On Tuesday, 11th June, 29 of our members set off by bus to visit Johnstown Castle and Gardens outside Wexford. We were blessed with the weather. It was dry and sunny but not too hot. Ideal for walking around the grounds of the Castle.

The journey by bus was comfortable and not too long. On arrival we were treated to tea/coffee and lovely fresh scones. The staff at reception and in the cafe were welcoming, helpful and very attentive to our needs.

Our guided tour of the Castle started at 12.00 noon. Duncan and Pearl were our guides. Duncan was the main player and he certainly knew the history of the house and of the various families that lived there over the generations. Families such as the Esmondes, the Grogans and Lord and Lady Maurice Fitzgerald. We had access to all the main rooms in the house and even to the kitchen and servants quarters on our exit from the castle. Duncan did a fantastic job and it’s interesting that the guides are volunteers and do this work out of love of history and the development of local tourist attractions.

Afterward we were free to roam the gardens and the lake walk, watch the swans with their cygnets and the peacocks that wandered freely about the grounds. A visit to the Agricultural Museum is a must and I wish I had more time here.

On our return journey we stopped off at the Brandon Hotel in New Ross for an early bird meal. The meal was just delicious and the glass of wine was a nice accompaniment to the meal. Thanks to the staff who were very efficient, courteous and helpful.

We arrived back in Kilkenny at a decent hour thanks to our bus driver, Ger, from M&A Coaches. We all agreed that it was a fantastic day and thanks to Marian, Sheila and Denis for all the organisation.