Accessibility underpins our mission at the Irish Heritage Trust. We believe everyone should be able to connect with Ireland’s heritage, culture and landscapes, and we are committed to making Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum & Gardens as accessible and welcoming as possible.
We are continually working behind the scenes to improve our facilities and visitor experience, helping to ensure that everyone can enjoy a positive and memorable visit to our castle, gardens, Irish Agricultural Museum and wider estate.
What can I expect during my visit?
Johnstown Castle is a historic estate, so visitors will experience a mixture of historic buildings, formal gardens and natural landscapes. Some areas are quiet and peaceful, while others can become busier at weekends, during school holidays and around events.
You can expect:
• Historic buildings and interiors
• Outdoor paths and natural surfaces
• Gardens, lakes and woodlands
• A guided castle tour
• A self-guided museum with displays and audio visuals
• Café and visitor facilities
If you are unsure whether a particular part of the experience will be suitable for you, please contact us before your visit.
We hope the information below will help you plan your visit so that there are no surprises when you arrive. If you have access needs or concerns in advance, please feel free to contact us in advance please get in touch with our Visitor Services Team on 053 9184671 or email info@johnstowncastle.ie. We will be happy to help.
Accessible parking spaces are available close to the main entrance to the Visitor Centre.
The Visitor Centre is fully accessible, including the Peacock Café and Gift Shop.
Johnstown Castle is accessible by lift, and it is visited as part of a guided tour. Our experienced guides are available to assist visitors with access needs. Please note that the historic servants’ tunnel has an uneven surface.
The Irish Agricultural Museum located next to the visitor centre is fully accessible, with flat surfaces and ramps. The Walled Gardens and 1.2km Lower Lake Walk are accessible.
Please allow approximately 10 minutes to walk from the Visitor Centre to the castle before your tour. Castle tours are popular, and advance booking is recommended.
There are a number of seats available throughout the tour which is approximately 60-minutes in length.
Assistance and guide dogs are welcome at Johnstown Castle.
The historic nature of Johnstown Castle means that visitors will encounter a variety of lighting levels and environments throughout the castle and estate.
If you are visiting with a visual impairment and would like additional information before your visit, please contact our Visitor Services Team.
Peacock Café & Gift Shop
Our spacious Peacock Café and Gift Shop are located in our modern visitor centre which is fully accessible. The Café seats up to 120 people both indoors and outdoors. We have a disabled toilet and dedicated baby changing facililites.
Our menu caters to a variety of dietary requirements and we have gluten free options available.
Would you like more information?
If you would like additional information about access to help with your visit plans, please call our Visitor Services team on 053 9184671 or email info@johnstowncastle.ie and we will be delighted to help.