Lordship Festivities at Killruddery House and Gardens
While many would flock to Malahide Castle or Dublin Castle to catch a glimpse of the opulence of the Lords and Ladies of old, I much prefer heading to Killruddery House and Gardens because there’s still an Earl and Countess living in it.
Killruddery House and Gardens isn’t simply a historic site; it’s an ever-lived-in mansion that provides us with much-needed insight into the modern lives of those we once deemed as royalty. Though not royalty, the family remains beloved locally.
So if you’re planning on visiting the beloved house and gardens of the Earl and Countess of Meath, then we’ve got just the guide for you. We’ll make sure that your visit is a grand one and that you’ll remember it fondly for years.
What is Killruddery House and Gardens Known for?
Killruddery House and Gardens is a country house located on the outskirts of Bray in County Wicklow, south of Dublin. It’s an Elizabethan-style mansion that houses the 15th Earl and Countess of Meath, along with their children.
Best Time to Go to Killruddery House and Gardens
Killruddery House and Gardens are only available to the public from the 1st of April to the 31st of October as of 2025. We suggest heading as early as possible, just before 9:30 AM, to tour the property without worrying about crowds.
Things to Know About Killruddery House and Gardens
Address: Killruddery House and Gardens is located at Southern Cross Road, Kilruddery Demesne West, Bray, Co. Wicklow, Ireland. It is situated 20 kilometres south of Dublin City and is close to other heritage sites, including Oldcourt Castle and Bray Head Cross.
Operating Hours: Killruddery House and Gardens is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. However, tickets for visits are only sold until 5:00 PM.
Parking: Free parking is available for visitors to Killruddery House and Gardens. If you find that parking is full, there are several car parks surrounding the area, including the ALDI Car park and Alert Parking Services in Irishtown.
Contact Information: You can contact and inquire about your visit to Killruddery House and Gardens by calling their mobile number at +353 (0) 1 286 3405 or by emailing [email protected].
Pets: Pets are typically not allowed at Killruddery House and Gardens. Only guide and assistance dogs are allowed to accompany their owners. Please bring proper documentation and identification, just to be on the safe side.
Accessibility at the Killruddery House and Gardens
Wheelchair Accessible: While the main house isn’t fully wheelchair accessible, the gardens and most of the outer sections of Killruddery are wheelchair accessible, but you will need to inform them of your visit beforehand to accommodate you.
How To Get To Killruddery House and Gardens
Car: Killruddery House and Gardens can only be accessed through the R768 road. This road is connected to the N11 and M11 motorways, which lead all the way to Booterstown, near the southern border of Dublin City.
Dublin Bus: When coming from Dublin City, there are a few Dublin Bus routes that travel near Killruddery House and Gardens. Here are the specific routes and stops to look out for when visiting.
| Dublin Bus Route | Bus Stop | Operating Hours |
| Route L14 | Hollybrook Park Stop | Monday to Saturday: 6:30 AM – 11:30 PM Sunday: 7:30 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Route X1 | Hollybrook Park Stop | Monday to Friday: 6:50 AM – 6:30 PM |
| Route X2 | Hollybrook Park Stop | Monday to Friday: 6:10 AM – 5:10 PM |
Shuttle Bus: Additionally, shuttle buses operate near Killruddery. Here are the specific ones that do, along with the bus stops near Killruddery House and Gardens.
| Shuttle Bus Route | Bus Stop | Operating Hours |
| Route 45A | Woodview Drive Stop | Monday to Saturday: 6:25 AM – 11:35 PM Sunday: 6:25 AM – 11:45 PM |
| Route 45B | Woodview Drive Stop | Monday to Saturday: 6:25 AM – 11:35 PM Sunday: 6:25 AM – 11:45 PM |
DART Train System: The DART train system is the easiest way to travel to Killruddery House and Gardens. Starting from Dublin City, you can simply take a train to Bray (Daly) DART Station, which is close to Killruddery.
Taxi: You can easily travel to Killruddery House and Gardens by taxi, though this will be extremely expensive, especially if you’re coming from Dublin City. We’d suggest taking a taxi from Bray DART Station to Killruddery instead!
How Much is a Ticket to Killruddery House and Gardens
There are several different tours available at Killruddery House and Gardens. Here’s the pricelist for each ticket.
| KILLRUDDERY HOUSE AND GARDENS | |||
| Ticket Type | Garden Entry | House Entry | House + Garden Entry |
| Adult | €10.50 | €7.50 | €17.50 |
| Concession | €9.50 | €6.50 | €15 |
| Child (4 – 12) | €4 | €2 | €9.50 |
Types of Experiences at Killruddery House and Gardens
There are several distinct experiences available at Killruddery House and Gardens. These range from Guided House tours to Guided Garden tours. Here are some insights into each experience that is currently available.
Killruddery House Guided Tour
| Killruddery House Guided Tour | |
| Days Available: | Tuesday to Sunday |
| Time Slots: | 12:00 PM | 1:30 PM | 3:00 PM |
Killruddery House offers Guided tours to those who want to explore the house itself. While these Guided Tours tend to be rare, especially when there are private events at the estate, when you see that they’re available, we’d suggest grabbing a ticket for them.
