Johnstown Castle
Estate, Museum & Gardens
Situated south of Wexford Town, Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum & Gardens is located 25 minutes from the Riverside Park Hotel and offers an abundance of activities for all ages from the ornamental garden walks to the intriguing Irish Agricultural Museum and children’s play area. In the 19th century, the Grogan family re-imagined and remodelled the castle with a romantic, neo gothic design, designed with the help of Daniel Robertston.
Take a tour of the castle and admire the gorgeous original features in rooms that give you an authentic sense of life for gentry and staff in the past. Hear tales that weave in the Norman knights, Cromwellian invaders and even 1798 rebellion that Johnstown has hosted over the centuries.
After exploring the castle, head downstairs to Johnstown Castle’s kitchen and walk the servants subterranean passageway, seeing how they lived and worked. Step inside the remarkable 86 metre servants tunnel that kept busy staff out of sight.
Explore one of the most comprehensive exhibits of farming and rural life in Ireland at the Irish Agricultural Museum. Housed in the Johnstown Castle Estates farm courtyard buildings, the family friendly stable courtyard brings together intriguing objects and stories that reflect the life in rural Ireland over the centuries. Over three floors, you’ll find 19 exhibitions that shed light on Irish rural life for farmers and tradespeople. Visitors of all ages can enjoy the displays of restored tractors, carts, ploughs, threshing machines, stationary engines and dairy equipment. There are self guided and guided tours available for visitors.
Explore the 4 acre walled gardens and hothouses which were originally laid out between 1844-1851. Meander through the grounds to explore the woodland garden and the lakeside trails plus the fun nature playground. The trails are fully accessible for all members of the family including our dog friends.
Watch the super friendly peacocks display their finery at the castle and invite them to east from your hand (bags of their favourite food are available at the visitor centre reception for €2).
Relax with your picnic at the sunken garden, where you can enjoy the changing beauty of the gardens throughout the seasons.
The spacious Peacock Café is the perfect place to refresh yourself after exploring the grounds with friends and family. Serving a variety of food and drink including sandwiches, salads, wraps and delicious tray bakes, there is something for everyone! The visitor centre regularly hosts all kinds of music, heritage and culture events, be sure to check out their website to keep up to date.
Address: Johnstown Castle Estate, Co. Wexford, Y35 HP22
Phone: +353 (0)53 9184671 Email: info@johnstowncastle.ie
