Major plans for a range of new facilities at Strokestown Park 

Major plans for Strokestown Park, which include a multi-functional eco-centre, outdoor learning zones, a replica of a Famine mud cabin and enhanced walking trails, have been outlined by the Irish Heritage Trust.

The proposals are part of a planning application recently lodged by the Trust with Roscommon County Council.

Earlier this year, the Trust & Westward Group submitted an interest to Fáilte Ireland seeking funding under the Just Transition Fund (JTF), established to fund day-tourism projects in designated areas.

In that submission, they identified several projects which would greatly enhance the visitor experience at Strokestown Park. The proposed works form part of a funding application to Failte Ireland under the Just Transition Fund.

In the planning application recently lodged, it was noted that it has long been a wish of Strokestown Park to enhance the outdoor attractions, particularly within the woodlands and these proposed works seek to achieve this aim.

In developing the proposal, the Irish Heritage Trust & the Westward Group identified projects which would enable them to enhance their visitor experience, improve their outdoor facilities and resolve ongoing parking issues.

In the planning application, there are plans to enhance the existing woodland trail experience by improving accessibility along the existing pathways and introducing new accessible walks and boardwalks through the woodlands.

There are proposals for outdoor learning zones for Strokestown Park’s younger visitors, which will involve identifying suitable areas within the woodlands.

It is proposed to provide a combination of outdoor teaching spaces, climbing frames and rest areas in three selected zones within the woodlands.

These woodland zones are aimed at encouraging families, both local and visitor, to return “again and again” to Strokestown Park to enjoy facilities and learn about nature and the environment in a fun, explorative way.

Another key part of the development plan is the development of an “Holistic Eco-Centre Woodland Pavilion”.

The intention of this pavilion is to provide a multi-functional space within the woodlands which connects visually and directly with nature and the outdoors.

The planning application notes that “the vision for Strokestown Park is that the grounds, the landscape and nature become a visitor experience.

“To this end the woodland pavilion will provide a space where indoor-outdoor events can be held. It will be a less formal space, with a strong connection to nature, both in its siting and construction,” says the application.

The building has been designed to be low-impact on the environment; it will be built using specially selected low-carbon natural building materials and systems. Its design has a mono-pitch green roof system which will encourage bio-diversity.

The planning application outlines that the structure will have a biodiverse roof designed to create a “growing medium” purposely selected to particular flora & fauna. This will allow indigenous plant species to inhabit the roof over time.

“The benefits of this green roof are multiple and include sustainable drainage, carbon sequestering, passive indoor, climate control and biodiversity,” the applicant explains.

Overhanging on three sides to provide solar and shelter, the roof is inclined south-north, providing a south-facing slope maximizing the efficiency of solar. The main function room/event space is glazed on all three sides with uninterrupted views of the woodlands and accessing a covered raised deck on all three sides.

The aim of the pavilion is to create an example of sustainable, energy-efficient building technology which has low impact on its environment, “using natural, low-embodied carbon materials”. The plan is to locate the pavilion in the woodland area to north of the walled garden.

Another central element of the plan is the provision of a “4th Class Housing Exhibit”.

While the planning documents state that Strokestown Park, with the grand main house and walled gardens, offers a “superlative look” at how the landed gentry and upper classes lived during the famine times, the planning application observes there is little to show how the poorest subsisted.

As part of the National Famine Museum experience, the applicant said it is important that this is addressed.

As part of the project, it is proposed to construct a replica of a 4th class house, made of sods, which will be located outside the exit door of the National Famine Museum, allowing visitors to see how the poorest lived during the famine. A similar replica was constructed in UCC in 2016 as part of the Famine commemoration.

Additional car-parking facilities and the extension of existing bus parking are also part of the plans.

Strokestown Park houses the National Famine Museum, which attracts more than 100.000 visitors annually, contributing significantly to the local economy and employment.

In October 2019, a €5.1 million investment was secured to transform the museum at Strokestown Park into a new state of the art National Famine Museum.

The museum tells the complete story surrounding the history of the Great Famine. A new visitor centre and cafe was included as part of this strategic heritage tourism related project.

The study attached to the planning application asserts that both Strokestown Park House and the associated National Famine Museum are central to the heritage value of Strokestown, providing a significant tourism related economy for the area, “which is anticipated will further strengthen as a result of this investment”.

Strokestown Park currently offers the visitors three unique experiences; the National Famine Museum, the restored Palladian House and the Walled Gardens & Woodlands.

County planners are due to make a decision on the development by November 10th.