Irish Heritage Trust

Passionate About Great Visitor Experiences

The Irish Heritage Trust is now a leading national organisation with four landmark heritage properties currently in its care: Johnstown Castle Estate Museum & Gardens; 11 Parnell Square, Dublin, where the Trust is headquartered; Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens, Cork; and Strokestown Park & The National Famine Museum, Roscommon. In the coming years, a new museum on Lower Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin, will open under the care of the Irish Heritage Trust, in partnership with ESB.

The Trust provides for their conservation and maintenance, and it ensures that they are available for members of the public to enjoy and appreciate in perpetuity. It is also helping them towards financial sustainability, so they can make positive contributions to Irish culture and their communities.

Logo in burgandy/purple with a heritage heart shape on left and words Cared for by Irish Heritage Trust on right side
Family of four at Agricultural Museum

Key Partnerships

In 2015, the Irish government announced it would provide €7.5 million for conservation and development at Johnstown Castle including a new visitor centre. Funding of €5 million was made available through the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and €2.5 million was provided by Fáilte Ireland, Ireland’s National Tourism Authority.

The Irish Heritage Trust managed the vital conservation and development work that underpins the compelling visitor experience now on offer across Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum & Gardens. Since re-opening in 2019, the Trust continually reinvests in this special place, conserving and maintaining the estate, enhancing the visitor and member experience, and working in close partnership with the local community, including over 100 volunteers.

A New Visitor Experience at Johnstown Castle

In spring 2019, Johnstown Castle opened to the public for guided tours for the first time. Careful conservation work on the castle was accompanied by the development of a new visitor centre, a new lower lake walk, and a woodland play area. Access was improved with new parking and entrance arrangements.

There are three floors in the majestic castle which is fully accessible. A highlight of the castle tour is stepping inside the rare servants’ subterranean passageway.

Family of six, including grandparents, entering the visitor centre

Join Our Community