The exquisite 19th century Johnstown Castle is nestled within fifty acres of ornamental grounds. Stroll through the wooded grounds with over two hundred different kinds of trees and shrubs or relax by the castle lakeside with its Gothic towers and waterfalls. Ramble along the Castle lake terrace walk lined with statues to the Garden lake. Both lakes are home to a wide range of waterfowl - mute swans, water hens, little grebes and heron.
Pass through the Devil's Gateway into the walled ornamental gardens and hothouses. This hidden paradise provides a dazzling, colourful array of flowering plants. The sunken Italian Garden contains a shaded picnic area where one can sit and watch the peacocks strut by. Another attraction is the ruin of a medieval tower house called Rathlannon Castle. Please note that unfortunately Johnstown Castle itself is not open to the public.
A History of Johnstown Castle Estate
Johnstown Castle estate has been home to two prominent Wexford families. The first owners were the Esmondes; a Norman family who settled in the county in the 1170s. They constructed the tower houses at Johnstown and Rathlannon during the 15th or 16th century. During the Cromwellian period of 1640s the estate was confiscated and changed hands several times before being acquired by John Grogan in 1692, whose descendents remained at Johnstown up until 1945. In this year Maurice Victor Lakin presented Johnstown Castle estate as a gift to the Nation.
By 1863 Johnstown Castle estate was at its peak of development and comprised of a large demesne of over 1,000 acres. It was divided in two with a deer park to the north, and the castle, pleasure grounds, home farm and two lakes (with a third lake under construction) to the south.
Today Teagasc, the Agricultural and Food Development Authority, is the owner of the Johnstown Castle estate and has a research facility on site. The Irish Agricultural museum is housed in the old stable and farmyard buildings of the estate.
INFORMATION
Johnstown Castle Gardens Opening Hours
The gardens are open all year round, 7 days a week. 9am- 4.30pm
Johnstown Castle Gardens Admission Prices
Summer charges apply to the gardens from 1st May - 30th September, 2010.
Car
€6.00
Small Coach
€20.00
Large Coach
€30.00
Pedestrians Adults
€2.00
Child/Student
€0.50
Season Ticket
€30.00
Wedding Parties for photograph
€50.00
Please note: The Johnstown Castle Gardens does not have credit or debit card facilities.
Procedure for Booking Wedding Photographs
We would be delighted for you to come and have your wedding photographs taken on the grounds of Johnstown Castle Estate.
There is a charge of €50 to have wedding photos taken on the grounds, which must be paid in advance.
To secure a booking, you must provide your name, address and phone number, along with the date of the wedding and the time you will be arriving at the grounds.
On full receipt of payment and required information we will confirm your booking.
We will issue a receipt which is to be presented to the gate attendant on the day.
We can accept payment by cheque, bank draft, postal order or cash in person. Cheques can be made payable to Irish Agricultural Museum.
