VISITOR ATTRACTION: what’s new and what’s cool at Westmeath’s Belvedere House

Belvedere House (Currently Closed): The Georgian villa, known for its Diocletian windows, Rococo plasterwork ceilings by French stuccatore Barthelemij Cramillion, and 19th-century terracing, is under conservation works and inaccessible until further notice.

Typically, self-guided tours (with optional audio guides in English) explore the house’s opulent interiors and the dark history of Robert Rochfort, who imprisoned his wife Mary for over 30 years on false accusations of an affair with his brother Arthur and built the Jealous Wall to obscure his brother George’s larger mansion, Tudenham House. The compelling story of family feuds and hedonism fascinates visitors.

Victorian Walled Garden: A highlight, this narrow, rectangular garden, designed by Ninian Niven, features a vibrant collection of rare and exotic plants, including gentian blue Echinops, Fothergilla, and old roses. The garden’s fragrant herb beds, tumbling herbaceous borders, alpines, climbers, vegetable potager, and restored glasshouse create a sensory delight, especially in summer.
Romantic Follies: The estate boasts Ireland’s largest folly, the Jealous Wall, a towering Gothic ruin built around 1760 to block the view of Tudenham House. Other follies include the Gothic Arch and an ice house near an 800-year-old yew tree, adding whimsical charm to the parkland.
Historical Context: The estate’s history spans Rochfort’s cruelty, its inheritance by Charles Brinsley Marlay in 1847, restoration by Charles Howard-Bury post-World War II, and its sale to Westmeath County Council in 1982 for €250,000, followed by a multimillion-pound restoration.

Outdoor Activities:

Woodland and Lakeside Trails: Over 10km of serene, mostly flat trails (112m elevation gain over 3km for the outer loop) wind through 18th-century woodlands of beech, pine, birch, and exotic conifers, offering picturesque views of Lough Ennell and its crannóg islands, like Cró Inis. Trails range from 1–6km, taking 1–2 hours at a leisurely pace, and are ideal for walkers of all fitness levels. The lakeshore clearing in front of the house is a scenic highlight.
Children’s Play Areas and Fairy Garden: Four outdoor play areas feature towers, slides, climbing frames, lakeside swings, and a 30-meter zipline near the lake, perfect for families. The Narnia-themed Fairy Garden, with wooden sculptures, sparks children’s imaginations.
Picnicking: Numerous picnic areas across the estate, especially along the lakeshore, invite relaxation with views of Lough Ennell.

Visitor Amenities:

Admission: €8 for adults, €6 for seniors, €4 for children (3–12), free for under 3s, with discounted rates during house closure. Family tickets and season passes are available. Online booking at www.belvedere-house.ie is recommended to speed entry.
Guided Tours: Typically available in English for €1 per person (minimum numbers apply, pre-booking required), but currently suspended due to house closure. Expect a 2–4-hour visit, with breathtaking grounds, a vibrant walled garden, and family-friendly activities earning a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice award (top 10% of attractions). Reviews praise the serene walks, stunning follies, and playgrounds, though some note maintenance issues (e.g., lack of toilet paper in restrooms, as reported on April 8, 2024). The estate’s beauty and history shine despite the house closure, and dog-friendly policies (leashed) add appeal. The setting is perfect for picnics, walks, or outdoor theatre, like the 2024 Little Women performance by Chapterhouse Theatre Company.
Getting There: 6–8km south of Mullingar on the N52, a 1-hour drive from Dublin (M4/M6) or 30 minutes from Athlone.
Public Transport: Mullingar Train Station (15-minute drive) or Bus Éireann routes 115/115A to Mullingar, then a taxi or 10–15-minute drive.
Parking: Ample free parking at the visitor center, including coach spaces.
CaToCa Café and Restaurant: Operated by CaToCa Fine Foods & Giftware, the licensed café offers snacks, full meals, homemade ice cream, and coffee, with outdoor seating for up to 100. It caters to groups and special occasions (contact Kevin Byrne at catocafinefood@gmail.com or +353 86 6173534). Reviews praise the café’s efficiency and treats but note occasional high prices or small portions.
Gift Shop: Also run by CaToCa, it sells clothing, gifts, and memorabilia, though some visitors wish for a souvenir book about the estate.
Visitor Centre: A welcoming hub with free Wi-Fi in the courtyard, ticket sales, and information. Open daily from 9:30 AM, with last admission at 7:00 PM (estate closes at 8:00 PM). In-season house closure is 5:00 PM, and low-season (winter) is 4:00 PM, though the house remains closed due to renovations.
The visitor center, café, walled garden, and most trails are wheelchair-accessible, but some woodland paths are uneven, posing challenges. The house is not wheelchair-accessible due to stairs. Assistance dogs are permitted, and carers enter free when accompanying those they care for.

What’s New:

Ongoing House Conservation Works: The interior of Belvedere House remains closed for important conservation works, started in 2023, to preserve its Rococo ceilings and Georgian features. No reopening date is confirmed, but updates are available at www.belvedere-house.ie or by calling +353 44 933 8960. Discounted admission rates apply due to the closure, focusing on the gardens, parkland, and amenities.
Santa’s Magical Trail: Running select dates in November–December 2025, this festive event features a magical experience with Santa and his elves, engaging children with storytelling and activities. Described as “excellent” in 2024 reviews, it includes ample time with Santa and is wheelchair- and buggy-accessible. Sensory-friendly sessions cater to visitors with hidden disabilities (e.g., ASD). Pre-booking is essential via www.belvedere-house.ie, with tickets likely around €16 for children (2+), €10 for adults, and free for under 1s, based on similar 2024 events.
Infrastructure Upgrades: Following 2024 plans, automated and access-controlled doors at entry/exit points near the Jealous Wall and courtyard were installed, improving visitor flow. Refurbishments to the former Audio Visual Room and Owners Gallery may enhance the visitor center experience, introducing new interpretive displays or seating areas.
Seasonal Events: Expect an expanded 2025 events calendar, building on past successes like outdoor theatre, music festivals, and cultural experiences. Potential new additions include spring wildflower walks or summer garden tours, emphasizing the Victorian Walled Garden’s rare plants. Check www.belvedere-house.ie for updates closer to the season.

Practical Tips:

Best Time to Visit: Spring (April–May) for wildflowers and fewer crowds, summer for vibrant gardens and outdoor theatre, or November–December for Santa’s Magical Trail. Arrive early (9:30–10:30 AM) to enjoy quieter trails.
Booking: Pre-book tickets and Santa visits online at www.belvedere-house.ie to secure spots and avoid delays, especially for groups (20+ for discounts, contact info@belvedere-house.ie or +353 44 933 8960). Check for event closures due to festivals.
Preparation: Wear sturdy shoes and weather-appropriate clothing for outdoor trails, as Irish weather is unpredictable. Bring a picnic for lakeside enjoyment. Check restroom facilities upon arrival due to past maintenance issues.
Combine with Nearby Sites: Pair with the Old Kilbeggan Distillery (20-minute drive), Athlone Castle (30 minutes), or Mullingar’s Royal Canal Way for a full Westmeath experience.

Belvedere House Gardens & Park offers a mix of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and family fun, with festive Santa events and infrastructure upgrades enhancing its appeal, despite the ongoing house closure