Johnstown Castle

The Way of a Bee
2024-10-09 09:30 - 2024-10-31 17:00 (Europe/Dublin)
KAREL JASPER AT JOHNSTOWN CASTLE CART ROOM
October 2024
The Wex-Art Festival of visual art will feature the work of over sixty artists across multiple venues in Wexford town and district – including Johnstown Castle – for the duration of the festival.
Karel Jasper is a fine art black and white photographer currently living in Pembrokeshire, West Wales. She loves working in black and white, creating compositions around the contrast and balance between the light and shadows, experimenting with natural light and discovering the inherent beauty and structure overlooked in the natural world.
For the past couple of years, she has been exploring the theme of pilgrimage in her photography work. This exhibition, The Way of a Bee, in the Cart Room started with her own pilgrimage along the Wexford-Pembrokeshire Pilgrim Way in May 2022, a 260km journey over land and sea, which also took in Johnstown Castle.
Free event upon general admission

The Johnstown Glasshouses
2024-10-19 11:00 - 12:00
On Saturday 19th October at 11am, Head Gardener at Johnstown Castle, Ciaran Fitzgerald will be talking about the history of the glasshouse in the walled garden and the works done to restore it. Ciaran will be focusing on Richardson glasshouses like the one featured here. He will go on to give insight into the atmospheric and beautifully maintained walled gardens.

Francis Danby "A Political Painter and Uncommon Genius"
2024-11-09 11:00 - 12:30 | Johnstown Castle Estate, Y35 HP22, Ireland
Mary Stratton Ryan traces the life and career of Wexford-born artist Francis Alfred Danby 1793 – 1861.
Grandeur of imagination, poetic breadth of treatment and colossal energy characterise the paintings of Wexford-born artist Francis Alfred Danby.
This talk will be held in the Castles Ballroom at 11am on Saturday 9th November.
Ticketed event with limited availability.

Santas Arrival at Johnstown Castle
2024-11-22 18:00 - 18:45 | Johnstown Castle Estate, Y35 HP22, Ireland
Join us on Friday 22nd November to welcome Santa on his arrival to Johnstown Castle. Santa will arrive at the castle at 6pm following his long journey from the North Pole.
A local choir will be on hand to sing some festive carols to make sure Santa gets an extra special arrival.
Our café will remain open for some festive treats and beverages.
The meeting point for this event will be the museum courtyard. Our staff will walk everyone up to the castle. Please be ready to leave the Visitor Centre to walk to the castle at 5:50pm. This is an outdoor event.

Paws n Claus
2024-11-30 11:00 - 2024-12-07 15:00, 2024-12-07 11:00 - 2024-12-14 15:00 | Johnstown Castle Estate, Y35 HP22, Ireland
This festive season, we invite you to be part of an extra special Christmas in Wexford at our Enchanted Christmas at Johnstown Castle.
We understand how important your Fur Babies are to you and how much they want to meet Santa!
On Saturday 30th November and Saturday 7th December from 11am-3pm both days, Santa will be visiting all the good boys and girls with wagging tails in the Irish Agriculture Museum.
Each dog will receive a special treat from Santa. A percentage of each ticket will be donated to the WSPCA.
**This ticket includes general admission into the gardens and the museum for the day **
**No professional Photography included**
The experience is sure to be a paw-sitively delightful experience for everyone.
All dogs and animals, regardless of their age and size, are warmly welcomed. For the safety and comfort of all attendees, please keep your furry friends controlled and on a short lead. Dogs who need to be muzzled under the Control of Dogs Regulations 1998 must be muzzled upon entry.
Join us for a merry “Paws and Claus” Christmas celebration.
The Human Christmas Experience is available here.

