Guided Tours of Doneraile Park & Gardens 2025

Join us for a very special series of Guided Tours of OPW's Doneraile Park & Gardens brought to life by the passion and storytelling of expert guides and members of The Verdant Troupe with exclusive access to the 17th century private Pleasure Gardens, Parterre, and Walled Gardens.

There will be two unique tour experiences:

1. With Pageantry - led by the incredibly talented Verdant Troupe, these tours are a vibrant celebration of Doneraile’s rich past. In full period costume, characters such as Queen Elizabeth I, Lady Freemason Elizabeth St. Leger, Lady May St. Leger, Lord & Lady Castletown and poet Edmund Spenser will guide you through over 400 years of estate history. Prepare to be captivated by storytelling, pageantry, and performance as you explore the hidden stories of Doneraile.
2. With Local Historian Michael O’Sullivan
   For those who wish to dive deeper into the historical development of the parkland, Michael O’Sullivan offers a compelling exploration of Doneraile’s landscape design and estate history. Discover how the St. Leger family shaped the demesne over centuries into the elegant grounds we see today.

Tour Dates for 2025

• Sunday, 11th May – Guided by Michael O’Sullivan
• Sunday, 1st June – With pageantry by The Verdant Troupe
• Sunday, 6th July – With pageantry
• Sunday, 3rd August – With pageantry
• Sunday, 7th September – With pageantry
• Sunday, 5th October – Guided by Michael O’Sullivan

All tours begin at 2:30pm from the main car park near the playground. Please arrive by 2pm to gather at the notice board.

Don’t just visit – experience it!