WELCOME TO
Closed Until 29 March 2025
Tullynally Castle, Gardens and Tearoom are now closed until 29 March 2025. Please sign up to our newsletter to keep updated.
Opening Hours
Thursday to Sunday:
11am to 5pm
Monday to Wednesday:
Closed
Welcome to Tullynally, the Pakenhams’ family home since 1655
In the fifty plus years that my late wife Valerie and I have lived here, our main joy has been rediscovering and replanting its extensive gardens, mostly laid out in the early 19th century by my great great grandparents. I’m a tree fanatic and I’ve planted thousands of trees in my time here, and I hope every generation will continue to do so. Valerie restored the flower gardens and helped design the many summerhouses, each framing a different view.
The castle itself is an enormous challenge to maintain, with nearly an acre of roof. Over the years we have slowly restored it and made self-contained flats in parts that were once derelict. Today Tullynally is a thriving community once again.
I hope you enjoy your visit to our family home.
Thomas Pakenham
Explore Tullynally Castle & Gardens
An Exclusive Tour of the Castle
May to September Only
Although the Castle itself is still lived in by the Pakenham family, guided tours of the beautiful main rooms are now available on certain dates. These tours last 45 mins and give an insight into the private lives of 10 generations of the family, as well as what life was like for staff working below stairs. Tours not suitable for children under ten. Advance booking is highly advisable
What Our Visitors Say…
Cultural Escapism
What a great way to delve into the history of this Westmeath gem of a historical site and yet a family home. Great stories, beautifully told…Can’t wait to return for special music and culinary events in the future, well done Team Tullynally!
Sinead, Ireland
July 2024
A step back in time
Highly recommend a trip to the castle and gardens. Give yourself at least 3 hours. Our guide was fantastic and it was a privilege to be able to see the many objects inside the castle. We had coffee and cake before exploring the beautiful gardens. I cannot wait to go back soon as it is a magically peaceful environment which is hard to find these days. Many thanks to the family for allowing the public to visit.
Joanne, Ireland
August 2024
Beautiful
I love visiting the gardens. I’ve been a few times and each time I’m not disappointed. The kids love the slide at the entrance. The walk is lovely and the grounds are well kept. It’s also not expensive if your looking for a lovely peaceful day out.
Sorcha, Ireland
July 2024
Tullynally and the Pakenhams today
The present owner, Thomas Pakenham inherited the estate in 1961 at the death of his uncle, the 6th Earl of Longford (who many Dubliners still remember for his work at the Gate Theatre.) Thomas, after producing three large history books (The Year of Liberty, The Boer War and The Scramble for Africa – all still in print) turned to writing about trees – starting with Meetings with Remarkable Trees in 1993 – and has become a passionate gardener.
In recent years, he has brought back seeds from plant hunting trips to China, Tibet and Sikkim in Northern India. Most of his planting has been in the Forest Walk, where Georgina had her American garden and the soil is acid.
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