Are you looking for ideas for a family day out in Roscommon? Plan the perfect family day out with a visit to Strokestown Park, House, Gardens & the National Famine Museum. Enjoy new outdoor trails and activity sheets, enhanced biodiversity, a brand new Woodland Café and the newly refurbished state of the art Famine Museum. So whether you want to stop for a short visit or spend the day, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
Outdoor and Indoor Activities for Families at Strokestown Park
In addition to the activities below, seasonal events take place at Strokestown Park throughout the year. Many of these are suitable for families. So do check the events listings before you travel.
The Woodland Trail

Wander through the woodland, which includes fine specimens of mature Beech and Oak, planted over 300 years ago by Thomas Mahon. The new Garden Trail brings you on a voyage of discovery where you can find rubbing plaques, learn about the creatures that live in the woodland, listen to and spot the birds that inhabit the woodland and find out more about the leaves and fruits that belong to the trees.
Be sure to look out for fairy’s along the way as you follow the fairy trial and make some music with the outdoor xylophone!
The Walled Garden Trail
Dating from the 1700’s the walled garden at Strokestown Park offers 3.5 acres of biodiverse planting attracting wildlife, insects and birds In the walled gardens you can explore the history of the gardens and their changing uses over the centuries for produce and pleasure. And using the Walled Garden Trail discover the alphabet walk, the sound garden, the maze, the lily pond, the folly, the rose garden, the croquet lawn and much more.
The walled garden trail brings this area to life with fun questions, trivia and facts and can be collected as you arrive.
The Slip Garden

Navigate your way through the slip garden to discover the wonders of the fernery, herb garden, fruit garden, pineapple pit, tomato house, melon house, the gazebo tower and Haha foundry. Here you will also find the indoor tool display which gives a glimpse of how work in the gardens progressed through the years.
Strokestown Park Archive Explorers Guide
Use the Archive Explorer Guide to get the most out of your visit to Strokestown House. You will learn about different transport modes, dress throughout the ages, what was served in the big house, the tenants that lived on the estate and what an archivist is.
Inside Strokestown house you will find the schoolroom, playroom, bedrooms, kitchens and get a real glimpse into how life was lived in days gone by. Children in particular will enjoy exploring the house and all the rooms inside. There are guided tours daily so you can get the most out of your visit to the house.
The National Famine Museum Archive Explorers Guide

The National Famine Museum Archive Explores Guide is perfect for visitors both young and old to learn more about this dark period in Irish history, in the newly refurbished state of the art National Famine Museum. From original documents and archives to interactive visual and audio displays the story of the great famine is brought to life in a truly immersive way.
The Woodland Café
The brand new Woodland Café is a family-friendly space, the perfect spot to refuel after exploring Strokestown Park’s grounds.
Relax and treat yourself to coffee, snacks and delicious meals created using the best sustainably produced local ingredients and catering for a wide range of dietary requirements.
It’s also ideal for larger groups. You can pre-book tea and coffee, lunch, and other options for your Strokestown Park visit if you are planning on visiting with friends or family or a larger group of people.
National Famine Way Walk

If you still have energy after exploring Strokestown Park, you can take a stroll or cycle along The National Famine Way Walk. The outdoor, immersive trail commemorates the journey which was made by 1,490 people from Roscommon to Dublin during the height of the Famine in 1847. It covers 167kms and is digitally and physically way-marked. It is best undertaken in stages.
You can track your progress with the National Famine Way Passport with includes lots of information, an OSI map which highlights local history, cultural landmarks and amenities along the route and you will receive a personalised ticket which names one of the family groups who walked the trail in 1847, so you can truly follow in their footsteps.
Children will love collecting the stamps as you make your way along the route and you can pick up your certificate of completion at the EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin!
