Follow a sinuous pathway through the wooded demesne in the 18th Century estate, and boasts an attractive glen and stream with a series of pools and cascades forming the centrepiece.
Garden Rescue
This romantic garden was rescued from the undergrowth by Nicholas Mosse, and his wife Susan. In the process, the couple rediscovered a grotto and the ruins of a cottage orné, all part of the idealised rural idyll. They also rediscovered an artificial waterfall opposite the cottage, fed by water diverted via pumps and canal. The cottage was restored with thatch and leaded window panes in keeping with a 1921 print, and with interiors designed by the late Sybil Connolly.
Other attractions of the garden include a sculpture trail through the woods and a series of contemporary gardens laid out around Mosse’s home. There is a formal pool garden, a white moon garden, a blue orchard, a mysterious hall of mirrors and a wildlife pond.
It opens in July and August from 11am to 6pm daily and by appointment.
A rolling stone gathers five Mosses...of the creative Mosse Family variety!
The Mosses, a Quaker family, established a corn mill on the River Nore at Bennettsbridge. Stanley, the father, trained as a sculptor and creativity flowed. By 1976, the pottery took over the disused mill buildings and harnessed the river for power.
Generations of Mosse apples have fallen close to the artistic tree.
- Nicholas, potter and ceramicist, is one of five talented siblings who now exhibits his work from bronze and stone to wood.
- Brother Paul – Recently awarded the most significant award in Irish contemporary art – The Savills Prize
- Skip down a generation to Richard, a prominent photographic artist of international acclaim and winner of the Deutsche Börse and the Prix Pictet. He was also chosen as Ireland’s entry to the Venice Biennal.
Creativity is the lifeblood of this Kilkenny made legacy. From this relatively small county in the heartland of Ireland’s ancient east, Kilkenny has an artistic credential that fosters talent. See for yourself and drop by the Butler Gallery in Kilkenny Castle, soon to relocate to Evans Home. Or visit Grennan College in Thomastown where you just might find the next big thing to take the international artistic community by storm.
