Recently, my husband and I had the opportunity to visit gardens in the south of Ireland. Killruddery House and Gardens was one of our prize discoveries. In Part I of Ireland's Oldest Garden, I explored some of the the cultural, social and even political pressures on Ireland's Norman - Anglo - Irish landed gentry which led to building gardens such as Killruddery.
I hope you enjoy Part II of Ireland's Oldest Garden. This is a virtual exploration of some of the existing 17th and 18th century features we found at Killruddery. The most prominent and enjoyable to us were the twin mirror-like canals and the only original turfed (grassy) outdoor amphitheater in these Islands still in use for summer productions.
Perhaps you may, for the short time it takes to read this article, see these features in your mind's eye as well as in my photographs, and feel the Irish June sun on your back. You might find it helpful to occasionally refer to the map below and the identifying numbers as you think about the design and use of these remarkable constructions.
3. * The Long Pond or Twin Canals *
The design of the twin canals leading away from the house to a circular fountain is similar to that at the Chateau de Courances, 30 miles (50km) south of Paris, attributed to LeNôtre. These twin inky-black water mirrors - miroirs d'eaux - at Killruddery measure 550 feet in length. Along with creating an exquisite vista, they also originally supplied the household with carp and tench (a bottom-feeding carp-like fish) for meals.
Some experts maintain that there is no known English or Irish precedent for canals such as these. However, a similar canal system can be found at Westbury Court Garden in Gloucester, England which was laid out between 1696 and 1705, restored in 1971, and is planted with species dating from before 1700. Canals, cascade, round pond, re-created parterre and a motte (ancient hill fort) with a spiral path can be found at Antrim Castle, in Northern Irelandwhere the gardens were planted at about the same time as those at Killruddery.
8 - 9.* The Round Pond, Deer Park and Double Linden or Lime Avenue *
The twin canals frame a central grassy area almost like a walkway which leads to A Circular Pond emitting a single water jet. A narrow canal leads from this pond and runs beyond a hidden ditch. This forms the boundary between the garden and what once was the fourth Earl's Deer Park. Though planted with trees, now mature, it was originally used for hunting.
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