Historic gazebo tower opens at Strokestown Park

A new season begins at Strokestown Park as the historic estate unveils a new exhibition and the return of seasonal events for families. Visitors are invited to rediscover the gardens, heritage and open spaces of the estate, home to the National Famine Museum, just as the parkland and Victorian walled gardens come to life for the new season.

The highlight for 2026 is the opening of a brand new exhibition within the historic gazebo tower, which welcomes visitors inside to discover its story and the lives connected to it. Built in the mid-18th century, the charming stone structure has stood overlooking the estate for generations and was originally designed as an architectural feature offering sweeping views across the Roscommon landscape.

Climbing to the upstairs exhibition space, visitors can listen to voices from the past through immersive audio experiences, from residents, landlords and workers whose daily lives were intertwined with the tower and the adjoining walled garden. Historic photographs and displays reveal how the gardens and parkland have evolved over the centuries, offering a vivid glimpse into estate life and the wider social changes that shaped it.

For those unable to climb the stairs, the exhibition is also accessible digitally through an on-site QR code, allowing visitors to explore the audio stories, imagery and research behind the exhibition.

Dr. Emma O’Toole, collections and interpretation manager at the Irish Heritage Trust explained that “the gazebo tower offers a fascinating lens through which to explore the layered histories of the estate, from the designed landscape of the 18th century to the people who lived and worked here across generations. Through voices, images and stories, the exhibition invites visitors to see the landscape in a new light.” This development comes as Strokestown Park celebrates recognition from CIE Tours, with an Award in Excellence acknowledging the quality of the visitor experience and also for its outstanding commitment to visitor care, accessibility and quality service.

Visitors this spring will also be able to enjoy the Easter trail through the walled gardens. From March 28th to April 12th families are invited to follow a trail of clues left by the mischievous bunnies of Strokestown Park, solving puzzles along the way before claiming a well-earned chocolate prize. The self-guided trail runs daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and promises an egg-stra special day out for younger visitors exploring the gardens during the school holidays. 

The estate remains a dog-friendly location where every member of the family can enjoy a day outdoors together. Additional cultural and musical events take place throughout the season, including the Solas Quartet - spring tour taking place on Thursday, April 9th in the vaulted stables.

General manager of Strokestown Park, John O’Driscoll, said the new season represented an exciting moment for the estate and its visitors.

“We are delighted to welcome visitors to Strokestown Park this spring and particularly proud to open the gazebo tower to the public. It is a beautiful and historic structure that has watched over the estate for centuries, and this new exhibition allows visitors to connect with its story in a completely new way. Spring is a wonderful time to explore the gardens and parkland here, and with the Easter trail returning, there is something for every member of the family to enjoy.”