Established in 1902 by Colonel William Hall-walker, later Lord Wavertree, who also set up the Japanese Gardens next door, today the Stud is owned and run by the Irish Government, and provides expert advice and breeding services to bloodstock interests all over the country.

It also carries out veterinary research into through bred breeding.The basis of the Stud’s operations is a stable of stallions housed in ‘lantern’ boxes, so called because they have skylights, in keeping with hall-walker’s belief that the moon and stars affected the fortunes of racehorses as well as people. He woud study the astrological chart of each foal born in the stud, and if it was favourabe he would keep the foal; if not, it would be sold.

Hall-Walker’s methods were suprisingly successful.The lake has several islands with a collection of rare and unusual plants, such as giant parsnips that, with their seed heads, reach 20ft high. These, and the bamboo plantings, are home to a wide range of bird life, including Kingfishers, yellow wagtails and coots.