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

Autumn Fete
2024-10-06 12:00 - 17:00
We invite families, friends and companions to Johnstown Castle Autumn Fête on Sunday October 6th for an afternoon of follies and fun for young and old.
Create shared memories with friends and loved ones while enjoying a host of engaging, intergenerational, unforgettable activities.
We will have a very special dog show with competitions for your furry friends to compete in, relaxing music in the courtyard, victorian re-enactments, vintage car show, wildlife trails and more!
Event free with general admission.

The Wexford Honey Festival
2024-09-21 10:30 - 2024-09-22 17:00 | Johnstown Castle Estate, Y35 HP22, Ireland
The Wexford Honey Festival in partnership with South Wexford Beekeepers Association takes place on Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd September in Johnstown Castle from 10.30am – 5pm both days.

There will be information stands for visitors to learn more about the importance of bees and biodiversity as well as stalls with Wexford beekeepers showcasing their delicious products. There will also be some demonstrations, talks, walks and fun activities for children along with some bluegrass music on the Sunday afternoon by Annette Joy.

This event is free for members and included in daily admission.

The Legacy of Daniel Robertson
2024-09-12 19:30 - 20:30 | Johnstown Castle Estate, Y35 HP22, Ireland
Johnstown Castle and beyond… the life and Irish legacy of the architect Daniel Robertson.
A very interesting talk by Eileen Wickham about the professional and personal life of Robertson, including images and discussion around of each of his 26 buildings in Ireland.

Sound Journey
2024-09-11 08:00 - 17:00
A Sound Healing Journey in Johnstown Ballroom on Saturday September 28th 2pm – 4pm
A collaboration of sound with Maureen Barrett and Lynn Kelly, presenting “Harvest”, a time of thanksgiving, restored balance and integration.
Booking essential via phone: Maureen 0876613624 / Lynn 0877931168

The Irish Great War Society
2024-08-31 10:30 - 2024-09-01 16:00 | Johnstown Castle Estate, Y35 HP22, Ireland
The Irish Great War Society is a living history group dedicated to the remembrance and education of those who fought and died in the Great War.
They will be displaying an exhibit in front of the castle on Saturday 31st August and Sunday 1st September, 10.30am – 4pm. The group wears the Uniforms and carry the Equipment of the period, display original memorabilia, demonstrate the firearms and other equipment used in battle. The society will also have a Medical Display Aid Station showing the equipment and medicines available at the time.
They will engage with members of the public to hear stories of their relatives and exchange information on those who fought in WW1.
This is a free event upon general admission to the estate and gardens and free for members.

Lifting the Gate
2024-08-23 19:30 - 22:00 | Johnstown Castle Estate, Y35 HP22, Ireland
.On Friday 23rd August at 7.30pm, join Wexford based poet Ben MacCaoilte and harpist Erin Lalor. The pair will combine in Poetry, story, and music in this bilingual journey through time, memory, and nostalgia.
Wrapped in the warm sounds of the harp and fiddle, audiences will be invited to lift the metaphorical gate and approach the well of memory, accompanied by those in our lives who exist now in memory alone. As we slip between song and story, Irish and English, this mesmerising and immersive event encourages you to embrace vulnerability, humanity, and your own personal history.
Singer songwriter Patrick Stefan will also perform with fiddle player Jayne Pomplas. This duo will open the evening with some magical sounds to sooth your soul in the luxurious surroundings.
Please park in the castle car park and not the visitor centre car park. Doors at 7pm.

