The National Famine Museum, Strokestown Park — Attraction in County Roscommon

Glowing Review for Strokestown House and Gardens

Nestled amidst the serene Irish countryside, Strokestown House and Gardens is an absolute gem, blending Victorian charm with modern sophistication. Our recent visit was nothing short of enchanting, as we embarked on a captivating Victorian photography tour guided by knowledgeable experts who transported us back in time with vivid anecdotes and historical insights within an actual time capsule of a lab.

Stepping into the impeccably preserved mansion, we were greeted by the elegant drawing room, exuding an air of timeless grace. The juxtaposition of antique furnishings and contemporary accents seamlessly merged the past with the present, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience. Under the guidance of Tony, Martin, and Aidan, whose expertise and unwavering support elevated our learning experience.

However, the highlight of our journey was the state-of-the-art conference room, a testament to Strokestown's commitment to innovation. Here, we delved into an AI image workshop, harnessing the power of cutting-edge technology with Midjourney software, in collaboration with Creative Heartlands.

We navigated through the intricacies of digital creativity, unlocking new realms of artistic expression.

Beyond the captivating surroundings and immersive activities, what truly sets Strokestown House apart is the warmth and hospitality extended by its dedicated staff. From the moment we arrived until our departure, every interaction was marked by genuine care and attentiveness, ensuring our comfort and satisfaction at every turn.

In essence, Strokesyown House and Gardens and Famkne Museum transcends the ordinary, offering a harmonious blend of history, innovation, and hospitality.

Whether you're seeking a journey through time or a sanctuary for creative exploration, this enchanting mansion promises an experience that lingers long after the visit concludes.The Park's House has been opened after an extensive refurbishment and it's spectacular.

The fairy woodland walk and Victorian Gardens are a treat, too.

The House now also boasts a cafe and gift shop with the entrance akin to that of a five-star hotel. The staff are courteous, knowledgeable, and extremely accommodating for families.

Can't wait to...

This was, indeed, a learning experience and one highlight of our trip to Ireland. We visited one rainy day without any expectations, but soon discovered a fascinating story detailing the causes, experiences, and results of the mid-nineteenth century famine which most Americans have heard of but know very little about. Not for everyone, especially younger visitors with limited attention spans, this step inside the dual world of wealthy landowners and impoverished tenant farmers not only illustrates the dichotomy of those historic times, but also brings one forward in time to see that even the privileged family can eventually be brought down to a state of destitution. If you are hoping to see another beautifully restored Victorian manor house I'm afraid you might be disappointed. Still, I believe that allowing the house to illustrate the eventual decay of a once proud dynasty serves an important lesson. Plenty of good primary documentary evidence can be found to support the history of the place (again, this is NOT a "hands-on" recreation, but a true piece of history locked in time) so if you're one who can enjoy reading about the people who once lived and worked in such a time and place, you will enjoy this. In addition to the museum artifacts and descriptions, the guided tour was a entertaining treat, a fine educational opportunity to ask questions, and a good value for the price of it all.

I am tempted to give this recommendation one less star than a perfect score due to the recognition that there is still some improvement that can be made to the overall location and exhibits. I know that a large amount of work has gone into the creation of the museum and I applaud all the effort up to this point, but I believe the staff already knows that there are a few weaknesses in the narrative that need to be shored up just as I am fairly certain that these will be attended to in future as resources permit. I expect my next visit in five to ten years will be all the more exciting as Strokestown Park and Famine Museum continues along the path of telling this important story to a broad audience. I encourage others to visit and experience what this place has to offer and thus contribute to both its upkeep and future...

We never knew this place existed before now and decided to visit on Sunday. We also didn't know there was a vintage fair day on until we arrived. It was hard to find parking, and most people were parking in the grass verge of the driveway ( I say it was the day that was in it). We were in a party of 3, 2 adults and 1 child, so we got a family ticket for the museum and the house tour @ €39. There was a long queue at the ticket desk with only 1 person working. There was only 1 tour happening that day because of the fair, and that was at 4pm. So we had over 2 hours before the tour. The museum was very nicely laid out and had lots of different features. I think we were supposed to get an audio player when we paid, but it wasn't offered, so you didn't really get the full grasp of the museum. The fair day was good, and the old games were great fun. We decided to get a coffee at the cafe, there were about 7 people in front of us and 3 staff behind the counter. 20 mins later, and the queue barely moved, I grabbed cold drinks out of the fridge and went up to the till skipping the queue. A better system is needed here. Again, I say it was busier than they expected. There is plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. The forest walk is just that, a small walk with a few benches if you wanted to sit ( they could have cleared the fallen leaves off the benches that morning, as all them where covered and wet). The walled gardens were lovely, I wished we had more time in them, but we had to run for the house tour. The house tour was by far the highlight, and the guy giving the tour was great, friendly, and he had a great easy and love for what he was telling us. There ares a few things this place could improve on, just small touches, no soap in the bathroom when we arrived or when we were leaving. A better system in the cafe and make sure everyone is offered headsets. But overall, we were glad...