On the shores of Lough Ennell near Mullingar, Belvedere House Gardens and Park offers 160 acres of beautiful landscape wrapped up in dramatic 18th-century history. The grand Palladian-style house was built around 1740 as a hunting lodge for Robert Rochfort, the 1st Earl of Belvedere, designed by the renowned architect Richard Cassels. But the estate is perhaps more famous for the Earl's notorious behaviour. He unjustly imprisoned his wife Mary for over 30 years, accusing her of infidelity, and famously built the huge "Jealous Wall" – Ireland's largest folly (a decorative structure) at 20 meters high – simply to block the view of his brother's neighbouring estate! This dramatic wall perfectly captures the family turmoil and remains a striking feature today.
The house itself is beautifully designed, featuring intricate Rococo plasterwork ceilings by the French craftsman Barthélemy Cramillion and elegant bow-fronted sections with distinctive Diocletian windows. It's been carefully restored, showcasing oak paneling and offering wonderful lake views, mixing Georgian style with later Victorian touches. Outside the main house, the Victorian Walled Garden provides a peaceful contrast, a long, narrow space filled with fragrant herbs, old rose varieties, and neat flowerbeds. Nearby woodlands, first planted in the 18th century with beech trees and unusual conifers, hide winding paths and lead to an ancient 800-year-old yew tree near the estate's old ice house.
There's plenty to explore across the parkland, with 10km of trails leading past other follies like the Gothic Arch and the Octagonal Gazebo. You'll find meadows perfect for picnics, a fun fairy garden, and four different play areas for children, including a zipline and spots for storytelling. The paths along the serene lakeshore are ideal for a quiet walk. Belvedere also hosts events, like open-air theatre performances (such as Romeo and Juliet by Chapterhouse Theatre Company) that bring the gardens to life in the summer. The estate is enjoyable year-round, but the gardens are especially vibrant during spring and summer blooms, and the woodlands look spectacular in autumn colours.
A self-guided audio tour brings the estate's history alive, filled with anecdotes and even featuring the voice of the "Wicked Earl" himself, sharing stories of his life and legacy. Whether you're admiring rare trees in the arboretum or imagining the scandals of the past, Belvedere offers a compelling mix of beautiful gardens, impressive architecture, and intriguing history, making it a unique place to visit in Ireland's Midlands.
Getting There
Driving Directions
From Dublin: Take the M3 northbound toward Kells, then follow signs for the N52 toward Mullingar. Continue past Mullingar town for another 7 kilometers, following directional signage toward the gardens.
From Galway or Mayo: Take the N6 toward Athlone, then follow the N52 east toward Mullingar. Belvedere House lies 8 kilometers past Mullingar's southern outskirts.
From Cork: Head north on the M7 toward Portlaoise, switch to the N7 toward Athlone, then follow the N52 west past Mullingar.
Public Transport
Buses from Dublin's Busáras station to Mullingar run regularly (journey time ~1.5 hours). From Mullingar town, a taxi or private hire is recommended for the final 7-kilometer stretch to the gardens. Local bus services to Belvedere itself are limited, so advance planning or a rental car is advisable for flexibility.
Local Options
Taxis are readily available in Mullingar and offer a straightforward transfer to the estate. Cyclists may enjoy exploring the lakeside paths of Lough Ennell, though rental bikes are not mentioned as available onsite.
Parking
Parking is available at the property with ample free spaces. The grounds provide dedicated coach parking and drop-off points for pre-booked groups. Bicycle parking is also available near the Visitor Centre entrance.
Pricing
Adult tickets cost €8.75 (approximately $9.49 USD), while children under 16 pay €4.75 ($5.24 USD). Seniors, students, and those with disabilities benefit from a discounted rate of €6.25 ($6.77 USD). Family outings are encouraged with a family ticket priced at €28 ($29.32 USD), covering two adults and two children. Groups of 10 or more are eligible for reduced rates of approximately €6 ($6.51 USD) per person, though advance appointments are required for organized visits.
For frequent visitors, annual season tickets offer value: €15 ($16.26 USD) for adults, €10 ($10.84 USD) for seniors/students, and free entry for children under 16 when accompanied by a paying adult. Multi-attraction passes or partnerships are not explicitly mentioned, but the gardens often participate in Ireland's Heritage Days in September, offering free entry to all visitors during this annual event.
Additional costs may apply for guided tours, which add €5 ($5.42 USD) per person to the standard admission fee. These tours provide deeper insights into the garden's history and design. Payment is accepted via cash or card, and seasonal opening hours can be checked on the official website.
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