Overview
Curraghmore House & Gardens sits just outside the village of Portlaw in County Waterford, forming the ancestral seat of the Marquess of Waterford. As the oldest continuously family-owned residence in Ireland, the estate covers approximately 5,000 acres. Roughly 2,500 of those acres are open to visitors, comprising formal gardens, ancient woodlands, and grazing fields. The grounds are framed by a 14-mile famine-relief wall, a testament to the estate’s role during the Great Famine, and accessible through four distinctive wrought-iron gates.
The property blends grand architecture with extensive natural landscapes. Visitors can tour the neo-classical interiors, view an art collection that spans centuries, and walk trails that wind past the River Clodagh and towering native trees. Seasonal events, including the All Together Now music festival, bring contemporary culture to the historic grounds each summer.
Figure: The main house and gardens at Curraghmore.
History & Architecture
The de la Poer Beresford family has held the Curraghmore estate since 1177, when Henry II granted the land to Sir Roger le Puher. The original structure began as a twelfth-century tower house, which was expanded in 1700 with a court-side mansion. Further enlargement in the 1750s and 1760s added a forecourt and stables capable of housing a hundred horses. The current imposing façade was designed in the late nineteenth century by Samuel Usher Roberts, grandson of the renowned Waterford architect John Roberts.
Inside, the house reflects generations of taste and collection. The interiors feature plasterwork by James Wyatt and house an impressive array of artworks, including canvases by Peter Paul Rubens, Thomas Gainsborough, and Sir Thomas Lawrence. Among the personal treasures is a pearl necklace once belonging to Mary, Queen of Scots, alongside grisaille panels by Peter de Gree. The current 9th Marquess, Henry Nicholas de la Poer Beresford, inherited the title in 2015 and has focused on preserving the estate while opening it to the public through guided tours and cultural programming.
Gardens & Grounds
The landscape design at Curraghmore evolved over centuries, shaped by successive Lady Waterfords who directed the planting of terraced gardens and arboretums. The grounds are divided into distinct walking routes, each offering a different perspective on the estate’s natural and historical features.
- The Arboretum & Sitka Spruce: Planted in the 1830s, the estate’s Sitka spruce reaches 55 metres (180 feet), making it Ireland’s tallest tree. It stands as a dominant landmark within the arboretum.
- Shell House Folly: Built in 1754 by Catherine, Countess of Tyrone, this whimsical grotto is lined with thousands of shells collected from around the world. The interior creates a unique, textured environment that reflects eighteenth-century garden fashion.
- King John’s Bridge: Dating to 1205, this stone-arched bridge spans the River Clodagh. Built to facilitate the king’s journey, it remains one of Ireland’s oldest surviving bridges and forms a picturesque backdrop to the southern drive.
- Woodland & River Walks: The Farm Hill Walk, River Walk, and Pleasure Garden Trail are well-marked paths suitable for all abilities. They wind through ancient oak woodlands and alongside the river, offering quiet spaces for reflection and wildlife spotting.
What to See & Do
Visitors can tailor their experience based on interests in history, art, or outdoor activity. Guided tours of the house are available by prior appointment during the open season, running at 11:00 and 14:00 on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Bank Holidays from May through September. These tours provide context for the architectural details and the provenance of the art collection.
For those preferring a self-guided visit, the gardens and grounds are accessible during the same hours. The on-site gift shop offers estate-branded merchandise and stocks the limited-edition Curraghmore Triple Cask Whiskey. If your visit coincides with the August Bank Holiday weekend, the All Together Now festival transforms parts of the demesne into a live music venue, featuring Irish and international acts.
Practical Information
Opening Hours (May–September)
- Gardens & Grounds: Friday–Sunday & Bank Holidays, 10:00–16:00
- Guided House Tours: 11:00 & 14:00 (Fri–Sun & Bank Holidays)
- Tea Rooms: Friday–Sunday, 10:00–16:00
Admission Prices
- House tour: €22 (adult) – free for children under 12
- Garden entry: €8 (adult) – free for children under 12
- Combined ticket (tour + garden): €28
Location & Access
- Address: Curraghmore Estate, Portlaw, Co. Waterford, X91 X598
- By Car: From Waterford city, follow the R678 eastwards for approximately 15 km. Turn left onto the estate’s private road, marked by the main wrought-iron gates.
- Public Transport: The nearest bus stop is in Portlaw. A short taxi ride (around 5 minutes) connects to the main gate. Waterford railway station is the closest rail link, with local bus or taxi services available.
Nearby Attractions
A short drive north leads to Dungarvan Castle, where medieval history meets coastal scenery. The castle grounds and riverfront walks provide a complementary historical experience, while the nearby Copper Coast Geopark offers rugged cliff paths and hidden coves for those extending their day trip along the Waterford shoreline. Booking house tours in advance is recommended, as slots fill quickly during peak summer weekends.