20 Jan Kilruddery House , County Wicklow
On the coast road between Bray and Greystones is Kilruddery House , built in Tudor Revival style in 1820. The estate has been the family home of the Earls of Meath for more than 300 years , and the extensive Kilruddery Gardens have been cultivated even longer. Parts of the estate constitute the only such 17th century complex still intact in Ireland.
Twin canals 500ft long, classical statuary , hedge lined walks , terracing and agricultural gardens all testify to the strong continental influences at the various times when the sections of the grounds were designed and laid out. The Victorian house and view of the Little Sugar Loaf mountain (1123ft) offset the austerity of this classical park.
Kilruddery House is a real hidden gem and is worth a visit on your tours of Ireland.