Strokestown Park

19/06/2026

Today marks the 45th anniversary of the death of Olive Pakenham-Mahon.
Olive, the last of her family to live in the House, is still very much part of the daily conversations here at Strokestown Park | National Famine Museum. Some of us still greet her as we open up the House in the mornings and wish her a goodnight as we lock up in the evenings. While hers was a life marked by tragedy, Olive's stoicism and resilience shone through, and she lived a long and happy life here. Despite spending fun filled times in the family's London home, Olive preferred her home at Strokestown, saying once that it was a part of her soul.

We are very grateful that Olive Pakenham-Mahon made that tough decision to sell her ancestral home all those years ago, meaning that we can now share its history, charm and secrets with you, our visitors...

📷Photo 1: Olive as a little girl with her Mum, May Burrard in the doorway of Strokestown Park House.
📷Photo 2: Portrait of Olive

16/06/2026

The 'Parallel Lives' of the Irish Famine

On a guided tour of Strokestown Park House, the galleried kitchen and dining room offer a significant insight into the lavish lifestyle led by the family of the house. This contrast was particularly stark during the years of the Irish Famine when many tenants on the Strokestown estate faced starvation and eviction.

On a visit to the National Famine Museum, you will uncover how the vast majority of people in Strokestown were living at this time. The daily reality was one of struggle, hunger, and emigration.

🏛️ Guided tours of Strokestown Park House take place daily at 12pm, 2pm and 3.30pm.
📖 The National Famine Museum is a self-guided experience, open daily from 10am to 5.30pm.

Online booking recommended for guided tours of Strokestown Park House
https://strokestownpark.ie/

11/06/2026

A willow weaving workshop 'Hands that Remember' recently took place in the beautiful surroundings of the Vaulted Stables at Strokestown Park.

Led by talented willow artist Helena Golden and organised by Tara Carroll, Volunteer Co-ordinator at Strokestown Park, the workshop brought together Irish Heritage Trust volunteers whose dedication and expertise play an invaluable role across the estate.

Participants learned to weave a traditional skib — a basket once used for straining and serving potatoes. At Strokestown Park, home of the National Famine Museum, revisiting this traditional craft carries particular significance.

Hands that remember – Strokestown Park is supported by the Roscommon County Council Creative Ireland Programme, and all-of Government initiative, which places creativity at the centre of public policy.

https://strokestownpark.ie/willow-weaving-workshop-strokestown-park-willow-woman-helena-golden/

The Willow Woman Roscommon County Council

A very special willow weaving workshop took place recently in the beautiful surrounds of the Vaulted Stables at Strokestown Park. Willow artist Helena Golden led the workshop, which was organised by Tara Carroll, Volunteer Co-ordinator at Strokestown Park, for the Irish Heritage Trust volunteers who...

07/06/2026

☔️ A rainy June day did not hold us back from celebrating Cruinniú na nÓg, thank you so much to everyone who joined us for FunFest.

A big thank you to all involved for bringing the fun to Strokestown Park for Ireland’s National Day of creativity for children and young people.

This year we were also delighted to partner with Glór na nGael who invited families to enjoy bilingual activities and performances, as Gaelige in the Féile Spraoi tent

FunFest is supported by Cruinniú na nÓg Programme 2026, the Roscommon County Council Irish Language Fund and Glór na nGael.

05/06/2026

🎉 Just one more sleep until FunFest ! 🎨🌈

A huge thank you to for helping us prepare for our Irish weather ☔️☀️

As part of Cruinniú na nÓg, Ireland’s National Day of creativity for children and young people, are ready for another jam - packed day filled with some of the very best activities for young people. This year we are also delighted to partner with Glór na nGael who will be inviting families to enjoy bilingual activities and performances, as Gaelige in the Féile Spraoi tent.

FunFest is sold out. On arrival, please follow the directions of our parking attendants. Once you are through the gates and into the garden, there is only one thing left to do ….

✨HAVE FUN ! ✨

FunFest is supported by Cruinniú na nÓg Programme 2026, the Roscommon County Council Irish Language Fund and Glór na nGael.

Discovery Playtime Roscommon Sports Partnership Custard Pie Puppets Fierce Fun Faces - Face Painting Glór na nGael Ready Steady Play Midlands Circus250

02/06/2026

🌿 Join us at Strokestown Park for the 2026 Rooted & Growing Conference, a unique 2 day conference exploring how nature-based approaches can support wellbeing, health and community practice.

Connect with practitioners, researchers, community workers and health professionals through inspiring talks, discussions and immersive outdoor workshops.

📍Strokestown Park
🗓️ 29th & 30th July

Places are limited and advance booking is essential.
https://strokestownpark.ie/event/rooted-growing-conference/

28/05/2026

💜'Chosen with Love by Our Volunteers'
This month, meet our Irish Heritage Trust volunteer Brigid.

Brigid is a volunteer that wears many hats at Strokestown Park. Brigid has worked on projects in the house, helps out at events and many visitors will have seen her wonderful seasonal displays in the Woodland Café and Visitors Centre but the Walled Garden is where you can most often find her.

Brigid has chosen the winter border as somewhere she would love visitors to see. It is at the top end of the garden and is planted with mainly white flowering plants. Brigid has undertaken a very large project to restore it to its former glory with the help of the gardening staff.

2026 is International Volunteer Year. If you are interested in volunteering at Strokestown Park, we would love to hear from you.

Contact Tara, our Volunteer Coordinator
💌[email protected]

27/05/2026

🐶Winston, a much valued staff member of Ballyfeeney National School is looking forward to his annual fundraiser 'Walk with Winston'.

🐾Winston visited Strokestown Park a few days ago with Diarmuid, the Principal of Ballyfeeney National School and he has given the paw of approval to the route.

⏰Come along on Saturday 30th May at 11am at Strokestown Park.

This annual fundraising walk is in support of My Canine Companion (autism service dogs). All funds raised will go directly to this great cause.

All Dogs welcome on the day (They have to be on a lead and please remember to clean up after your dog!)

Everyone is welcome to the Dog Friendly Woodland Café at Strokestown Park afterwards for tea/coffee and a sweet treat!

If you are unable to attend but would like to support you can donate via the link https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/Walkwithwinston2026 donations also accepted on the day 😊😘🐕‍🦺🦮

My Canine Companion - Autism and Therapy Services Ballyfeeney NS PA

26/05/2026

We were delighted to welcome artist Jacqueline Duignan to Strokestown Park to host an art workshop inspired by Caravaggio’s ‘The Cardsharps’, a copy of which is displayed in the library of Strokestown Park House.

This workshop was held as part of the celebrations for Bealtaine Festival 2026, an Age & Opportunity Arts Initiative supported by the Roscommon County Council Arts Office & the HSE.

25/05/2026

A little ladybird bringing a touch of luck to Strokestown Park on this beautiful sunny day 🐞☀️

The grounds of Strokestown Park are open daily for all to enjoy a peaceful walk in the sunshine, with nature and biodiversity thriving all around the estate - you never know what wildlife you might come across 🌿