The “sunny southeast” of Ireland gifted us another glorious day in Wexford. We had a relaxing morning and then decided to visit a local gem.
The Castle stands on an estate first granted to the Esmonde family in 1169. In the 19th-century, the Grogan family re-imagined and remodelled the castle with a romantic, neo-Gothic design – delivered with the help of Daniel Robertson, who also shaped the gardens at the Powerscourt Estate.
Johnstown’s sumptuous gardens and parkland, studded with three lakes and bordered by woodland walks.
We walked the pathways around the old castle tower
And made our way back for our 90 minute tour. The history of the castle and its residents was quite colorful, and Margaret our guide, was a terrific story teller.
It was also the start of an impressive agricultural research center that existed in the castle until the new facility was finished in 2006. They accomplished amazing gains in testing and improving nutrition of the soil for the livestock and farmlands since the turn of the century.
Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum & Gardens is managed and cared for by the Irish Heritage Trust – a non-profit organisation that conserves the house and makes it available for the enjoyment of all. Visitors have only been welcomed to tour since 2019. So we felt lucky to enjoy the afternoon walking the grounds and learning its history.
It’s been an absolutely awesome week sharing the Irelands Ancient East with the cousins.
