Ballin Temple Nature Trail
| The River and Ancient Woods | The Surrounding Lands | The Garden and Farm |
Please click here for walking-cycling-driving tours.
The River and Ancient Woods
Ballin
Temple offers access to an unusual world of nature: our river and woods.
To get a quick impression here are some photos:
These woods (approx 20 hectares) have been surveyed by the Nature Woodland
Trust who have noted some unusual features:
toothwort, a parasitic plant which is rare outside ancient
woods,
wild cherry estimated at over 150 years old,
sitings of wild deer and a host of flora in an unadulterated
habitat.confirmed that they are probably "ancient" woods
- not interferred with for over 600 years.
Ornithologists
will be pleased with the range of resident and visiting birds including
duck, cuckoo, owls, heron, swallows, various tits and so on.
Part of the woods have been designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC) by the National Heritage Service, Duchas. Our SAC, one of Carlow's few preserved areas, includes a two mile stretch of the River Slaney, where we offer fishing, and the woods along the bank, parts of which have not been interfered with for hundreds of years.
Back to top.Further Afield - Surrounding Lands
We are fortunate to have wonderful countryside around us. For a selection of views around BT click here.
The cycling, running and walking is magnificent. 
Walking
or running is enjoyed by many in the gentle hills of Ballin Temple.
Some have even taken a dip in the Slaney.
But it is cold! (You can just make out David O'Grady, who hails from Quebec, Canada where he has met the chill waters of the St Laurence River. And we believe some tougher residents and visitors have enjoyed the Slaney Waters.)
For power cyclists, one can travel on the national roads to historic towns such as Bunclody, Kilkenny, Avoca and others, or even attempt the climb up Mount Leinster.
Alternatively, the country roads provide quiet and beautiful routes. Cyclists can even venture across country along bridle paths and other designated routes.
Horse riding may be arranged at local stables or we can suggest equestrian treks.
Some of the sites nearby include Huntingdon (Clonegal) Castle, Aghade church and bridge and Altamont House and Gardens. The closest towns are Ardattin, home to the cottage collection, and Clonegal (Huntingdon Castle), both within walking distance (1/2 - 1hour).
Back to top.Organic Garden
We have always adopted a responsible approach to land management and today this has become an important part of our activities. We are adopting an organic approach to garden and agrcultural mangement. In particular, we have a small organic horticultural unit which was initially 1 hectare and is now 10 hectares in conversion to certified organic status.
Wide angle view of the 1 hectare unit early in the season (April).
You
can find our about our progress and experiences in the section Organic
Garden. Our main production system is a low input, six plot organic
horticultural rotation. You may visit the farm and the secluded pleasure
spots around the production unit.
Just visiting the farm is a revealing experience for most, especially during summer when everything is growing, but for those interested in organic techniques and sustainable estate management, we accept applications for vocational training for a month or more and may offer residential opportunities to people that would suit our environment.