Nature and Sustainability
2024-08-21 11:00 - 13:00 | Johnstown Castle Estate, Y35 HP22, Ireland
Wednesday 21st August 11am – 1pm
Celebrate Heritage Week with us through Nature and Sustainability in Johnstown Castle Ballroom.
Head Gardener Ciaran Fitzgerald will kick off the event. He will be explaining how he and his team helps the gardens of Johnstown Castle and its biodiversity to thrive. His team have reduced 22 acres of lawn down to 9 acres – turning the rest into native hay meadow and rough grassland encouraging rare butterflies and birds to thrive. Within the 50 acres of natural woodland, Ciaran will explain how they have also removed invasives and replanted native trees. Ciaran will also explain the planting styles in the walled garden used to increase pollinators and bird food. Ciaran will speak about our edible woodlands as a sustainable way to grow food, along with how over 6000 native bulbs have been planted on site. Additionally, Ciaran will also explain our apiary and how our bees are looked after here.
The 100 Million Trees Project is a national initiative in Ireland. It aims to plant 100 million native Irish trees across the island over the next decade. Developed by brothers Richard and David Mulcahy, this community-driven effort seeks to reverse environmental damage caused by deforestation and loss of biodiversity. Richard will come to talk about the impact of this project in Wexford and beyond.
A screening of film by Deirdre will take place after the talks. The Quickening, is a powerful new sound and moving image artwork by Deirdre O’Mahony. Commissioned by The Douglas Hyde Gallery and supported by an Arts Council of Ireland Project Award. Bringing together urgent conversations, original music and moving image, The Quickening responds to issues facing farming, food production and consumption, in the face of present ecological and climate crises (36 mins long)
For bookings please ring
+353 (0)53 9184671

Mark Redmond Jazz/Trad Fusion
2024-08-02 19:30 - 22:30
Friday 2nd August 8pm, doors 7.30pm.
Fleadh Cheoil ne hÉireann, the world’s largest annual festival of Irish traditional music, is coming to Wexford town for the first time in August. In recognition, Jazz at Johnstown is contributing to the festivities by hosting a jazz/trad concert with renowned piper Mark Redmond and the Chris Colloton Trio at the Visitors Centre on Friday evening, August 2nd.
With an upbringing in traditional music, Redmond is noted as a musician who can fuse between various genres. He performs regularly with the RTÉ Concert and National Symphony Orchestras and has performed/recorded with many including Riverdance, Celtic Woman, Christy Moore, Imelda May, Westlife and Macklemore & Ryan Lewis.
Guitarist Chris Colloton is one of the most brilliant innovators in Irish jazz: Chris’s speciality is also as an innovator and collaborator, having interpreted Pink Floyd’s Atom Heart Mother and Radiohead’s Paranoid Android at Jazz at Johnstown.
This will be the third such collaboration between these musicians, after two successful sold-out performances at Johnstown in 2023.

(SOLD OUT) Foraging and Folklore for kids
2024-07-11 10:30 - 12:30 | Johnstown Castle Estate, Y35 HP22, Ireland
As part of Johnstown’s Kids Camp, we will be starting summer off in a wonderful way on Thursday 11th July at 10:30am.
Join Lorraine, the Gallivanting Foraging & Folklore guide for a fascinating workshop aimed at introducing your little ones to the magic that is the natural world. Together we will find edible flowers and leaves, hunt for bugs and birds nests, find the healing plants that will ease a sting or bite and even listen for the sounds of water inside the trees, and paint with natural inks made from wild berries and tree cones.
This workshop aims to give your child simple, age-appropriate bush skills that will enhance family walks in the future!

Suitable for 5 – 10 year olds
Each ticket admits 1 child and 1 guardian
This workshop is 2 hours long and mainly based outside. Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the weather.

Kids Yoga Retreat
2024-07-06 11:00 - 2024-07-13 13:30 | Johnstown Castle Estate, Y35 HP22, Ireland
During Johnstown’s Kids Camp week – join The Kids Yoga Classroom for a Yoga, nature and creativity camp in Johnstown Ballroom on Saturday 6th and Saturday 13th July from 11am – 1.30pm.
Children can chill out this summer time in a beautiful space, trying out warm ups, breathwork, yoga stories and flow, including time for outside nature walks and creative arts and crafts. Suitable for children aged 6 – 10 years. Tickets €30 per day.
To book a space, email: thekidsyogaclassroom@gmail.com

