Step into more than 800 years of Irish history at Johnstown Castle
Pass beneath the turreted castle’s stone arches and enter the grandeur of its Gothic Revival interior. Discover the people and events that shaped this remarkable estate, from its medieval origins to its place in Ireland’s agricultural story.
Beyond the castle, 120 acres of historic parkland, gardens, lakes and wildlife unfold revealing a place where heritage, nature and Ireland’s relationship with the land come together.
The story of Ireland’s relationship with the land continues with a visit to the Irish Agricultural Museum. Explore our extensive collection of original farming-related machinery, vehicles, and artefacts some dating back 100 years, alongside detailed exhibitions and recreated scenes. Together, the reveal how generations lived and worked in rural Ireland and how farming helped shape the country we know today.
Tour
Johnstown Castle
Step inside the stories held within this remarkable Gothic Revival castle.
Led by expert local guides, explore beautifully restored rooms where crystal chandeliers, exquisite wood panelling, and Gothic arched windows reveal a powerful sense of times past and those who shaped Johnstown Castle.
The tour uncovers the lives of the people who kept the estate running. Learn what life was like ‘below stairs’ for the castle’s staff, and step inside Johnstown’s remarkable 86-metre servants’ subterranean passageway. which kept the castle’s busy workers discreetly out of view of the gentry.
Book your tour today and discover the secrets of Johnstown Castle for yourself.
Connect with
Rural Ireland’s Past
You’ll find everything from vintage tractors and original farm machinery to traditional Irish country kitchens and objects from everyday life at this family-friendly museum.
The Irish Agricultural Museum brings rural Ireland’s past vividly to life. Across our exhibition spaces, visitors can uncover the ingenuity and resilience of the people who lived and worked on the land. Discover how generations of rural communities helped shape the farming community and Ireland at large that we know today.
A welcome pause at The Peacock Café
Enjoy great coffee, light meals, and a taste of Wexford.
Take time to unwind at the Peacock Café after exploring the castle, museum and gardens.
Before you leave, browse our Visitor Centre shop, where you’ll find a carefully chosen selection o Wexford food and craft, alongside books, gifts and keepsakes.
Escape into wide open spaces
Vibrant Gardens & Tranquil Lakes
Discover this historic gardens and parklands of Johnstown Castle Estate, designed by renowned 19th century landscape architect Daniel Robertson, best known for his work at Powerscourt Estate in Wicklow.
Follow tranquil lakeside walks through sweeping parkland and richly planted ornamental gardens, where Robertson’s romantic gothic-revival inspired vision can still be seen in the original statues, follies and garden features.
Along the way, look out for the wildlife that thrives across the estate, including bats, badgers, moorhens and red squirrels.
Family fun
Visiting with children?
Younger visitors love meeting Johnstown Castle’s legendary peacocks, who strut their stuff around the museum courtyard
There’s lots of fresh-air fun to be had in our lovely nature playground, and our activity sheets help children to engage with the fascinating stories and intriguing objects they’ll find in the castle and museum.
School tours and educational visits to Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum & Gardens spark young imaginations and prompt exciting connections between past, present. and future too!
Join us at Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum & Gardens for events, talks, and exhibitions, from our regular jazz sessions and family-friendly outdoors events to ‘behind the scenes’ peeks into our vital conservation and restoration work.
Our varied programme gives visitors of all ages wonderful opportunities to connect with Irish heritage and culture, plus enjoy the natural beauty of this vibrant Wexford estate.
Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum & Gardens are managed and cared for by the Irish Heritage Trust – a registered charity which works on a non-profit basis to bring Ireland’s great houses and gardens back to life for the enjoyment of all.
We strive to achieve financial sustainability for some of Ireland’s most prestigious properties, so these houses and their grounds can remain vital, accessible places for leisure, learning, and fun in perpetuity. That work is made possible thanks to your support.
Tie the knot
At Johnstown Castle
Johnstown Castle might just be the most romantic setting
in Ireland for your wedding day or renewal of vows!