Enchanted Afternoon Tea
2024-12-10 13:00 - 15:00 | Johnstown Castle Estate, Y35 HP22, Ireland
A Luxurious Christmas Afternoon Tea at Johnstown Castle
This festive season, experience the epitome of elegance with our Enchanted Afternoon Tea at the magnificent Johnstown Castle. Set amidst the opulent surroundings of our historic dining room and Library, this is an indulgent escape into timeless grandeur.
Savour a refined selection of freshly baked scones, artisanal sandwiches, and exquisitely crafted festive desserts, accompanied by your choice of mulled wine or sparkling prosecco.
✨ Details:

Price: €60 per person
Booking: Minimum of 2 tickets per reservation
Start Time: 1:00 PM (Guests are kindly requested to arrive 15 minutes early to enjoy a seamless journey to the castle)

Immerse yourself in the splendour of the season with this exclusive experience. Pre-booking is essential as places are limited.
Let Johnstown Castle enchant you this Christmas with an unforgettable afternoon of luxury, flavour, and festivity.

The Beekeepers of South Wexford: A Tale of Rebellion, Warfare & Epidemic Disease by Matt Wheeler
2025-01-25 11:00 - 12:30 | Johnstown Castle Estate, Y35 HP22, Ireland
Join us for an insightful and engaging talk that takes you back to 1911, when a group of beekeepers came together to form the South Wexford Beekeepers Association. Little did they know, within just five years, both their lives and the lives of their bees would be forever altered by groundbreaking developments at home and abroad.
Whether you’re a seasoned beekeeper, a history enthusiast, or simply curious about the fascinating world of bees, this event is not to be missed.

(SOLD OUT) Valentines Jazz at Johnstown Castle
2025-02-14 20:00 - 22:30 | Johnstown Castle Estate, Y35 HP22, Ireland
Tall and tan and young and lovely
The girl from Ipanema goes walking and
When she passes, I smile but she doesn’t see.’
Year after year, the Jazz at Johnstown Valentine’s concert sells out, and there is one reason why: love is in the air.
Celebrating Valentine’s Day which falls on Friday, February 14, Jazz at Johnstown has secured the voice of one of the best jazz singers in Ireland, Luisa Annibali.
Bossa Nova, which was made famous by The Girl from Ipanema, is considered the irresistible lovechild of jazz and samba.
The first thing you will notice about boss nova is its calm, syncopated rhythm, marrying the coolness of American jazz with the rhythmic quirks of samba.
Few singers on the Irish jazz scene can bring together such coolness and rhythmic quirks as Luisa whose distinctive and breathy vocals give her singing a languid intimacy, ideal for a Valentine’s Day concert.
Join Luisa and her exceptional quartet of musicians, blending music from her native Italy with Brazilian influences, for a night of romance, bossa nova style – with George Gershwin classics added to the mix – on Friday, February 14th at 8 p.m. (Doors at 7:30pm)

Lady Jane Francesca Elgee Wilde - Her Life and Family by Vivian Lambert
2025-02-22 11:00 - 12:30 | Johnstown Castle Estate, Y35 HP22, Ireland
Did you know Oscar Wilde’s mother was from Wexford? Vivian Lambert, a tour guide at Johnstown Castle, brings this remarkable history to life, shedding light on how Jane’s influence not only shaped Oscar Wilde’s creative path but also how she left an indelible mark on Irish and feminist history. Vivian takes a look back at Jane’s eventful life as a writer, poet, revolutionary, and campaigner for liberty and women’s rights.
Location: Ballroom, Johnstown Castle, Wexford
Date & Time: Saturday 22nd February at 11:00
Price: IHT Member €7, Adult €16, Concession €12, Child €8
You can see our events programme here: Events from February 14 – May 24 – Johnstown Castle

