The Victorian Walled Garden
The 4-acre walled garden and hothouses, first laid out 1844-1851, have been restored by the gardening team and volunteers. Seasonal perennials grown on site in peat-free compost are sold beside the reception desk.
Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum & Gardens
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About
A turreted Gothic Revival castle on a 120-acre Wexford estate, with romantic gardens by the designer of Powerscourt, three lakes, and a treasure-trove museum of Irish rural life.
Things to Do
Playground and Peacocks
Children love the woodland nature playground, and the estate's free-roaming peacocks strut around the museum courtyard. Bags of peacock food cost €2 at Visitor Centre Reception.
Guided Castle Tour
Expert local guides lead you through the restored Gothic Revival rooms, from crystal chandeliers and wood panelling to the lives of the staff 'below stairs'. Tours run daily and advance booking is recommended; allow 10 minutes to walk from the Visitor Centre to the castle.
The Servants' Subterranean Passageway
The tour ends with the remarkable 86-metre underground tunnel that let the castle's workers move unseen by the gentry. Its historic surface is uneven, so watch your footing.
Irish Agricultural Museum
Housed in the estate's farm courtyard, this accredited, family-friendly museum spreads 19 exhibitions over three floors, with restored tractors, ploughs, dairy equipment, recreated country kitchens and a Famine exhibition. Self-guided; quizzes and trails for children.
Gardens, Lakes and Woodland Walks
Explore ornamental gardens laid out by Daniel Robertson, three lakes, follies, statues and a waterfall, plus a fully accessible 1.2 km lower-lake walk. Look for red squirrels, moorhens, otters and bats.
Peacock Café and Shop
The modern visitor-centre café overlooks the upper lake and seats up to 120, with a seasonally changing menu and gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options. Deli service ends 30 minutes before closing; the gift shop sells Wexford food and craft.
Plan Your Visit
- Hours: Open year-round except 23, 24, 25 and 26 December. 1 Nov-30 Jan 9.00-16.30 (last entry 15.30); 31 Jan-16 Mar 9.00-17.00 (last entry 16.00); 17 Mar-31 Oct 9.00-17.30 (last entry 16.30).
- Admission: Museum & Gardens: adult €12, child (5-16) €5, under-5 free, concession €9.50, family €29.50. Castle tour adds €5 adult / €3 child / €4.50 concession / €10 family.
- Parking: Seven disabled parking bays sit directly outside the front visitor centre entrance, 20 m from the door on flat tarmac; cycle racks are in the bike shelter beside the visitor centre. General car-park charges are not published on the site.
- Food: The Peacock Café in the visitor centre serves coffee, light meals and a seasonally changing menu with gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan choices, seating up to 120 indoors and out. Deli service ends 30 minutes before closing; group bookings required in advance.
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