b'Field Trip Option 5: Johnstown Castle: Gardens,Museum and Castle TourJohnstown Castle Estate, Museum & Gardens has a long and colourful story stretching over 800 years. Situated outside Wexford town in Irelands south east, it is not only a significant property of national importance but a place of great romantic charm and tranquility. The spectacular lake walks, walled gardens and sculptures all offer the beautiful setting for the great 19th-century castle.Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum & Gardens opened in summer 2019 as a brand new 3 in 1 visitor attractiona significant addition for Irish tourism and Irelands Ancient East. Conservation and upgrading works on the Gothic-Revival Castle have been undertaken and guided tours are now available for the first time on a daily basis, including the unique servants tunnel at anincredible 86 metres long.This new attraction also includes the Irish Agricultural Museums exhibitions in the castlecourtyard building. Visitors can also enjoy the walks in the stunning woodlands around thepicturesque castle lakes with Gothic towers and statues. An additional fully accessible 1.5km lower lake walk opens in September for the first time in a hundred years with a new woodland childrens play area.The Irish Heritage Trust, an independent charity, was announced in 2015 as the successfulapplicant to work with Teagascthe Agriculture and Food Development Authority & owners of the Johnstown Castle Estateand the Irish Agricultural Museum, to oversee a capitaldevelopment programme. The Trust is now the operator of this new and exciting visitorexperience to benefit the wider community sustainably over the long term.This first phase of conservation and development works is thanks to generous funding from the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine, and Filte Ireland. Much more work remains to be done in the coming years but for now, Johnstowns future is safeguarded. The Irish HeritageTrust plans to continuously reinvest in Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum & Gardens so thatvisitors and members experiences are constantly improving and changing according tothe high standards expected in todays world.97'