to complement the Palladian elegance of Russborough. Initially laid out in a formal style, the grounds featured terraced lawns, ornamental lakes, and carefully planned vistas. Over time, elements of the naturalistic style popularised by landscape designers like Capability Brown were incorporated, blending formal gardens with rolling meadows and wooded areas. Today, visitors can explore these historic landscapes, which include a walled garden, ice house, and serpentine lakes.

Castletown House. When it was built in the 1720s, Castletown set a radical precedent and it is an extraordinary part of our cultural inheritance. Now, as the OPW breathes contemporary life into Ireland’s earliest and finest Palladian house, it is trailblazing once more. Access to the house is by guided tour only. Join one of our knowledgeable guides for a tour of Castletown House that takes you from the eighteenth century, when building commenced, right up to the present day.