Article supplied by Irish Agricultural Museum and Johnstown Castle Gardens
The Irish Agricultural Museum and Johnstown Castle Gardens are located just outside Wexford town and provide a wonderful visit for all ages
The spectacular ornamental gardens surrounding the picturesque Johnstown Castle were laid out in the 19th century by renowned architect Daniel Robertson (who also designed the gardens at Powerscourt, in Co. Wicklow). They are a delight for all and feature three lakes, a walled garden, statues and follies as well as a resident family of peacocks and the occasional red squirrel.
There has been a castle at Johnstown since the 12th Century when the Esmonde family set up home here following the Norman invasion of Ireland. It has been much altered and extended over the centuries and the building seen today mostly dates from the 19th Century. Occupied until the 1940s by the Fitzgerald family, it was handed over to the Irish state after the death of Lady Fitzgerald in 1945. It subsequently became an agricultural college and later offices. Although the Castle itself is not currently open to the public, visitors can stroll round the outside and get a flavour of the lifestyles of those who lived and worked at the Castle over the centuries.
Set within the Castle grounds, in the former farm buildings, is the Irish Agricultural Museum which houses one of the most comprehensive displays of farming and rural life in Ireland. Displayed over two floors there’s lots to see, learn, do and enjoy for all ages with a large collection of tractors, carts, dairy equipment and farming implements from bygone times. But it’s not just tractors and machines… there’s also recreated workshops of traditional trades including blacksmith, cooper and wheelwright, a comprehensive exhibition about the Great Famine, the history of Johnstown Castle, and a large display of Irish country furniture and farmhouse kitchens through the ages.
We are delighted to welcome tour groups to the site and can offer some very good deals to those who have booked in advance. Not only can we offer reduced admission rates but we can also arrange a complimentary guided tour of the Museum and / or gardens lasting approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. This can be tailored to meet your needs as required.
The Peacock Tea Room serves delicious teas and coffees along with a range of tasty snacks and light lunches. If you pre-book we can arrange refreshments at a reduced price for your group should you wish. Should you like to arrange a group visit to the Irish Agricultural Museum and Johnstown Castle Gardens or if you have any questions please give us a call on:-
Tel: 00353 53 918 4671
Email: info@irishagrimuseum.ie
Website: www.irishagrimuseum.ie
We look forward to welcoming you to ‘one of Ireland’s best kept secrets’.
