KILMOKEA HOUSE AND GARDEN

I was over in Waterford and decided to cross the River Barrow into Co Wexford to visit a very special garden. The ten minute ferry crossing from Passage East to Ballyhack is convenient as it lands you in the region of Hook Peninsula and New Ross on the Wexford side of the Barrow River, a good place to start to explore this historic and un-spoilt area of Co Wexford.

Once in Ballyhack, I drove towards New Ross on the R733 Road and headed for my destination, Kilmokea House and Gardens, owned by Mark and Emma Hewlett. A few miles along this road on your left silhouetted against the skyline are the magnificent ruins of  Dunbrody Abbey. The Abbey was founded in 1170 and is one of the finest examples of a Cistercian Monastery in Ireland. A mile or so on I branched off to my left now travelling towards and then along the River Barrow heading for Great Island Power Station.

The entrance to Kilmokea House was easily recognized. A stone walled entrance, large mature hard wood trees and black ornate steel gates. A narrow graveled lane takes you through luscious flowering trees and plants that reach onto the drive way itself, to the house. There is a second entrance, which is the main entrance to the gardens, and by keeping left at the house entrance, a couple of hundred yards further on you will see it on your right.

The front of the Georgian house, built as a Rectory back in 1794, is impressive. I was welcomed in by Emma Hewlett who brought me through the reception room of the house where large portraits hung on the walls and beautiful period furniture adorned the space. This was the beginning of the “wow” experience. Things only got better from here.

We walked through the house into the conservatory which has been added onto the rear of the house and is used as the dining area and craft shop. From here you get your first glimpses of the magnificent walled gardens and lawns to the rear of the house. Lush vegetation and overhanging trees provide shade from the sun making it cool and refreshing inside. There were even Banana Trees growing outside the window

Heading out into the seven acre gardens certainly added another “wow”. The aromatic smells of the wild woodland and the flowers, massive trees and brilliant colours splashed against the thick green woodland. The large gathering of Rooks in the tree tops with their raucous calls somewhat harmonising with the cackling of chickens, the wake up calls of the cockerels and the piercing screams of the peacocks all creating an air of mystery and expectations to this wild and wonderful garden.

The trails throughout the gardens are graveled making it comfortable to walk in. Wondering through this well kept untamed garden could almost be described as Jungle like, even the humidity. Large variety of trees, high canopies with smaller plats reaching up to the sunlight above, water, lakes and streams, all bursting with dramatic vegetation and broad leafed plants, some leaves large enough to use as an umbrella if it happened to rain. Everywhere layers of colour from the pure whites to the almost black greens fill the scene in front of you. Benches are positioned strategically along the route for you to sit a while, your own space from where you can absorb the splendors around you.

Off to one side of the wooded gardens, a very organized organic vegetable garden has been developed. The produce from this garden supplies the house and its restaurant with seasonal, fresh vegetables and herbs for the cooking.

After you experience, and back at the house, Emma and Mark will look after your gastronomic needs. Home cooking, soup and a sandwich, a cup of coffee or tea, perhaps stay for dinner. All are welcome.

This is a fabulous stop off for all the family. I recommend it. This is a peaceful experience and a place to relax. There are also children’s playing areas and during the year various Open Air Garden Theatre performances are held.

Contact
Mark and Emma Hewlett
Tel: 051 388109   /   086 6641946
Sat Nav: 52.29599  -6.99274
Email: stay@kilmokea.com
Web: www.kilmokea.com