Trip to Burtown House & Gardens,
Athy, Co. Kildare
On Wednesday 10 May, a beautiful blue-sky day, twelve Sandmillers set off to Burtown to visit the gardens.
On arrival we enjoyed coffee in the Gallery Café where painter Lesley Fennell, mother of the present owner and daughter of artist, the late Wendy Walsh, gave a brief history and tour of Burtown’s ten acres of flowers, vegetables and woodland gardens, stone sculptures and wildflower meadows. She and her son, James Fennell, have enlarged the garden over the years. James is responsible for the huge vegetable garden providing organic produce for the restaurant, while Lesley takes charge of the flower end. The woodland garden, with its stream running through, is enchanting and is still a work in progress in places.
Recently the Green Barn was opened serving a very good lunch, which was enjoyed by all.
There is a small gallery and shop off the Green Barn displaying artwork etc.
What a beautiful place and just an hour’s drive from Dublin – a visit is highly recommended. We all enjoyed our day out and I for one look forward to a springtime visit when the snowdrops, aconites etc. are at their best.
M.J.H
Dates for your diary:
Wednesday 14 June: Coffee and lunch at the Goat Grill from 11.30 am, following 10.30 am H.C. Service in Sandford Church.
Wednesday 13 Sept: Coffee and AGM at the Rectory, following 10.30 am H.C. Service in Sandford Church.