Johnstown Castle, in County Wexford, has been a beautiful sight for hikers, with gardens, lakes and even peacocks—but now it’s more than a sight. After a big renovation, it’s been opened to visitors.
There’s now a visitor center, cafe, shop and walks along the water’s edge, paid for in large part by €7.5 million in investments by Failte Ireland, the country’s tourism agency, and the Department of Agriculture and the Irish Heritage Trust.
The current castle, for all its Gothic appearance, was built in the 19th century on a much older estate, going back to Norman times. Within, the castle has been set up as it would have appeared in the mid- to late-19th century, with artifacts of the family and similar artifacts from elsewhere gathered for display.