Calverstown combines a village centre with a stream and village green, historic houses and an impressive hilly landscape. The private grounds of Farmland at Calverstown House add a special connection with nature. Those planning a stay will find several different themes here, from village history to landscapes and attractions in the wider destination of County Kildare.
Landscape and Village Centre
Farmland at Calverstown House has areas of dry and wet grassland that have been preserved for decades through careful management. They are home to the rare Large Carder Bumblebee. The grounds are private; walks with the farmer are possible on request. Please arrange your visit in advance.
The hills also shape the character of the place: Carrighill, at 166 metres, lies to the northwest, while Bullhill, at over 174 metres, is to the southwest. Together, they form the backdrop of hills around Calverstown. A small stream flows through the centre, and the village green lies at the crossroads in the village centre. It appears to date from the early 19th century. The stream and village green provide two clear landmarks in the centre.
Houses and Architectural History
Calverstown House is a detached, three-bay house with two storeys over a basement, dating from around 1780. Its early windows and Doric door surround have been preserved. Calverstown Cottage offers a different architectural accent: this modestly scaled Gothic Revival house, with an attic storey featuring half-dormers, was built around 1910 and has largely retained its original form. The two approximate dates point to different periods in the local architectural history.
The architectural character also includes Grove Villa, an attractive village landmark, and Blackhall Castle. A four-storey ruin of a 16th-century tower house survives from the castle. Together, these buildings show different forms and scales, but this does not mean that their interiors are open to visitors.
Getting Around and Excursions in the Wider Area
Calverstown is situated at a crossroads just off the main roads N78 and N9. A nearby scenic highlight is the road from the N78 at Hacklow, which offers wide views of the Dublin/Wicklow Mountains.
For a broader exploration of County Kildare, there are further landscape and cultural attractions to choose from. Castletown House is in Celbridge, County Kildare, set in an 18th-century parkland on the banks of the Liffey. The house is now home to a significant collection of paintings, furnishings and works of art. The parklands are open year-round from 07:00 to 22:00; check the opening hours again before travelling.
At Donadea Forest Park, you can compare a short circular walk with longer orienteering courses: the Lake Walk is 0.8 kilometres long, takes about 30 minutes and is accessible to everyone. There are also three permanent orienteering courses of 1.8, 3.4 and 4.6 kilometres. This offers a choice of a circular walk with a stated walking time and three courses of different lengths.
The Irish National Stud also brings together themes of nature and design. The Japanese Gardens were created between 1906 and 1910 by Japanese garden designer Tassa Eida and his son Minoru. St. Fiachra’s Garden features woodland, wetlands, waterfalls, lakes and streams. The stud and this garden are fully accessible. A free guided tour is included in the admission price and takes place regularly during the day; check the current tour times before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Moyvally, Castledermot, Johnstown, Kilmartin, Narraghmore, Ballymore Eustace, Maynooth, Carbury
For the wider travel overview: County Kildare.
