Strokestown Park in Strokestown, County Roscommon is only a 25 minute drive from Carrick on Shannon. It is a unique visitor attraction comprising Strokestown Park House, a Georgian Palladian mansion, Gardens and the National Famine Museum.
The House was the family home of the Pakenham Mahon family and is built on the site of the 16th century castle, home of the O Conor Roe Gaelic Chieftains.
The Landlord Major Denis Mahon was assassinated in November 1847 at the height of The Great Famine of Ireland and it is fitting that the National Famine Museum was established at Strokestown Park in 1994 using unique, original documents that came to light during the restoration of the House.
The six acre walled pleasure gardens have been restored to their original splendour and give an insight into horticultural design and architecture from the 1740’s to the present day. Henry Pakenham was an avid gardener and travelled extensively, gathering plants and seeds from around the world. Many of these exotic plant specimens can be seen growing in the walled gardens today.