June Jazz at Johnstown Castle
2024-06-29 19:30 - 23:00 | Johnstown Castle Estate, Y35 HP22, Ireland
Saturday June 29th at 8pm with door opening at 7.30pm.
Wexford is very fortunate to have a first class jazz musician – Kevin Lawlor – on its doorstep. And Jazz at Johnstown is very fortunate to have the Kevin Lawlor Quartet headlining our concert on Saturday June 29th.
And what a quartet! Kevin will be joined by the great Welsh pianist Dave Jones, Peter Vogelaar on bass and, returning from England for this concert with Joseph Leighton on guitar.
This Jazz at Johnstown Festival special will be a cause of celebration because Kevin will feature songs from his fifth album. Titled The Island, all original compositions ranging from swing to contemporary groove driven pieces.
To add to the occasion, this performance will be opened by the County Wexford School of Music Youth Ensemble. Kevin is the Director of Jazz Studies here.
Meet the band. Dave Jones has performed at Jazz Festivals internationally and recently sold out Pizza Express in London; Joseph Leighton is an up and coming guitarist on the London jazz scene, makes up part of the faculty of the Sligo International Jazz Summer School and, like Dave, features on the album.
Peter Vogelaar is a highly respected and accomplished electronic music artist and producer.

The Johnny Taylor Trio - Night One of June Jazz
2024-06-28 19:30 - 22:00 | Johnstown Castle Estate, Y35 HP22, Ireland
Friday June 28th at 7.30pm, with doors opening at 7.00pm.
The Johnny Taylor Trio, named after one of the finest jazz pianists on the Irish music scene. The trio is one of the most sought after by jazz venues and festivals at home and abroad. No strangers to Jazz at Johnstown audiences, Johnny, Barry Donohoe (double bass) and Dominic Mullan (drums), will open this year’s Jazz at Johnstown Festival. The concert will take place at the Visitors Centre on Friday evening, June 28 at the earlier time of 7.30pm.
This is a trio whose integrated and disciplined interplay can achieve things a jazz piano trio isn’t supposed to. This endears them to jazz and non-jazz fans alike. The level of invention achieved by exploring fresh and new sources of repertoire – no bullish pyrotechnics – is always challenging and never less than communal.
The level of invention they achieve creates a musical experience that you won’t forget easily! An evening with the Johnny Taylor Trio at Johnstown castle is one in which the band and the audience join together in intimacy and energy.

Pierces Foundry Wexford, The Rise, and Fall of an Industrial Giant!
2024-06-22 11:00 - 12:00 | Johnstown Castle Estate, Y35 HP22, Ireland
Pierces Foundry Wexford, The Rise, and Fall of an Industrial Giant! SOLD OUT!!!
This illustrated talk by Myles Miller takes place on 22nd June at 11am in the castle Ballroom. It will give an insight into the Rise and Fall of Pierces Foundry.
It will discuss the circumstances around the firm’s formation in the mid-19th century and look at its rise from humble beginnings which would see the firm become the largest foundry in Ireland, and finally consider its eventual decline and sale by the Pierce family in the 1960s.
Pierce implements can still be found on many farms and in homes throughout Ireland. Plus, there are still traces of this once mighty foundry to be found throughout Co Wexford.
The main entrance to the sheet metal works still survives on the Distillery Road. It is a constant reminder of the many workers who passed through the firm’s gates. At the height of its success the firm built three different terraces of houses for its workers, Albina Terrace, Casa Rio and Avenue De Flaunders all of which are still in use today.
The railings which surround Wexford’s twin churches were manufactured by the firm, as was the Castlebridge conservatory. These items were manufactured by hand in the forge of James Pierce. They are works of the most intricate design and testify to the pride and skill of the craftsmen of bygone days.
**PLEASE NOTE: The talk starts at 11am. Please arrive 15 minutes before start time as talk takes place in the castle.**

Cruinniú na nÓg
2024-06-15 11:00 - 15:30 | Johnstown Castle Estate, Y35 HP22, Ireland
On Saturday, June 15th come along and take part in a Wildlife Treasure Hunt on the grounds of Johnstown Castle.
This is a free ticketed event and will involve playing games with Laura Flood and Liz Flynn. The event is suitable for ages 6-9 (1 guardian per child)
There are two times: 11am and 2pm and each one will last approx. 90 minutes.
Working with the permaculture principle to ‘observe and interact’, this fun workshop provokes curiosity of our natural surroundings. Through team-work, the children will play a discovery game, a bit like a treasure hunt, searching for colours, textures and particular items that can be found in the grounds of Johnstown Castle.
They will then explore what they have found using their senses and imagination. Gaining points throughout the process (the team with the most points wins!), the workshop will help children consider how to develop rules and guidelines for games and gaming.
This is a free of charge, ticketed event for children. Please note this event takes place outdoor so please dress for the weather on the day.
In association with Wexford County Council and Creative Ireland.