The tour will take you through most of the accessible rooms at Killruddery House—these mainly being the main formal rooms—and you will get to peer into the daily lives of the past and present Earl and Countess of Meath.
Killruddery Garden Guided Tour
| Killruddery Garden Guided Tour | |
| Days Available: | Tuesday to Sunday |
| Time Slots: | 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM |
The Killruddery Garden is the main event when visiting Killruddery House and Gardens. This vast expanse was established by the 4th and 6th Earls of Meath and has become a passion project for the current Earl and Countess of Meath.
The garden consists of flower beds, walled gardens of fruits and vegetables, Long Ponds, and an expansive flowering woodland. You will often see Lady Ardee, the Countess of Meath, tending to these wonderful gardens with help from their staff.
Farm Market
| Farm Market | |
| Days Available: | Saturday |
| Time Slots: | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
After a trip through Killruddery House and Gardens, if you visit on the right day, you’ll easily find yourself enamoured by the Farm Market that’s available only on Saturdays. This market features produce grown on-site at Killruddery and surrounding farms.
The Farm Market is beloved by locals and tourists, and you’ll find some incredible products here. These include artisanal goods, freshly baked breads, a variety of cheeses, and even wonderfully made ceramics perfect for your kitchen.
Farm Shop
| Farm Shop | |
| Days Available: | Monday to Sunday |
| Time Slots: | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
If you’re not there on Saturdays, you’ll still have plenty of produce and artisanal goods to choose from at the Farm Shop. The Farm Shop features a range of produce, including vegetables, meats, and fruits, sourced directly from Killruddery.
You’ll also find pantry staples here, from cooking oils to eggs to flour. They also have a selection of garden items for you to start your own garden. You can also find flowers at the Farm Shop if they’re available.
Significant Locations at Killruddery House and Gardens
While you’re not typically allowed to venture on your own at Killruddery, there are specific sections of the property that you should definitely visit when you have the chance. Here’s a detailed guide to the sections that stood out for us.
The Entrance
The main entrance of Killruddery is a sight to behold. Constructed in the 1950s, it holds the Court of Arms of Sir Edward Brabazon. This entrance is a familiar sight to those who frequent Killruddery and is only a taste of the luxury that can be found inside the estate.
The Main Hall
The Main Hall is what greets you when you enter Killruddery House. Its walls are plastered with paintings of most of the Earls and Countesses who have found Killruddery as their home, accompanied by wyverns holding the Brabazon shield.
The Library
The Library is the only section of the 17th-century Killruddery that remains intact. It’s decorated in a Carolean style and remains a fully furnished and functional room in the house. It also features a portrait of Charles II, a family heirloom.
The Drawing Room
The Drawing Room is the Principal Room of Killruddery and is where you may find the previous Earls and Countesses. It features a neoclassical interior, accompanied by scagliola pillars and exquisite stucco plasterwork, all created by Henry Popje.
The Dining Room
The Dining Room that you’ll be given access to isn’t the current one used by the current Earl and Countess of Meath, but was once used as such before their acquisition. The current one you see today is a recreation of what it would have looked like in the 1950s.
The Orangery
The Orangery is a statue gallery that is directly connected to the Dining Room. It features a glass roof and is home to a variety of statues. The main ones to look out for are the sculptures that were collected by the 10th and 11th Earls from their European Tours.
The Forecourt
The Forecourt is one of the many entrances to the Killruddery Gardens. It features a beautiful granite balustrade with a fine metal gate, crafted by Edward Sheldon. A wonderful Acacia melanoxylon tree can be found to the side of the gates.
South Terrace
The South Terrace is one of the most majestic views in Killruddery, as it offers a full view of the entire Killruddery House. You’ll also find a statue of Milt Kahl of Postdam as well as a large Turkey Oak, which was planted directly after the birth of Earl of Meath.
The Angels
The Angels are a pair of statues that could once be found at the centre of a maze in Killruddery House. Now they are part of the Angel’s path, which they are situated at the very centre of the path that leads to the old Bowling Green.
Walled Garden
The Walled Garden is where most of the produce sold at Killruddery is sourced. It’s also where the Grain Store, Pizza Shed, Farm Shop, and Tea Room source their ingredients for their dishes.
Where to Eat When Visiting Killruddery House and Gardens
The best thing about visiting Killruddery House and Gardens is that there’s quite a selection of restaurants and cafes inside the estate for you to choose from. Here’s some info on each of the restaurants within its premises.
Tea Room
Media Credit: Shruti Instagram
Website: https://killruddery.com/pages/tea-room
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Killruddery
Contact Details: +353 (0) 1 286 3405
Price Range: €20 – €30
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
The Tea Room is a small and quaint dining experience located at Killruddery. Here, you’ll find yourself sampling freshly made baked goods accompanied by tea or a latte, making it a nice place to relax while taking in the gardens.
What’s particularly eco-chic is that even the takeaway cups, napkins, and cutlery are 100% compostable, allowing you to enjoy your Brabazon Blend coffee.