Mum Talks Wexford
2025-04-11 10:00 - 11:30 | Johnstown Castle Estate, Y35 HP22, Ireland
Join us for a beautiful and nourishing morning hosted by Mum Talks, created especially for mums and mums-to-be.
We’ll be joined by three incredible speakers – Doula and Antenatal Educator Gemma Doyle, Holistic Wellness Practitioner Emma Crosbie, and Acupuncturist and Women’s Health Specialist Paula Duffin – sharing empowering insights on postpartum wellbeing, emotional healing, and mind-body support.
Set in the incredible surroundings of Johnstown Castle, this event offers the perfect opportunity to relax and reset. There’s plenty of parking right outside the door, space to roam freely with your baba, and room to simply be.
Enjoy tea, coffee, and a light breakfast (included in your ticket), and take time to connect with other like-minded mums.
Bring your baba, bring your mum friend, and come exactly as you are — this morning is all about you.
Plus:
Johnstown Castle members receive a special event discount – email events@johnstowncastle.ie to avail of this discount.
Non-members will receive a discounted entry to explore the beautiful gardens after the event
Spaces are limited, so book your ticket now and gift yourself this special morning.

From the Seashore and Other Stories
2025-04-18 09:00 - 2025-04-25 17:00 | Johnstown Castle Estate, Y35 HP22, Ireland
An exhibition of watercolours – By Maria Murphy
A collection of watercolours inspired by the flotsam and jetsam found on the foreshore, exploring how discarded manmade objects become part of the natural landscape. As well as a selection of more traditional landscapes
Friday 18th April to Friday 25th April in the Visitor Centre, Johnstown Castle Estate.
About the artist
“My name is Maria Murphy, I’m a watercolour landscape artist from the model county of Wexford. I grew up in the countryside of Wexford and spent my time exploring the nooks and crannies of the wild scenes that were on my doorstep. As I’ve grown older, I have continued these adventures as an artist and am rarely without my camera and sketchbook to capture the beauty around me.
From childhood I’ve had a keen interest in painting and drawing. I’ve explored many mediums, but watercolour is the one that caught and held my interest and captured my heart. I’m self-taught as an artist and have been using watercolours for over twenty years. I feel that watercolour allows me to accurately capture the subjects that most interest me like old, dilapidated buildings and the intricacies of the rocky seashore.
The seashore in particular is the subject on which many of my paintings are based exploring the tiny hidden world between the rocks. Plus the relationship between the discarded manmade items and the natural pebbles, driftwood and shells. I am fascinated by the impact that we as humans impact on the landscape that surrounds us.”

A Spectacular Gathering of Rolls-Royce Ghosts at Johnstown Castle
2025-05-16 10:30 - 12:30 | Johnstown Castle Estate, Y35 HP22, Ireland
On Friday, 16th May, Johnstown Castle will host an extraordinary and rare spectacle—a magnificent display of Rolls-Royce Ghost cars, one of the most iconic and luxurious vehicles ever crafted. On display between 10:30 am and 12:30 pm at the Castle, this exceptional gathering is a must-see for classic car enthusiasts, history lovers, and anyone seeking a truly unforgettable experience.
These stunning vehicles, each valued between €250,000 and an astonishing €5 million, will be accompanied by members of the esteemed Irish Georgian Society—a distinguished group known for their dedication to preserving and promoting Ireland’s architectural heritage.
As the final destination on an exclusive tour of grand houses across Wexford, Carlow, and Wicklow, Johnstown Castle is the perfect setting for this grand finale. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to witness these incredibly rare and valuable Rolls-Royce Ghosts up close and learn more about their history and craftsmanship.
This event is FREE for members and included in daily entry for day visitors to the estate.

National Drawing Day 2025
2025-05-17 | Johnstown Castle Estate, Y35 HP22, Ireland
Join Us for National Drawing Day 2025 at Johnstown Castle
Celebrate National Drawing Day with us at Johnstown Castle. We are hosting a creative and family-friendly drawing experience in our café.
What’s on offer: Blank Colouring Page or Peacock Colouring Page. Choose between a blank canvas to let your imagination run wild or a beautifully designed peacock to colour.
Display Your Art: All completed artworks will be displayed in the café for the weekend and throughout the following week. If you would like this is be the case just give your artwork once completed to the reception desk.
Location: Johnstown Castle Café
Date: 17th May 2025
Whether you are a budding artist or just looking for a fun activity, we look forward to seeing your artwork on display.