The Irish Great War Society
2024-06-12 00:00
The Irish Great War Society is a living history group dedicated to the remembrance and education of those who fought and died in the Great War. An exhibit will be featuring outside the castle on 24th and 25th August. The society wears the uniforms and carries the Equipment of the period, displaying original memorabilia such as the WW1 glider plane shown here, they demonstrate the firearms and other equipment used in battle. They also have a Medical Display Aid Station showing the equipment and medicines available at the time. Their group will engage with members of the public over this weekend to hear stories of their relatives and exchange information on those who fought in WW1.

A Walk on the Wild Side
2024-06-09 14:00 - 15:00 | Johnstown Castle Estate, Y35 HP22, Ireland
Join Matt Wheeler at 2pm on Sunday 9th June on a walking tour to explore Johnstown Castle grounds. The walk will look at the estate’s prominent historical features, quirky hidden gems and the diverse flora & fauna.
*This is an outdoor event – please dress appropriately. In the event of extremely bad weather the event will be cancelled.

Park n Chill at Johnstown Castle
2024-05-25 09:00 - 15:00 | Johnstown Castle Estate, Y35 HP22, Ireland
On Saturday 25th May, we are back again with Part 4 of Castle ‘n’ Cars Exhibition at Johnstown Castle with Park ‘n’ Chill from Waterford.
This time, it’s going to be bigger and better. With over 300 cars on display, trade village, Food Vendors… and also… something which has never been done at a Car Show before…. More details to come soon.
Enjoy your Saturday with a walk around the grounds, weaving in and out between an amazing selection of cars. A culture so diverse, so passionate.
Explore the gardens overseeing the wide selection of cars from Supercars to JDM legends, classic restorations and European Elites.
Gates open to the public at 09:00, through the Visitor centre. Tickets can be purchased on arrival at our reception desk. Please be patient with our team as the day is sure to be extremely busy.
Free Parking available on site (first come first served). A traffic management system will be in operation so please follow the instructions of our staff.

National Drawing Day
2024-05-18 09:00 - 17:00
On Saturday 18th May, Johnstown will celebrate National Drawing Day in association with the National Gallery by making colouring materials available in our cafe. They will also find a chalk and fun board in our Agricultural museum beside the big red tractor for children to dream up what their ideal tractor would look like!

(SOLD OUT) Going, Going Gone! The Story of the 1944 Auction at Johnstown Castle
2024-05-11 11:00 - 2024-06-08 11:00 | Johnstown Castle Estate, Y35 HP22, Ireland
Saturday 8th June 11am (SOLD OUT!)
Saturday 11th May (SOLD OUT!)
80 years ago, the entire contents of the castle were sold off at a public auction. What happened to all the items? Matt Wheeler and Duncan Laurence piece this intriguing story together as they continue to search for ‘lost’ artefacts.
The talk starts at 11am. Please arrive 15 minutes before start time as talk takes place in the castle.

The Story of a Stained Glass Window
2024-04-20 11:00 - 12:00 | Johnstown Castle Estate, Y35 HP22, Ireland
On Saturday 20th April, Matt Wheeler reveals the hidden history behind the Rathaspeck Church stained glass window and the process to restore it to its former glory.
The restored stained glass window will be a perfect backdrop to this talk.
The talk starts at 11am. Please arrive 15 minutes before start time as talk takes place in the castle.

