Looking for fun things to do with kids in Wexford? Head for the beautifully restored Johnstown Castle, a striking gothic castle with roots going back to the 1170s. Gifted to the nation in 1945, the estate is now cared for by the Irish Heritage Trust, Teagasc and the Irish Agricultural Museum — and it makes a brilliant family day out.
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Things to Do with Kids at Johnstown Castle
Indoors and out, there’s plenty to keep kids busy at Johnstown Castle in Wexford — from sunken gardens to peacocks to fairy trails. Here are 10 fabulously fun things to do while you’re there.
If you visit, why not tag @johnstowncastle on social media and let them know what you thought?
1. Have a Picnic in a Sunken Garden
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The spectacular ornamental grounds at Johnstown Castle Estate were designed by Daniel Robertson. Take a family stroll through the walled garden, gothic towers, lakes, statues, plants and wildlife.
Afterwards, head to the Italian Sunken Garden — a lovely spot to stop for a picnic.
2. Watch the Peacocks Strut Their Stuff
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Peacocks roam freely around the estate. Watch closely and you might catch one fanning its colourful tail feathers — a sight kids won’t forget.
You can also stop for a treat at the aptly named Peacock Tea Room, which is open year-round for hot and cold drinks and snacks.
3. Identify Who’s Who in Apostles Hall
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How well do you know your Apostles? Test your knowledge as you enter the castle through Apostles Hall, where an array of wood carvings depicts different bible scenes.
Apostles Hall is just one of the restored rooms you can visit on a castle tour. It’s worth booking tours in advance, as they’re popular and can sell out.
4. Find a Bath in a Tower
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Imagine having your bath in a tower! In the Lady’s Chamber — once the bedroom of Lady Fitzgerald — you’ll find her bathing chamber, tucked into one of the castle’s towers. She was the last descendant of John Grogan, who acquired the Johnstown Castle Estate in 1692, to live in the castle.
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5. Have an Upstairs-Downstairs Experience
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Explore the 86-metre servants’ tunnel for a real upstairs-downstairs experience. Fun as it is to walk through now, the tunnel was originally built so workers could move around the castle without being seen by visiting gentry or the family living there.
The tunnel is included on the castle tour, which should be booked in advance as tours are popular and can fill up.
6. Investigate Different Beds People Slept In
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A visit to the Irish Agricultural Museum, in the estate grounds, is a must. It’s home to one of the country’s most comprehensive displays of farming and rural life, including a huge collection of restored tractors, carts, ploughs, dairy equipment, furniture and kitchens.
Kids love comparing the different beds people slept in through the years — they certainly don’t look as comfortable as ours today! You can also visit authentic recreated workshops for blacksmiths, coopers and wheelwrights.
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7. Find More Castle Ruins
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Within the deer park on the estate, you’ll find the ruins of Rathlannon Castle, believed to be the oldest surviving Esmonde family castle in Ireland. See if the kids can spot them!
8. Discover Hiding Places for Birds and Bats
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The Irish Agricultural Museum building is a nursery roost for one of the largest colonies of Soprano Pipistrelle bats in the country. Each spring, the female bats return to roost and rear their young.
The museum courtyard is also home to the Johnstown Swift Project, where specially designed nest boxes give swifts, swallows and house martins somewhere to nest each year. Keep an eye out for swifts in particular — they’re the fastest bird in the world in level flight, so you’ll need sharp eyes to spot one.
9. Go on a Family Trail Around the Gardens
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Take the kids on a fun family trail around the gardens, hunting for clues hidden throughout the estate. Keep an eye out for the peacocks as you go!
10. Take Part in Quizzes and Trails
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Both the castle and the museum offer quiz and trail sheets for children and families to follow. Pick one up on your visit and learn more about the history, inhabitants, plants, wildlife, statues and waterways of this amazing estate.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Johnstown Castle suitable for young children?
Yes — the grounds, gardens and museum are great for families with children of all ages, with plenty of space to run around and explore outdoors as well as indoor exhibits.
Do we need to book the castle tour in advance?
Castle tours are popular and can sell out, so it’s a good idea to book ahead through the official Johnstown Castle website before you travel.
Is there somewhere to eat on site?
Yes, the Peacock Tea Room is open year-round for hot and cold drinks and snacks.
Is Johnstown Castle accessible for buggies or wheelchairs?
Accessibility can vary across the castle, gardens and museum, so it’s best to check directly with Johnstown Castle before your visit if this is important for your family.
Are the gardens and grounds free to explore?
Entry arrangements and any charges are best checked on the official Johnstown Castle website, as these can change.
More Family Days Out
- Low Cost Things to Do In Ireland With Kids Recommended by Parents
- Take an Enchanting Fairytale Trip Around Ireland
- 10 of the Best Castles in Ireland to Visit with Kids
- Places to Find Magical Fairy Trails in Ireland
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