(SOLD OUT) Traditional Stool Making with Dylan McGuirk
2025-05-17 - 2025-05-18 | Johnstown Castle Estate, Y35 HP22, Ireland
Over two days, workshop participants will make a traditional 3 or 4 legged creepie stool using traditional chair making techniques and traditional hand tools.
Starting with just a log and using only hand tools you will craft your very own beautiful traditional stool from some lovely locally sourced Ash wood. This is a great introductory course for anyone looking to learn traditional carpentry/woodwork or chair-making. Both for the complete beginner or the more experienced woodworker this will be a great workshop for you.
Some of topics covered on this course will be wood selection, traditional tool use and care. Splitting down and processing logs into parts for chair-making. Using a shave horse to shape stool parts. Wedged mortice and tenon joinery. We will do a small bit on tool sharpening, wood drying and finishing. Also as part of this workshop and if time permits we will do a walk and talk around the amazing vernacular furniture collection in the museum at Johnstown Castle.
This course will be run by Dylan McGuirk. Dylan has been working with wood for well over 20 years. As a qualified carpenter/joiner he has worked in house carpentry, boat building, church carpentry and vernacular building conservation work. Since 2008 he has specialised in traditional woodwork and other traditional skills like basket-making and blacksmithing. He has also taught and demonstrated all over the country and for the last couple of years has been working in conservation.
Refreshments
Tea/coffee and lunch will be provided.
What to Bring
Please wear suitable clothing for some physical work and a strong pair of boots (steel toe if you have them). We will be both inside and outside under a tarp so be prepared for cold weather. It is recommended to bring your own workshop gloves and safety glasses.
Ticket & Booking Information
Subsidised tickets are priced at €140 for the weekend but places are limited and will be allocated on a first come-first served basis.
Concession tickets are priced at €120 for apprentices and students over 18 – for these tickets please email events@johnstowncastle.ie
The workshop is supported by the National Built Heritage Service https://www.buildingsofireland.ie/
LIMITED TICKETS REMAINING

Wexford Festival of Running
2025-05-17 | Johnstown Castle Estate, Y35 HP22, Ireland
The Wexford Marathon Club is back for the 5th year of the highly anticipated Wexford Festival of Running, and this year, it’s bigger and more challenging than ever! The event will feature a variety of race distances: 100km, 50km, 25km, and 10km. But there’s a catch – Time Limits!

100km – 12 hours

50km – 7 hours

25km – 4 hours

10km – 2 hours

Think you’re up for the challenge? Don’t miss out on this incredible event, taking place on 17th May. Sign up through the link below and join us for a day of excitement, determination, and community spirit.
This event is proudly supporting the Wexford Able-Disabled Club. Let’s make a difference together!
For all information on how to book visit the Wexford Marathon Club’s Instagram page.

AIB Press Photographer of the Year 2025 Exhibition & Launch
2025-05-18 - 2025-06-01
Johnstown Castle is proud to host the 47th Annual Press Photographers Ireland Awards Exhibition, showcasing 110 powerful and thought-provoking images that capture the essence of life in 2024. From breaking news and sporting triumphs to everyday moments across Ireland and beyond, this exhibition is a vivid visual chronicle of the year.
Now in its 47th year, the exhibition celebrates the extraordinary work of press photographers from around the country, whose images offer a truthful, human lens on the events that shape our world. At a time when misinformation and AI-generated content are on the rise, these photographs stand as a testament to authentic, skilled photojournalism—each image crafted solely through the technical and creative talents of the photographer.
The awards are made possible through the generous support of title sponsor AIB and a host of partners and supporters who continue to champion the vital role of photojournalism in Irish society.
Following over 25 hours of careful deliberation, the judging panel named James Crombie of the Inpho Photo Agency as the overall winner, earning this prestigious recognition for the third time.
Don’t miss this powerful and timely exhibition, open to all visitors at the Irish Agricultural Museum from 18th May to 1st June 2025.
You’re invited to the official launch of this exhibition at Johnstown Castle on Monday, 19th May at 6:30pm, with special guest and award-winning photographer James Crombie in attendance.