Jazz’s fab four
2024-04-19 20:00 - 22:30 | Johnstown Castle Estate, Y35 HP22, Ireland
Jazz’s fab four coming to Jazz at Johnstown.
Spring will be in the air at Jazz at Johnstown on Friday evening, April 19th at 8pm. One of the country’s best jazz vocalists, Stella Bass and a trio of exceptional musicians. Accompanying Stella will be Johnny Taylor on piano, Barry Donohoe on double bass and Dominic Mullan on drums.
Stella has performed at leading venues and festivals across Ireland, the UK, Germany, France, Australia and more. She headlined the Cork Jazz Festival in 2017 and has sold-out Dublin’s National Concert Hall on several occasions.
Outside her solo project, Stella has recorded with the Dublin City Jazz Orchestra. Stella presented her own music show on Dublin City FM for over three years. She comes to Jazz at Johnstown following recent sold out shows in Dublin (The Sugar Club) and in Belfast.
Sultry Latin grooves, delicate ballads and vivacious swing numbers ornamented by playful arrangements and lyrical improvisations are to the fore on Stella’s new CD, Look for the Silver Lining, released in February.
April 19th’s concert presented by Jazz at Johnstown is also an opportunity to experience the collective brilliance of these superb musicians: Johnny Taylor, Barry Donohoe and Dominic Mullan. Concert starts at 8 p.m – doors open at 7.30pm.

(SOLD OUT) Children's Easter Show
2024-03-27 15:00 - 16:00 | Johnstown Castle Estate, Y35 HP22, Ireland
Join us on Wed 27th March at 3pm in Johnstown Castle Ballroom for a fabulous Easter show!
Tallulah and the Long Haired-Hare from Liverpool, is an hilarious comedy for children aged 5 -11years.
The story is a retelling of the classic fable The Tortoise and the Hare, but with a twist!
All children must be accompanied by an adult. Show is 55 mins long.

Mother's Day Afternoon Tea
2024-03-10 14:00 - 15:00
This Mother’s Day, step back in time and treat yourself to afternoon tea in the recently restored Ballroom in Johnstown Castle. Chat over a delicious offering of scones, sandwiches and desserts.
Tickets are priced at €35pp and can be booked for a minimum of 2 people and for a maximum of 6 in one booking. Afternoon tea will be served from 2pm – 3pm.
Prebooking is essential. Please arrive 15 minutes before your time slot to check in at reception.

Ups & Downs of Museum Curation
2024-03-09 11:00 - 12:00 | Johnstown Castle Estate, Y35 HP22, Ireland
On Saturday 9th March at 11am, Matt Wheeler reflects on his 30 year career in museums and his meandering journey from the Cotswolds to Johnstown Castle.
Cheese-rolling, papermaking, tobacco-growing and Everest-climbing are just a few of the weird and wonderful subjects explored.
The talk starts at 11am. Please arrive 15 minutes before start time as talk takes place in the castle.

Jane Elgee Wilde Exhibition
2024-03-08 09:00 - 2024-03-24 17:00
To celebrate International Women’s Day, The Irish Agricultural Museum at Johnstown Castle will host an exhibition based on the life of Jane Elgee Wilde.
Jane was a tireless and outspoken campaigner for women’s rights and equality as well as for many other causes during her lifetime. The name Oscar Wilde is known throughout the world, that of his mother Jane Francesca Agnes Elgee Wilde, less so. Believed to have been born in Wexford Town, Jane was described as a Poet and Essayist, a loving Mother and wife, a wit and a beauty, but she was also a campaigner for liberty and for Women’s rights. It is therefore fitting that we honour her on International Women’s Day. The exhibition will open on 8th March and is free upon entry with general admission.

