IN PICTURES: Irish Heritage Trust volunteers brings new life into old worlds at Strokestown Park

Irish Heritage Trust volunteers at Strokestown Park, Roscommon, are marking the completion of some exciting heritage projects in the Palladian house and historic walled gardens.  

These include the garden poetry trail, collection care, academic research, while other projects continue apace, including the grain growing project and the former pineapple pit. 

The Irish Heritage Trust’s volunteering programme at Strokestown Park / The National Famine Museum was relaunched in October 2022, following the reopening of the new state-of-the art National Famine Museum and contemporary visitors centre. 

This redevelopment project was overseen by the Irish Heritage Trust, which has cared for the property since 2015. 

An independent non-profit organisation, the Trust works on the nation’s behalf to conserve, manage, sustainably develop, and interpret built and natural heritage in Ireland. 

“During the past year, we’re fortunate to have welcomed and worked with over thirty dedicated volunteers of all ages and backgrounds,” said Ciara McCormac, Irish Heritage Trust volunteer co-ordinator at Strokestown Park and The National Famine Museum. 

“Their fascinating experience and specialist skills mean that our volunteers are at the heart of these important heritage projects. Alongside staff and conservation specialists, they have taken on crucial roles and responsibilities. Thanks to their passion and commitment, some of these projects are now completed while other projects are ongoing including our grain project and the former pineapple pit,” she continued.  

John O’Driscoll, general manager of Strokestown Park and The National Famine Museum said: “The Irish Heritage Trust provides a sustainable future for Ireland’s past, empowering local communities to conserve, cherish and share our nation’s stories, spaces and special places.

“Today we see how the Irish Heritage Trust’s new visual identity expresses the passion, commitment and vitality that underpins the Trust’s purpose and ambition. The intricate heart at the core of the new visual identity and inspired by the Trust’s properties, symbolises Ireland’s rich heritage and its people; past, present and future.” 

Over the past three years, the Irish Heritage Trust has more than doubled its volunteers who now number 300 at its properties: Fota House, Arboretum and Gardens, Co. Cork; Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum and Gardens, Co. Wexford; Strokestown Park House, Gardens and National Famine Museum, Co. Roscommon.

“On a daily basis, these volunteers are integral to the Irish Heritage Trust’s mission of bringing Ireland's historic properties to life and sharing the stories of the properties and the people who once lived in them. This increased individual and community participation and is the key to enhancing the special places the Trust cares for,” said Mr. O’Driscoll.