Irish Tour of Glass Famine Memorial Launches at Strokestown Park
An installation of 1,845 hand-blown glass potatoes 1845: Memento Mori was launched in Ireland on 29th May here at Strokestown Park, Co. Roscommon, kicking off
Nestled in beautiful County Roscommon, this unique property gives you an authentic glimpse into the lives of generations of people who lived and worked here over the centuries, each adding their own chapter to the story and leaving their mark.
Immerse yourself in the history of the Great Irish Famine as you visit the National Famine Museum where you’ll learn about the devastating impact that most tragic event in Irish history had on the people of Roscommon and Ireland.
Join us on a guided tour of Strokestown Park House, a stunning Georgian Palladian Mansion, with all of its original furnishings and fabrics, or explore the historic walled gardens, parklands and woodlands.
Today Strokestown Park is cared for by the Irish Heritage Trust, an independent not-for-profit, and we are delighted to welcome visitors from all over Ireland and the world to this very special place. There is something here for everyone to learn, to engage with and to enjoy and we look forward to welcoming you too.
Considered the single greatest social disaster of 19th century Europe, the Great Irish Famine of the 1840s decimated the island of Ireland, when in excess of two million people, almost one-quarter of the entire population, either died or emigrated. The National Famine Museum at Strokestown tells the story of this tragic chapter of Irish history through the words and stories of the very people who experienced it, while drawing parallels with contemporary famine events.
Join us on a guided one-hour tour of Strokestown Park House, the home of the Pakenham Mahon family for over 300 years, a place where time really has stood still. Whether they were upstairs or downstairs, each generation added their chapter to the story of this grand Palladian Mansion. From laughter to tears, celebrations to some of the most devastating years of Irish history, this great house has witnessed it all, so join us on a tour to find out more.
The six acres of walled gardens at Strokestown Park offer something for everyone. From the restored croquet lawn and summer house, to the pleasure garden and fruit and vegetable garden. Discover exotic plant specimens gathered from all over the world by Henry Pakenham. Explore the new children’s garden trail, or wander through the woodland, which includes fine specimens of mature Beech and Oak, planted over 300 years ago by Thomas Mahon.
Follow in the footsteps of 1,490 men, women and children who walked ahead of you in 1847, as you start your journey along the National Famine Way, a new self-guided historic trail including a Passport/Guide and OSI Map. This is an accredited self-guided 165km Trail from Strokestown Park, Co. Roscommon through six counties to the Quays in Dublin.
There’s so much to see and do here at Strokestown Park, so whether you’re a new visitor or lucky enough to live in this beautiful part of Ireland, we would be delighted to welcome you to our Café* and Shop. We sell a selection of specialised books, gifts, Irish made jewellery and local crafts, where you can pick up a souvenir of your visit, or a special gift for someone, even if that someone is yourself! We also stock replicas relating to the Great Famine of Ireland, including a copy of the Clonahee Petition.
*Our Café is temporarily closed but from 27th May 2021 we have a takeaway offering to be enjoyed in our parklands and gardens.
The Strokestown Park Archive is a complete record of economic, social and estate history over a 300-year period, related to the 19th and 20th century and gives a real insight into life on one of Ireland’s great estates. Considered to be of national and international importance, the Archive contains thousands of documents related to the Great Irish Famine of the 1840s.
An installation of 1,845 hand-blown glass potatoes 1845: Memento Mori was launched in Ireland on 29th May here at Strokestown Park, Co. Roscommon, kicking off
Songs of the Great Hunger released for National Famine Commemoration Day on May 16th, 2021 The National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park and The Irish
We are delighted that the new, state-of-the-art National Famine Museum will open at Strokestown Park in 2022. Funded by Fáilte Ireland and Westward Holdings Ltd,
The Irish Heritage Trust CLG
CHY number 16848
Registered charity number 20061609
Our Gardens are now open Wednesday-Sunday 10.30am – 4.00pm with tea/coffee takeaway available. We look forward to resuming guided tours of Strokestown Park House very soon.
The National Famine Museum & our Café are currently closed for redeveopment. In spring 2022 the new, state-of-the-art National Famine Museum and Visitor Centre will be launched.
