Belonging to the Duckett family, the house was formerly the focal point of a 12,000-acre (49 km2) estate,[2] and dominated the local landscape of the area for more than two centuries.

From the mid 1820s, it was redesigned in a castellated Gothic revival style by English architect Thomas Cobden for then owner and head of family, John Dawson Duckett.

[11] Possibly due to the Duckett's good treatment of their tenants and employees over the years, the interiors and furniture were left intact upon the IRA's departure from the house.

[10] In September 2005, Carlow County Council acquired Duckett's Grove and commenced with the restoration of two inter-connecting walled gardens.

It is mainly planted with flowering shrubs including Echium, Watsonia, Acanthus, Daphniphyllum, Acradenia, Arbutus, Cornus, Iris, Eryngium, Beschorneria and ornamental bananas.

[12][13] On 17 March 2011, Duckett's Grove was featured in an episode of SyFy's show Destination Truth during a 4-hour live investigation special to find out if the ruins are haunted by a Banshee Ghost.

There are craft and gift shops located in the courtyard which are often open during the weekend and for events, including an annual Christmas fair.