Friends of Rathaspeck Church Launch
2025-05-20 19:15 - 21:00 | Johnstown Castle Estate, Y35 HP22, Ireland
The Friends of Rathaspeck Church invite you to a special evening event to celebrate the launch of their ambitious restoration project. This dedicated group of local volunteers has come together with the shared vision of restoring Rathaspeck Church to its former glory, preserving it for future generations, and revitalising it as a space for community and cultural use.
Rathaspeck Church holds deep historical significance, having been supported in the 1800s by the Grogan Morgans of Johnstown Castle. Now, thanks to a generous €100,620 grant from the Historic Structure Fund 2025, and a matching local fundraising target, this beloved building is set to be brought back to life.
The evening will feature presentations from five speakers, including Matt Wheeler (Johnstown Castle & Irish Heritage Trust), Colm Moriarty (Heritage Officer), Francoise Davison, Hugh Barrett, and Stanley McDonald, who will share insights into the church’s past, the importance of heritage conservation, and the exciting plans for its future.
Everyone is welcome to attend this inspiring community event. Come along to learn more, show your support, and enjoy an evening of heritage, conversation, and community.
Doors open at 19:15 – Visitor Centre | Food and refreshments available
For more information contact info@rathaspeckchurch.ie or visit https://rathaspeckchurch.ie/

Rewilding & Biodiversity Tour with Ciarán Fitzgerald
2025-05-21 11:30 - 13:00 | Johnstown Castle Estate, Y35 HP22, Ireland
Join Head Gardener Ciarán Fitzgerald on Wednesday, 21st May 2025, at 11:30 AM for a special guided tour in celebration of Biodiversity Week.
Ciarán will lead a tour of the grounds at Johnstown Castle, highlighting the team’s rewilding efforts on the estate. During the tour, Ciarán will also discuss the vital role of biodiversity at Johnstown Castle, showcasing the diverse range of flora and fauna that thrive across the estate.
Please note, the tour will last approximately 90 minutes and will involve walking throughout the grounds.

Castle n Cars 5.0
2025-05-24 10:00 - 14:00 | Johnstown Castle Estate, Y35 HP22, Ireland
Get ready for the highly anticipated return of the Castle ‘n’ Cars Exhibition—now in its thrilling 5th year, happening at the historic Johnstown Castle on May 24, 2025,
This year, Park n Chill and Johnstown Castle are bringing you an unforgettable automotive experience, featuring over 300 jaw-dropping cars, a vibrant trade village, and delicious food vendors. Picture yourself strolling through the stunning 12th-century Castle grounds, soaking in the very best of Irish car culture. From Supercars to JDM legends, classic restorations, and European Elites.
The gates open at 09:00, with easy access through the Visitor Centre and plenty of on-site parking available. Tickets available now.
Save the date, mark your calendars, and start making your plans now. This is an event you won’t want to miss!
**Free for Members**

Sharing Lands
2025-06-03 11:30 - 13:00
Join us for a moving and unifying experience with Padraig Kirwan, LeAnne Howe (enrolled citizen of the Choctaw Nation), and Gillian O’Brien, as they discuss their project, Sharing Lands. Let’s come together to celebrate shared humanity through the power of storytelling!

Our Sharing Lands project is inspired by the remarkable story of the $172 sent by members of the Choctaw tribe to the starving in Ireland during the Great Famine in 1847. The donation came soon after the Choctaw’s forced relocation in the 1830s, which caused immense suffering. At the same time, Ireland faced its own hardships from colonial expansion. Ironically, some Irish migrants and Irish American settlers, including President Andrew Jackson, later contributed to expansionist U.S. policies that had a terrible impact on American Indians.

