Overview
Curraghmore House & Gardens is a living tapestry of Irish history, architecture and landscape design. Nestled just outside the village of Portlaw in County Waterford, the estate is the ancestral seat of the Marquess of Waterford and the oldest family‑owned home in Ireland. The demesne covers roughly 5,000 acres in total, of which about 2,500 acres are formal gardens, ancient woodlands and grazing fields – the largest private house and garden complex in the country. The grounds combine terraced gardens, an arboretum, a 20 km famine‑relief wall, four wrought‑iron gates and a series of walking trails that showcase the natural beauty of the southeast.
The estate is best known for its striking neo‑classical interiors, an impressive art collection that includes works by Rubens, Gainsborough and Sir Thomas Lawrence, and a series of unique garden features such as the Shell House folly and Ireland’s tallest tree, a 55 m Sitka spruce planted in the 1830s.
Seasonal events, most notably the All Together Now music festival each August bank‑holiday weekend, add a contemporary cultural layer to this historic setting.
History
The story of Curraghmore begins with the Norman conquest of Ireland. In 1177 Henry II granted the land to Sir Roger le Puher (la Poer), establishing a lineage that would dominate the region for over five centuries. The original medieval tower‑house, the core of today’s house, dates back to the twelfth century. It was expanded in 1700 with a court‑side mansion, further enlarged in the 1750s‑60s with a forecourt and stables for a hundred horses, and finally encased in a grand late‑19th‑century façade by Samuel Usher Roberts, grandson of the celebrated Waterford architect John Roberts.
King John’s Bridge, a stone‑arched crossing of the River Clodagh built for the king’s arrival in 1205, remains one of Ireland’s oldest bridges and still frames the southern drive of the estate.
In the 20th century the family retained the house while opening parts of the demesne to the public. The current 9th Marquess, Henry Nicholas de la Poer Beresford, inherited the title in 2015 and has actively promoted tourism, guided tours and cultural events. Among the house’s treasures is a pearl necklace once owned by Mary, Queen of Scots, and a collection of grisaille panels by Peter de Gree.
What to See & Do
- Guided House Tour – By prior appointment, visitors can explore the neo‑classical rooms, admire plasterwork by James Wyatt and view the family’s art collection. Tours run at 11:00 am and 14:00 pm on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays (May‑September).
- Shell House Folly – Constructed in 1754 by Catherine, Countess of Tyrone, this whimsical grotto is lined with shells from around the world, offering a surreal, photogenic interior.
- King John’s Bridge – Walk across the 13th‑century stone bridge spanning the Clodagh River; its arches have witnessed centuries of travel and trade.
- Sitka Spruce – The 55 m (180 ft) spruce, planted in the 1830s, is Ireland’s tallest tree and a striking landmark within the arboretum.
- Formal Gardens & Woodland Walks – Meander through terraced gardens designed by successive Lady Waterfords, explore ancient oak woodland, and follow the well‑marked Farm Hill Walk, River Walk and Pleasure Garden Walk.
- All Together Now Festival – If you’re visiting in August, the estate hosts this popular music festival on the bank‑holiday weekend, featuring a mix of Irish and international acts.
- Gift Shop & Curraghmore Whiskey – The on‑site shop sells estate‑branded gifts and the limited‑edition Curraghmore Triple Cask Whiskey (2025 release).
Practical Information
Opening Hours (May–September)
| Facility | Opening Times |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| All Together Now Festival | August Bank Holiday weekend |
Admission Prices (2024 season)
- House tour: €22 (adult) – free under 12
- Garden entry: €8 (adult) – free under 12
- Combined ticket (tour + garden): €28
Location & Access
- Address: Curraghmore Estate, Portlaw, Co. Waterford, X91 X598 (use GPS Eircode X91 X598).
- By Car: From Waterford city, follow the R678 eastwards for about 15 km; turn left onto the estate’s private road marked by wrought‑iron gates.
- Public Transport: The nearest bus stop is in Portlaw; a short taxi ride (≈5 min) brings you to the main gate.
- Nearest Train Station: Waterford railway station; connect via local bus or taxi.
Nearby Attractions
A day in the region can be rounded off with a visit to Dungarvan Castle, a short 20‑minute drive north, offering medieval history and river‑front walks that complement the Curraghmore experience.
Curraghmore’s blend of grand architecture, art, and natural splendour makes it a compelling destination for history enthusiasts, garden lovers and anyone seeking a quintessential Irish countryside experience.