Nature's Narratives
2024-02-24 09:00 - 16:00 | Johnstown Castle Estate, Y35 HP22, Ireland
On Saturday February 24th 9am, Johnstown Castle plays host to a nature inspired creative writing workshop. The workshop, hosted by Sheila Forsey will allow you to unleash your creativity in the heart of nature and history.
Nature serves as an abundant source of creativity for writers. If you are interested in writing poetry, novels, essays or memoir the richness, complexity and beauty of nature can spark creativity and offer an abundance of themes, metaphors and symbols to draw inspiration from.
This one day workshop will allow you to submerge yourself in the sublime beauty of the gardens that surround the castle while being immersed by the rich history and charm of this historic place.
Explore the fundamentals of nature writing including sensory exploration, personal reflection, ecological awareness and observation techniques whilst capturing the essence of the natural world with words. Explore the philosophical power and harmony of nature through observing the sublime beauty of it whilst depicting it with pen and paper.
Be exposed to the writing of nature writers who excel at this genre such as Poet Mary Oliver to further develop the craft.
This workshop is led by Irish Times best- selling historical fiction novelist Sheila Forsey. Sheila’s last novel was inspired by Johnstown Castle. Sheila is a graduate from Maynooth in creative writing and most recently completed postgraduate studies at Trinity College Dublin. She is a heritage expert with The Heritage Council and an experienced tutor in creative writing.
‘Tell me what will you do with your one wild and precious life’ Mary Oliver Poet.
** NOTE: The workshop takes place from 9am – 4pm and will include Soup and a Sandwich **

Valentine’s Jazz at Johnstown Castle
2024-02-17 20:00 - 22:30 | Johnstown Castle Estate, Y35 HP22, Ireland
On Saturday, February 17th 8pm, Valentine’s Jazz returns to Johnstown Castle.
Jazz as Johnstown invites you to share ‘a whole lotta love’ at its annual Valentine’s Concert on the evening of Saturday, February 17th in the company of singer Sharon Clancy and her trio of Killian Browne (piano), Dave Fleming (double bass) and Conor Murray (drums)..
The Ancient Greeks believed there were eight types of love.
Songwriters swear that it’s ‘all around’, that it’s ‘all you need.’
But love is love is love, whether romantic or platonic or a work in progress. And the world needs a lot more of it right now

** DOORS OPEN FROM 7:30PM **

A Mooring With a Difference
2024-02-17 11:00 - 12:30 | Johnstown Castle Estate, Y35 HP22, Ireland
On Saturday 17th February at 11am, join Eddie Taylor as he reveals the hidden history behind Johnstown’s First World War airship base including recent discoveries from surveying work undertaken.
Eddie was part of the team who featured on Johnstown Castles’ appearance on RTE’s programme ‘Great Irish Interiors’ last year. Since the programe aired Eddie and his colleagues have done further investigation into the First World War Airship Base at Johnstown Castle.
**PLEASE NOTE: The talk starts at 11am. Please arrive 15 minutes before start time as talk takes place in the castle.**

St Brigid's Day at Johnstown Castle
2024-02-01 10:30 - 13:30 | Johnstown Castle Estate, Y35 HP22, Ireland
On Thursday February 1st, from 10.30am – 1.30pm, step into the enchanting world of ancient Irish traditions with Lorraine O’Dwyer of Gallivanting Tours.
Immerse yourself in the magic of St. Brigid’s Day with Lorraine. A captivating storyteller, forager, and food folklorist, Lorraine will lead you on a stroll through our gardens to gather reeds, unveiling the first signs of spring. Delve into the pre-Christian roots of this timeless festival, as Lorraine shares tales of the Goddess Brigid and her ancient stories.
Explore the festival of Imbolg through storytelling, reed gathering, & the hands-on craft of a symbol dating back to Neolithic times.
Join us for an unforgettable experience, as history and tradition come to life in the heart of Wexford. Immerse yourself in the ancient craft of weaving St. Brigid’s Cross, a skill passed down through Neolithic times. But the magic doesn’t end there— enjoy an Imbolg guided meditation to focus on your aims for the year ahead. Picture yourself in the midst of the festival’s pre-Christian roots. Listen to tales of the Goddess Brigid and the rich tapestry of Imbolg’s links to dairy, fishing, and beer making. This afternoon promises a harmonious blend of storytelling, reed gathering, and a guided meditation. This is a unique opportunity to connect with ancient wisdom and set intentions for the coming year. Join us for a day of enchantment and self-discovery within the historic walls of Johnstown Castle.
PLEASE NOTE: This event will be both outdoors and indoors – please dress warmly and wear appropriate footwear. Event takes place 10:30 – 13:30, please arrive a few minutes early to check in.

**LIMITED PLACES AVAILABLE**
