FAQs

We’ve brought together answers to some of the questions people have before they visit us at Strokestown Park House, Gardens & National Famine Museum.

Planning Your Visit

Is the National Famine Museum suitable for children?

Many children will be fascinated by the darker stories Strokestown Park has to tell about the Great Irish Famine. Older children may be learning about the famine as part of the Irish history curriculum, and younger children may have had their interest sparked by books, local connections, or even Horrible Histories.

The re-imagined National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park has been carefully curated to interest and include visitors of all ages.

Personal stories and fascinating objects from the famine period are presented in absorbing exhibitions and interactive displays that bring the past up close for younger visitors in ways that encourage empathy, understanding, and respect.

Where can I find advice about accessibility?

We have gathered information on access supports on our accessibility page. It gives advice on everything from parking for disabled visitors, and ground surfaces for wheelchairs and pushchairs, to induction loops and allergens. If you have a question that isn’t answered there, contact us and we will do our best to help make sure you have an enjoyable visit to Strokestown Park.

How long should I allow for my visit?

We advise allowing three hours to visit the whole site.

Are Strokestown Park gardens and woodlands pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are welcome in the Woodland Café and around the grounds however we do not allow dogs in the museum or Strokestown Park House. Assistance dogs are welcome in the museum and Strokestown Park House, as well as within the Visitor Centre and the Woodland Café.

Can I take photographs inside Strokestown Park House and the National Famine Museum?

You can take photos while in the National Famine Museum and Strokestown Park House however, we ask you to refrain from flash photography.

Do you have free Wi-Fi for visitors to use?

Free Wi-Fi is available in the Strokestown Park Visitor Centre and Café. There is no Wi-Fi in the Museum or Strokestwon Park House

Are there dietary options available at the Café?

At the Woodland Café there are marked Gluten free options along with a vegan option. Please feel free to ask on site for any specific dietary requirements.

Making a Booking

How do I book a guided tour?

You can book a tour, for you or your group, via our online booking portal here. Alternatively, you can arrange a booking via phone or email (see our contact page). Please note that phone and email bookings are not finalised until you have received your official booking confirmation.

Do I have to book a ticket online in advance?

No, booking in advance is not essential. However, we recommend booking for group visits or at peak times (school holidays, bank holidays, and Saturdays). You can book advance tickets via our ticket portal.

Can I book a ticket on the day?

Booking on arrival is fine, though we cannot guarantee availability of guided tours.

How do I book a group visit?

For further information on group bookings please visit our group bookings page. To make a booking please call or email all contact details are available on the contact us page.

Do I have to wear a face covering in Strokestown Park House and the National Famine Museum?

Mask-wearing is no longer formally required indoors in Ireland, and so you can decide for yourself whether or not you will wear a mask during your visit to the National Famine Museum | Strokestown Park

I am a member of the Irish Heritage Trust, Do I need to book a ticket to join a guided tour?

If you are a member of the Irish Heritage Trust simply check in at reception to join a guided tour you do not need to book a seperate ticket.

I have just purchased membership but don’t yet have my membership number/card. How do I gain free access to Irish Heritage Trust properties?

You should receive you Irish Heritage Trust Membership upon signup. However if you are having any kind of issues with your mambership please ask a member of staff at reception.

I can’t find or download my e-ticket/booking confirmation

Please confirm the email address entered is correct. If the email is not correct please contact us and we can alter the booking on the system.

Can I change the date/time of my booking?

Within your e-ticket/booking confirmation email, you will find an option to reschedule your visit.

I have lost my Irish Heritage Trust Membership card.

If you have lost your Irish Heritage Trust membership card please contact reception if still on site. If you are off site you can call in to have a new card printed or contact us via phone or email

Personal and Academic Research

Can I visit the Strokestown Famine Archive?

The Strokestown archive isn’t open to the public, but its stories are shared in the National Famine Museum at Strokestown, where you can see documents from the archive on display.

Are there genealogy records at Strokestown?

The County Roscommon Heritage and Genealogy Centre has been offering a research service to people with Roscommon roots since 1988. They are the official genealogy research centre for County Roscommon, and the designated centre of the Irish Family History Foundation.

They provide a professional genealogy research service, and each enquiry is individually researched. The Centre’s experienced researchers have in-depth knowledge of the county and the sources for each area.