A tree-lined driveway in the centre of the charming village of Clonegal leads to this fine property, and it is well worth venturing up the leafy avenue (and past the pot-bellied pig in its little arc) as there is plenty here to interest and enchant people of all ages.
Ancient seat of the Esmonde family and now home to their descendants, the Durdin Robertson family, the castle dates back to 1625 and is full of surprises - not least in the basement, where an exotic Temple to the Goddess Isis replaces the old dungeons - and, like all the very best castles, it even boasts a cast of resident ghosts.
The gardens alone are well worth a special visit for their charm and variety - originally laid out in the 17th century, their most spectacular features include an ancient Yew Walk (about 500 years old) and 'champion' trees and, like their world-famous neighbour Altamont (10 minutes drive), they are especially beautiful in spring. The current owners, Alex and Clare Durdin Robertson, are a dynamic couple with a young family who are undertaking a wide range of improvements around the property, including the garden where a mass planting of 10,000 snowdrops has recently been completed.
An overnight stay here would be a real treat as the rooms are truly lovely and - like the rest of the castle - all are period rooms with original features. The bathrooms are special too, and refreshingly gimmick-free, and one has a seperate bath and shower.
Breakfast is served country-house style, at a big communal table, allowing guests to mingle and share their recent activities and plans for the day. It's a happy experience, as one guest said: "There is something special about dining in an historic castle at a communal table and being served by the owners. This is hospitality in a relaxed way, breakfast was pre-ordered and it was just perfect, nothing fancy but just excellent ingredients, perfectly cooked. We enjoyed meeting other guests and swapping stories and recommendations, In fact we enjoyed the experience more than any breakfast we can think of in more formal upmarket hotels."
Daytime refreshments are also offered in the in the courtyard, where you'll find the ticket office, a shop and a delightful café serving light food, indoors or out.
All round, Huntington Castle adds up to an irresistible destination.