The Sharing Lands project is deeply rooted in the Choctaw concept of ima – the powerful tradition of giving. The project raises important questions about immigration, belonging and generosity in times of crisis.

Free for IHT Members and included in general admission for day visitors. Limited tickets available.

Iron Men, Wexford's Lockout 1911 - 1912
2025-06-07 11:00 - 12:00 | Johnstown Castle Estate, Y35 HP22, Ireland
A talk will be given at Johnstown Castle by Mylo Miller Titled: Iron Men, Wexford’s lockout 1911 – 1912. Mylo works for the Irish Heritage Trust at Johnstown Castle Estate, Irish Agricultural Museum and Gardens. Mylo was the curator on an exhibition for the museum which tells the story of Wexford’s Lockout. The research for the project evolved into this stirring new talk about Wexford’s 1911 Lockout.
The 1911 lockout with its Police violence, imported blacklegs, clerical condemnation and heroic working-class resistance would prove to be a forerunner to Dublin’s more famous 1913 lockout. The talk gives an insight into the foundry workers’ right to join a union.
Their struggle was not over wages or conditions; rather it was over their right to combine under the banner of the Larkinite vehicle the Irish Transport and General Workers’ Union (ITGWU). It examines the background, events and aftermath of a conflict that would help prepare both James Larkin and James Connolly for the events that were to occur during Dublin’s 1913 Lockout.

Kilmuckridge/Monamolin CCE Concert
2025-06-15 13:30 - 14:30
Come along for a lively outdoor performance on Sunday 15th June at 13:30 at Johnstown Castle as the talented Trad Band from Kilmuckridge/Monamolin CCE brings the spirit of traditional Irish music to this stunning historic venue.
Enjoy an afternoon of vibrant tunes and cultural celebration in the beautiful castle grounds.
Free for Irish Heritage Trust Members and included in general admission.
*This event is weather permitting.

Jazz at Johnstown Festival
2025-06-20 - 2025-06-22 | Johnstown Castle Estate, Y35 HP22, Ireland
Welcome to the fifth annual Jazz at Johnstown, the South East’s largest jazz festival, set against the stunning backdrop of Johnstown Castle. This three-day celebration features over 30 of Ireland’s finest jazz musicians performing across iconic spaces like the Cart Room, the Ballroom, the Courtyard, and the Visitors Centre.
Among the many highlights of the festival, are the evening concerts on Friday (Scott Flanigan Trio) and Saturday (Jay Azzolina). Up to fifteen acts will perform in eclectic venues like the Cart Room, the Ballroom, the Courtyard and the Visitors Centre.
Friday, 20th June 2025
8:00 PM – The Scott Flanigan Trio (Visitors Centre)An all-star Irish jazz trio reimagines the music of The Beatles with passion, creativity and elegance. Featuring Cormac O’Brien (bass), Kevin Brady (drums), and Scott Flanigan (keys).
Saturday, 21st June 2025
12:00 PM – Terry Byrne: The Köln Concert (Ballroom)A stunning reinterpretation of Keith Jarrett’s legendary 1975 solo piano concert, performed by acclaimed Wexford pianist Terry Byrne.
1:00 PM – Tiny Crimes (Visitors Centre)Celebrating the dawn of electric jazz with vintage swing and bebop from the 1930s and 40s.
2:15 PM – Kasia Eliasz Trio (Cart Room)Award-winning Polish vocalist brings Brazilian rhythms and vocal jazz, joined by Gustavi de Morais and Rafal Szydlowski.
3:10 PM – The Still Organ Stops (Courtyard)Two trios, one name: three emerging Dublin jazz artists fuse blues, choral, and modern jazz with organ-driven soul.
4:00 PM – Bossa Nua Sextet (Visitors Centre)Authentic renditions of bossa nova classics from the golden age of Brazilian jazz.
8:00 PM – Jay Azzolina Trio (Visitors Centre)Grammy-nominated jazz guitarist Jay Azzolina (Spyro Gyra, Jaco Pastorius) performs his Irish debut alongside Kevin Lawlor (drums) and Andrew Csibi (bass).
Sunday, June 22
12:00 PM – Imelda Kehoe & Killian Browne (Ballroom)A debut collaboration blending contemporary folk, jazz, and soul with piano virtuosity.
1:00 PM – Sharon Clancy Trio (Visitors Centre)Jazz standards and original tunes from one of the festival’s favourite returning vocalists.
2:15 PM – Carole Nelson Trio (Courtyard)Premiering new work from their upcoming album Through the Storm — poetic, spacious modern jazz.
3:10 PM – 2 Guitars: John Keogh & Matthew O’Connell (Cart Room)From James Taylor to Bon Iver, original and reimagined classics with jazz-inspired interplay.
4:00 PM – Cluster Funk Quartet (Visitors Centre)From funk to ambient jazz, Kevin Lawlor leads a high-energy fusion project blending hip hop grooves with jazz tradition.
Come celebrate the power of jazz in one of Ireland’s most breathtaking settings. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the scene, Jazz at Johnstown 2025 promises unforgettable music, atmosphere, and artistry.

