Fancroft Mill & Gardens

Fancroft Mill and Gardens are located on a 2.6 hectare site on the Offaly/ Tipperary border just 2.3 km off the N62,north of Roscrea.The mill wheel 4.5 m in diameter ,is powered by a tributary of the Little Brosna river.A major programme of conservation and restoration work is in progress .The new mill stones were installed in November 2010.Visitors to Fancroft can opt for a guided tour and view the water wheel and gearing rooms.

Developed in the early 1800s by the Pim family,this lovely place, to which streams springs and wells are integral,is also the location of extensive gardens ,created by Angela Jupe for herself in the 1990s.It is now in the care of Marcus and Irene Sweeney.

In excess of 1km of paths –paved,gravelled or grassy-allow for easy exploration.The walled garden has a circular motif-it is evident in the pool,in wall apertures that reveal interesting views,in box hedged beds and in the magical 2 storey Turret structure.Fruit paddocks are home to numerous varieties of naturalized daffodils,narcissi,fritillaria and wild orchids in Spring.Parallel borders of cat mint lead the eye and guide the foot towards the graceful Glasshouse which affords some protection,from the often harsh midland Winter, to its Acacia and Clematis armandii.Herbaceous borders vary in colour and texture throughout the year.In In the Grass Garden steps descend to the stream.A woodland path leads to the meadow and reveals the Dutch Barn pond-house,home to colony of bats.Take the river path and return via the Kitchen Garden.Go quietly and you may see plenty of small brown trout in the river.

A paved inner court yard has two pretty cottages ,converted stables,now guest accommodation.Here you will find 2 circular tables of stone and chairs on which to rest in afternoon sunshine.Throughout the gardens, numerous seats will suggest”pause and reflect here a while”.Refreshments are served in the Mill Tea Room[or outside ,weather permitting].Here, the photographic record of 5 years of conservation work makes for interesting viewing.

Opening Times 2012 By appointment only. April to October

Admission
2012: April to October

Adults -Mill or Garden. €8. Mill & Garden €15.
Seniors/Students- Mill or Garden €6. Mill & Garden €10
Family and group rates available.

Directions: Take the N62 , heading north from Roscrea toward Birr.
Drive 2km. Watch out for a green signpost for Fancroft. Turn right . Pass by Roscrea Oil depot on your left. Drive 1 km and pass straight through a crossroad. 1km further on at T junction go left. Follow the road for 300m to the open gates at the Mill on the Right hand side.

GPS: Lat.52.9840
Long. –7.8017