Durrow’s Leafy Loop Walk
“The village of Durrow in County Laois is blessed with an abundance of beautiful walks, which stretch along woodland trails, forest paths, river banks and open countryside. All of the walks in Durrow are nestled within The Leafy Loop, which is a stand alone 22 KM, signposted walk, which will take in the region of five to six hours to complete. However within the Leafy Loop there are many different walks and routes, of varied length and duration, and there really is something to suit everyone, whether you enjoy a challenging walk or simply a leisurely and scenic stroll.
When walking it is recommended that you bring walking boots, rain gear, water and mobile phone. These are minimum requirements and please observe the Country Code of closing all gates and bringing your litter home.”
From Walking Durrow
For more information on Durrow’s Leafy Loop Walks, please visit Walking Durrow.
For up to the minute information on all activities and events in Durrow, please visit Durrow Village.
Laois Garden Trail
Castle Durrow Demesne
“Renovations to the house and gardens started in 1999. South facing terraces were put in and planted with pink, blue and white flowering plants. At the bottom of the steps an avenue of scented roses was created, containing: The Mayflower, Brother Cadfael, Gertrude Jekyll, Rambling Rector, New Dawn, Mary Rose, and Grace. Pink cherry trees draw the eye to the far end of the lawn. This area is called “The Good South”. Adjacent is the Pleasure Garden, which is home to a tall monkey puzzle tree, a huge Buxus Sempervirens and a copper beech with a circumference of 7 metres! Paths lead to the gazebo, which is topped with a weathervane depicting a bridal couple.”
From Laois Gardens
Heywood Gardens
Heywood Garden is situated just outside the village of Ballinakill and is approximately 5 miles from Durrow.
“The centrepiece of these gardens is the Lutyens Garden designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, and dating from 1912. A pond with turtle fountains is surrounded by a range of plants; peony, miniature Iris, Bergenia, Anemone, Hostas, Geraniums, Heuchera, and Saxifraga. Blue tones are provided by Nepeta, Aconitum, Delphinium, and Chionodoxa. These contrast nicely with the white Zantedeschia, Iberis spervirens, Anaphalis and white jasmine. The pink Rosa “Mevrouw Nathalie Nypels” gives a hedge effect and is under-planted with bluebells for spring colour. From the elliptical, sunken garden, a hidden staircase leads to a series of “rooms” which are divided by Taxus baccata hedging. One of these rooms houses old species roses and Iris from Dublin’s Botanic Gardens. Another room has Astilbes, Lilium “Brunello”, Dianthus and lupins.”
From Laois Gardens