https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/castletown-house-and-parklands/
Sunday 27th Augudst, for something a little different, we are sketching at Castletown House in Celbridge, Co. Kildare. I would suggest arriving a little earlier than 2pm as there’s so much to sketch in this amazing place. There’s Betty Langtry Lodge at one of the gates, two beautiful houses at the main entrance from the village, a church and a tree lined avenue up to the house. The river Liffey runs through the grounds and there’s a man made lake with beautiful swans and ducks. The house itself is magnificent and although we don’t have permission to draw as a group on the tours of the interior, there’s lots of areas inside where we can sketch. The cafe is in the original kitchen of the house and there’s vaulted corridors and also lovely stables to draw.
There is a Country Market and Craft fair selling lovely produce and there are two cafe options.
I would love to suggest a picnic on the grounds at 1pm.
Getting there. By car, it’s 30 mins from city centre, parking is free in the village, take exit 5 off the N4. People may like to car share.
There is a parking option at exit 6 which brings you to the back of the house, also free, but it’s a lot of effort to get to the pub in village afterwards, so easy option to park in village.
C4 bus goes every 30 minutes (starts in Ringsend), takes about 40 mins. It will say Maynooth on bus.
120 bus to Edenderry goes through Celbridge, goes outside Connolly Station hourly from 9.30 am, takes about 30 mins.
Train from Heuston Station, Kildare/Waterford Train or Portlaoise train to Celbridge/Hazelhatch, takes 20 mins and there’s feeder buses to village. W61 brings you closest to the main gates and goes every 30 mins from station.
We will meet upstairs in The Whistling Pig from 4pm.
If it’s your first time out, you are very welcome! Bring your sketchbook and preferred materials and have fun. We are a very friendly group and love new comers…..