The Grain Store
Media Credit: Killruddery Instagram
Website: https://killruddery.com/pages/the-grain-store
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Killruddery
Contact Details: +353 (0) 1 286 3405
Price Range: €10 – €20
Operating Hours:
- Friday to Saturday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
The Grain Store serves an ever-changing menu based on the current harvest and produce from Killruddery. It’s totally Insta-worthy, set inside a genuine, converted 18th-century granary, boasting exposed brick walls and wooden beams that are both rustic and chic, all at once.
The whole vibe is garden-to-plate. Head Chef Niall Garden uses ingredients from the estate’s own Walled Garden and farm.
Pizza Shed
Media Credit: Killruddery Instagram
Website: https://pizza.killruddery.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Killruddery
Contact Details: +353 (0) 1 286 3405
Price Range: €20 – €30
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
The Pizza Shed is a beloved spot for families and children, serving some wonderful pizza made with fresh ingredients from Killruddery. We highly recommend trying their chorizo pizza, as the chorizo is simply divine and the crust is soft and pillowy.
If you’re throwing a birthday or a big squad sesh, you can book a long table for 10-18 people. Plus, the birthday kid straight-up gets their pizza free.
Where to Stay When Heading to Killruddery House and Gardens
Whether you’re looking to stay near Killruddery or at Dublin City Centre, we’ve got just the list of hotels and hostels that might pique your interest when choosing where to stay for your visit to the marvellous Killruddery House and Gardens.
Wilton Hotel Bray
Media Credit: Wilton Hotel Bray Instagram
Website: https://www.wiltonhotelbray.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WiltonHotelbray
Address: Southern Cross Rd, Kilruddery Demesne East, Bray, Co. Wicklow, A98 F224, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 276 0258
Price Range: Starts at €155
The Wilton Hotel Bray is just a short walk from Killruddery. The hotel boasts vibrantly bright, yet casual, rooms that feature all the modern amenities you’d expect from a hotel in Dublin. They also offer upgraded rooms with balconies that offer fantastic views.
Cheerfully, it’s family-friendly (giant garden, snack bar, and picnic area) and totally accessible, with elevators and wheelchair-friendly parking.
Glenview Hotel
Media Credit: Glenview Hotel Instagram
Website: https://www.glenviewhotel.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glenviewhotel
Address: Glen of the Downs, Delgany, Glen of The Downs, Co. Wicklow, A63 DC95, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 274 0000
Price Range: Starts at €167
The Glenview Hotel is a 4-star hotel that provides a wide array of amenities, making you forget that it’s not even located in Dublin City. The hotel is a traditional establishment, offering a comfortable and reliable choice for those staying in the area.
The Glenview Hotel also features a pool and leisure facilities, as well as free parking, gardens, and woodland walks in its vicinity.
The Martello Hotel
Media Credit: The Martello Bray Instagram
Website: https://www.themartello.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themartellobray
Address: 47 Strand Rd, Bray, Co. Wicklow, A98 P7X4, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 286 8000
Price Range: Starts at €133
The Martello is a contemporary hotel with a unique style. Each of their 30 rooms is en-suite, featuring modern amenities such as Wi-Fi and hot drink facilities. They also have a bar that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner for its guests.
It also features a nightclub called Koo, which is open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
The Mayson Dublin
Media Credit: The Mayson Dublin Instagram
Website: https://themayson.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themaysondublin
Address: 82 N Wall Quay, North Wall, Dublin, D01 XR83, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 245 7900
Price Range: Starts at €148
The Mayson is a beloved 4-star hotel located in Dublin City Centre. The hotel is renowned for its industrial-chic aesthetic, inspired by its origins as a warehouse during the 1870s. The hotel boasts a wonderful view of Dublin’s skyline as well as that of the River Liffey.
Staying true to the hotel’s chic style, their rooms are decorated in much the same way as the lobby. Their upgraded rooms feature a wonderful record player for your use during your stay.
Tips When Visiting Killruddery House and Gardens
Now, before you take that long trip from Dublin City to Killruddery House and Gardens, we’d suggest that you hear us out first. We’ve got a few tips that’ll make your visit to the estate that much more grand and wonderful.
Book a Hotel in the City Centre
While it might be tempting to book a hotel near Killruddery, we’d still suggest that you book in Dublin City Centre. The rates are slightly more expensive, but you gain access to more tourist spots than staying in Bray.
Get their Membership
If you’ll find that you or your family will be frequenting Killruddery during the year, then we’d suggest applying for membership at the estate. This will grant you free access to the gardens and a discounted fee for the Guided House Tours.
Visit on a Saturday
Most of the activities at Killruddery, as well as the famous Farm Market, are available on Saturdays. If your trip permits, we suggest heading on a Saturday to have the full experience at Killruddery House and Gardens.
Take the DART
When coming from Dublin City, the easiest way to get to Killruddery House and Gardens is through the DART train system. If you’re planning on an excursion trip outside of the city, familiarising yourself with the DART train system is a must.