(Sold out) Jazz at Johnstown Presents: The Beatles
2025-06-20 20:00 - 22:00 | Johnstown Castle Estate, Y35 HP22, Ireland
Jazz at Johnstown
With The Beatles
It is no exaggeration that the music of The Beatles went on to change the world, a music which continues to be absorbed by many genres, including jazz.
The music of Lennon – McCartney will be revisited in this unique Jazz at Johnstown concert on Friday evening, June 20, by a trio of Ireland’s most accomplished musicians: Cormac O’Brien on bass, Kevin Brady on drums and Scott Flanigan on keyboards.
So, sit back and be prepared to enjoy on a sumptuous summer’s evening at Johnstown Castle, a lively and jazzy revisiting of the most popular and addictive music of the twentieth century by three maestros of contemporary Irish jazz
Doors open at 19:30

Jazz at Johnstown Presents: Jay Azzolina
2025-06-21 20:00 - 22:30
Internationally acclaimed and Grammy-nominated guitarist and composer Jay Azzolina makes his Irish debut at the Jazz at Johnstown Festival on Saturday, June 21st at 8 p.m.
Jay has been part of the New York Jazz scene for the past three decades. After leaving the Berklee College of Music, where he studied with Pat Metheny, Mick Goodrick and Charlie Banacos, Jay began working and recording in New York with a variety of artists.
Jay’s associations include Michael Urbaniak, Herbie Mann, Jaco Pastorius, Harvie S, Spyro Gyra, Dave Samuels, Kenny Werner, Chuck Mangione, Ron McClure, John Abercrombie, Randy Brecker, Jerry Bergonzi, The Westchester Jazz Orchestra and John Patitucci. He will be joined for his Jazz at Johnstown concert by drummer Kevin Lawlor and bassist Andrew Csibi.
As a leader, Jay has recorded four CD’s of original compositions with some of the most influential players in jazz including, Chris Potter, Adam Nussbaum, Larry Goldings, Gary Versace, John Patitucci, Tim Ries and Greg Hutchinson. Jay continues to write and perform vigorously and will be releasing his fifth CD Present Tense on TRR records this year.
This is a rare opportunity to see a world-class jazz musician in an intimate setting. Don’t miss it!
Doors open at 19:30

