Strokestown Park Museum Restaurant in Strokestown

Glowing Review for Strokestown House and Gardens (With Victorian Xmas Experience added) 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. This year we had a wonderful time at the Victorian Santa Claus Experience. From start to finish it felt genuinely magical and very well organised. Eilish handled the tour perfectly. She guided everyone smoothly to where they needed to be, kept everything on schedule, and was professional and warm throughout. It made a real difference to the experience, especially with families and excited children. The elves were fantastic and fully in character, Santa was pure excellence, and Mrs Claus completely stole the show. She was engaging, funny, and memorable in the best possible way. I would highly recommend this to any family looking for an authentic and thoughtfully put together Santa experience. It felt special, immersive, and genuinely festive. Can't wait to go back again.

Since a significant refurbishment, the cafe is a pleasure to visit.

A group of us visited this wonderful museum yesterday . What a beautiful place and the staff (especially Siobhan) was so welcoming and kind to us .. The museum was so interesting, the gardens etc but nothing topped the food . We will definitely return again in the summer months . Thank you all .. 10/10

Educational Museum depicting the horrific famine and the suffering of the Irish people in 1845. Well laid out museum with easy to follow pictures and voice recordings to listen to. There is also a woodlands walk which I strongly suggest you do afterwards to give yourself time to assimilate the information and chat about what you have seen. Take a friend.

The National Famine Museum near Longford is a powerful place to visit. It’s not a flashy, high-tech attraction; it’s a serious, thoughtful deep-dive into the darkest chapter of Irish history. The museum sits on the Strokestown Park estate, where original famine-era documents were discovered, and that gives the experience a real sense of authenticity. Walking through the rooms, you move between personal stories of tenants, eviction accounts, letters, and records that show exactly how the famine unfolded for ordinary families. It’s heavy, emotional material, but presented in a way that’s respectful rather than sensational. Most of the museum is text-based, so you’ll be reading a lot. That can feel slow compared to modern interactive museums, but the content is strong enough to carry it. Some parts are dimly lit, which a few visitors find frustrating, but the atmosphere suits the subject. The audio guide helps bring everything together and adds context you’d miss otherwise. The best part is how it connects national history with individual human lives. You don’t just learn facts; you feel the impact. If you’re visiting Longford or nearby, it’s well worth the trip. You’ll leave quieter, more reflective, and with a deeper understanding of Ireland’s past.

We took the guided tour at the National Famine Museum, and it was very well presented. The exhibits are informative and moving, offering a real insight into this important part of history. A deeply impactful and memorable visit — highly recommended.

Honest story about the famine in Ireland

I think this is one of the best museums we have ever visited. Child-friendly, informative, and extremely well-kept, this place definitely deserves its award for excellence.

Very well displayed. Lots of information to take in. Great archive of historical times.

Great atmosphere and awesome service