Overview
Belvedere House, Gardens & Park sits on a spectacular 160‑acre lakeside estate just 8 km south of Mullingar, County Westmeath. The Georgian villa, built in 1740 for Robert Rochfort, the first Earl of Belvedere, overlooks Lough Ennell and is surrounded by mature woodlands, a restored Victorian walled garden, a whimsical Fairy Garden and three romantic follies – the Jealous Wall, the Gothic Arch and the Octagonal Gazebo. With four children’s play areas, a 30 m zip‑line, a licensed café and a gift shop, the site offers a blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty and family‑friendly fun.
History
The house was commissioned by Robert Rochfort, later dubbed “the Wicked Earl” for his notorious treatment of his wife Mary and his brother Arthur. While Mary was imprisoned for 31 years, Rochfort built Belvedere as a private retreat. He hired the German‑born architect Richard Castle (sometimes rendered Richard Castles) – the same designer behind Westport House and Powerscourt – to create a modest Palladian villa that nevertheless boasts lavish plasterwork, fine oak panelling and Rococo ceilings.
Rochfort’s rivalry with his brother George, owner of the nearby Tudenham House, gave rise to the estate’s most famous folly: the Jealous Wall. Constructed around 1760, the wall was deliberately designed as a mock‑ruin to block the view of his brother’s larger mansion, and it remains the largest purpose‑built ruin of its kind in Ireland.
The estate changed hands over the centuries and was acquired by Westmeath County Council in 1982. Since then, the council has restored the house, revitalised the Victorian walled garden, planted extensive woodland walkways and added modern visitor facilities.
What to See & Do
| Feature | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Georgian Villa | Elegant interiors with Rococo ceilings, oak panelling and original plasterwork. Guided tours (€1 extra) provide insight into the Earl’s scandalous life. |
| Victorian Walled Garden | Narrow rectangular layout offering panoramic views of colourful borders, old roses, gentian‑blue Echinops, Fothergilla and a collection of historic hydrangeas. |
| Woodland Walks & Lake Shore | Over 8 km of trails winding through beech, pine, birch and exotic conifers. Spot the 800‑year‑old yew near the ice house and enjoy lakeside panoramas. |
| Follies | The Jealous Wall (20 m high mock‑abbey), the Gothic Arch (mid‑18th‑century mock entrance) and the Octagonal Gazebo (viewpoint on a fortified terrace). |
| Family Attractions | Four playgrounds, a 30 m zip‑line, a Fairy Garden in an enchanted glen, and picnic areas throughout the estate. |
| Dining & Shopping | The Lakeside Café (operated by CaToCa Fine Foods) serves snacks to full meals; the gift shop offers locally‑made crafts and souvenirs. |
Visitors can also join seasonal events such as bat walks, summer family theatre, Easter egg hunts and Halloween festivities. Audio guides in English, German, French and Spanish are available at no extra charge.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
| Season | Opening Times (Daily) |
|---|---|
| March & October | 09:30 – 18:00 |
| April & September | 09:30 – 19:00 |
| May – August | 09:30 – 20:00 |
| November – February | 09:30 – 16:30 |
The house itself closes at 17:00 in the high season (May‑August) and at 16:00 in the low season; the café and gift shop follow the same schedule. Last admission is one hour before the stated closing time. The estate is open year‑round, but may close for large events or special programmes.
Admission Fees (2020 rates)
| Ticket Type | Price (€) |
|---|---|
| Adult | 8.00 |
| Senior (65+) | 6.00 |
| Student (valid ID) | 6.00 |
| Child (3‑12) | 4.00 |
| Child (under 3) | Free |
| Family (2 adults + 1 child) | 12.00 |
| Family (2 adults + 2 children) | 16.00 |
| Family (2 adults + 3 children) | 20.00 |
| Additional child | 3.00 each |
| Guided tour (English) | 1.00 (pre‑booking required) |
A 20 % discount applies when tickets are purchased online; the tickets remain valid for 365 days from purchase.
Accessibility
The visitor centre, café and gift shop are fully wheelchair accessible, and assistance dogs are welcome. The Georgian house itself is not wheelchair accessible, and some woodland paths are uneven and may present difficulty for wheelchair users.
Getting There
Belvedere House lies on the N52, about a one‑hour drive from Dublin. Free on‑site car parking and coach drop‑off points are available. Bicycle parking is provided at the entrance, though cycling is not permitted on the estate trails.
Coordinates: 53.475952, -7.369522
Contact & Online Resources
- Website: https://belvedere-house.ie
- Phone: +353 (0)44 934 9060
- Email: info@belvedere-house.ie
- Booking: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/belvedere-house/?full-items=yes&flow=595345
- Map: https://maps.google.com/maps?ll=53.475952,-7.369522&z=16&t=m
Plan your visit early in the season to enjoy the full range of activities, from guided historical tours to the vibrant summer events that bring the estate’s dramatic past to life.