Ivan's Travels Through Dog Friendly Ireland - Book Launch
2025-06-26 16:00 - 17:30 | Johnstown Castle Estate, Y35 HP22, Ireland
Celebrate with us on Thursday 26th June at 4pm for the launch of this amazing new book.
Ivan’s Travels is a heartwarming journey through all 32 counties of Ireland, seen through the eyes (and paws!) of Ivan, a fun loving Border Collie rescued from the streets of Waterford. After finding their beloved companion through HART in Cork, Ivan’s humans set out to explore Ireland’s growing network of dog friendly places from cafes and pubs to beaches, trails, and historic attractions.
Prompted by a 2017 FSAI regulation change that welcomed dogs into food premises (with some restrictions), they spent three years documenting pet friendly experiences across the country. The result is a rich, practical guide for dog lovers planning day trips and holidays, filled with essential tips for travelling with well behaved dogs and thoughtful suggestions for businesses looking to improve their dog friendly offerings.
At the heart of the book is a celebration of the deep connection between people and their dogs in Ireland a bond that goes far beyond companionship.
Best of all, 40% of royalties from Ivan’s Travels will support four incredible charities: HART Cork, Irish Therapy Dogs, The Dublin Dog Hub, and the Wexford SPCA.
You can catch Ivan on Nationwide on Wednesday 25th June at 7pm and on South East Radio on Thursday morning 26th June.
This book was lovingly written by By Lucy Costigan and Anthony E. Walsh and is available to purchase here Enlighten Publishing.

Yoga at Johnstown Castle
2025-07-01 10:00 - 2025-08-30 11:00 | Johnstown Castle Estate, Y35 HP22, Ireland
Alanna is a 500 hour qualified Yoga Teacher with a background in mental health. Combining her experience with traditional Hatha and Ashtanga Yoga along with modern Trauma Informed Yoga teachings, Alanna takes a considered approach to her yoga classes.
What to expect:
This slow yoga flow works beautifully with the surrounding environment of Johnstown Castle. It creates a calm and grounding energy for a lovely midweek and weekend reset. Through intentional movement and connection with the breath we can learn to tune in to the body and bring calm to the mind.
For the summer months the classes will either be held in the walled garden or the ballroom of the castle. (weather dependent)
Please check with Alanna or with reception on the morning.
Every Tuesday and Saturday at 10am.
What is needed:
This class is suitable for all levels, no previous yoga experience is necessary.
All you need to bring is a yoga mat, and whatever else you might need to feel comfortable on the day (water bottle, layers, blanket etc).
To contact Alanna: If you have any questions or queries please don’t hesitate to contact Alanna on 0872834768 or via social media at “connectwithalanna“.

Tour de Force
2025-07-19 11:00 - 13:00
Tour de Force is a national tour of Ireland by visual artist Liliane Puthod and writer Ingrid Lyons.
At the wheel of Liliane’s late father’s Renault 4, tour de force is a celebration of culture and creativity in the format of a mapped adventure engaging with artists, musicians, mechanics, farmers, writers, archaeologists, craftspeople, academics and aficionados over a series of pit stops all around Ireland…a summer 2025 ‘buddy movie’.
Join Liliane and Ingrid as they make a special stop at Johnstown Castle. In this public talk, they will share stories and photographs from their recent adventure in the iconic Renault 4.
Following their presentation, General Manager and Museum Curator Matt Wheeler will deliver “From Star to Car”, an insightful talk exploring the fascinating history of Wexford’s ‘Star’ engineering site, from its early days producing ‘Star’ ploughs to its transformation into a Renault 4 assembly plant.
This ticket also includes entry to the Irish Agricultural Museum and Gardens, offering you the chance to explore the rich agricultural heritage and beautiful grounds of Johnstown Castle.
Free for IHT members and volunteers – tickets must be booked via reception.

Art in the Open
2025-07-21 09:00 - 17:00 | Johnstown Castle Estate, Y35 HP22, Ireland
Experience the magic of Art in the Open, Europe’s largest plein air painting festival, set against the breath-taking backdrop of Johnstown Castle. The event takes place on Monday July 21st.
Watch artists at work as they capture the beauty of the castle grounds in real time, a unique blend of creativity and heritage.
Stroll the lakeside paths, chat with painters, and witness stunning artworks come to life before your eyes.
The exhibits will be on display in Greenacres from Saturday 26th July at 12 noon until 7pm and then on Sunday 27th July 10am until 5pm.
For more information visit Art in the Open – Art In The Open 2025-Plein Air Painting Festival
