VISITOR ATTRACTION: what’s new and what’s cool at Wicklow’s Russborough House

Russborough House & Parklands, located in Blessington, County Wicklow, is a stunning Palladian mansion designed by Richard Castle and built between 1741 and 1755 for Joseph Leeson, 1st Earl of Milltown. Set on 200 acres of scenic parkland overlooking the Blessington Lakes and Wicklow Mountains, it is celebrated as one of Ireland’s most beautiful Georgian estates. Managed by the Alfred Beit Foundation since 1976, it houses a remarkable private art collection and offers a blend of history, art, and family-friendly outdoor activities.

A guided tour (approximately 1 hour, offered in English, German, or French) is the highlight, showcasing the mansion’s opulent interiors, including ornate plasterwork by the Lafranchini brothers, West Indian mahogany furnishings, and a private art collection featuring works by Vermeer, Goya, Rubens, and Velázquez. The tours, led by enthusiastic guides like George, Yvonne, Judy, or Tara, bring to life the history of the house’s three main families: the Earls of Milltown (1741–1914), the Daly family (1931–1952), and Alfred and Lady Beit (1952–2005). Visitors learn about the house’s construction, its art heists (1974, 1986, 2001, 2002), and its preservation by the Beit Foundation since 1978.

Beit Museum: Located in the basement, this interactive exhibition (self-guided, included in the tour) details the house’s history from 1741 to the present, with films, photographs, and stories of its occupants, including the Beits’ colorful entertaining. Some visitors note the tour’s focus on paintings can feel lecture-heavy, with rooms locked for security due to past thefts.
Tours are engaging for all ages, with guides interacting with children (ages 9–12) to highlight kid-friendly details, ensuring a family-friendly experience. The house’s grandeur, with rooms like the Entrance Hall and Saloon, impresses with its symmetry and 18th-century craftsmanship.

Parklands and Outdoor Activities:

200-Acre Estate: The rolling parklands offer breathtaking views of Blessington Lakes and the Wicklow Mountains. Visitors can explore via:
Wildlife Trail (2km): A flat, easy walk spotting foxes, hares, and badgers.
Woodland and Rhododendron Trail (2km): Features vibrant blooms in spring and scenic vistas.
Tree Trail: A self-guided audio tour (available in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish) highlights the estate’s ancient trees and their stories.
Fairy Trail: A magical trail on Lady’s Island with fairy houses, some over 270 years old, delights children.
Maze: A 20,000 sq ft hedge maze requires tokens for entry (€2–€3) and takes about 30 minutes to navigate, offering fun for families, though some note overcrowding when non-paying visitors enter.
Playground: Voted one of Ireland’s top playgrounds by The Irish Times, it features swings, slides, a sandpit, and a spider web climbing frame for ages 2–12, with picnic seating nearby.
Walled Garden: Under restoration by Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland (RHSI) volunteers since 2011, this 18th-century garden is open for pre-booked group tours (April–October) and limited public hours (e.g., Tuesday/Thursday 11:00 AM–3:00 PM, Wednesday/Saturday 10:30 AM–3:30 PM, June–August also Sunday–Friday 2:00 PM–5:00 PM). Visitors can buy fresh produce on volunteer days (Wednesdays/Saturdays).
Blessington Greenway: A 6.5km trail connects Blessington town to Russborough, ideal for walking or cycling with lake views.

National Bird of Prey Centre:

Located in the West Courtyard since 2016, this outdoor centre houses over 40 birds, including eagles, owls, hawks, and falcons. Guided tours (Wednesday–Sunday, 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM, 3:30 PM) include handling sessions with owls, a hit with kids. Tickets are separate from house tours, and pre-booking is advised.
Sheepdog Demonstrations: Available for pre-booked groups, these demonstrations showcase traditional Irish sheepdog skills, adding a cultural element to the visit. Contact Russborough directly for scheduling.
Tea Rooms and Russpresso Bar: Tea Rooms: Located in the historic dining room, the award-winning café serves soups, salads, sandwiches, and desserts, with some of Lady Beit’s recipes displayed on the walls. Outdoor seating is available on nice days. Reviews praise the food quality but note occasional issues with vegan/vegetarian options (e.g., feta mistakenly served as vegan) and high prices (e.g., €13 for two teas and a cake). The café closes at 5:00 PM, which some find early in summer.
Russpresso Bar: An outdoor coffee bar operates weekends (10:00 AM–4:00 PM, weather permitting), offering quick drinks.
Visitors with dietary needs should confirm options in advance, as service inconsistencies have been noted.
Courtyard Shops: The basement shop, voted top in the 2024 Shopkeepers of Ireland awards, offers unique crafts, souvenirs, and art-related items. The East and West Courtyards house working artisans, adding a cultural shopping experience.
Some visitors find the shop’s offerings delightful but pricey, reflecting a premium experience.
Historical Significance: Designed by Richard Castle, Russborough’s 210m facade is Ireland’s longest, with Doric and Corinthian columns and heraldic lions at the entrance. Built for Joseph Leeson, it housed his Grand Tour art collection. The Beit family, who purchased it in 1952, enriched it with masterpieces, though many were donated to the National Gallery of Ireland in 1987. The house survived four art heists (1974, 1986, 2001, 2002), with most works recovered except two Francesco Guardi paintings (as of February 2025). The Alfred Beit Foundation ensures its preservation.
The Beit Museum and audio tours provide context on the house’s history, including its role in Irish art and culture.

Practicalities:

Blessington, Co. Wicklow (W91 W284), 20 miles from Dublin (30 minutes via N81), 5 minutes from Blessington town, near Kildare. Public transport includes Dublin Bus 65 (limited service) to Ballymore Eustace, stopping at Russborough.
House Tours: Monday–Friday 12:00 PM–1:00 PM, Saturday–Sunday 10:00 AM–4:00 PM (hourly, last tour 4:00 PM).
Parklands: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM, closed December 20–February 28.
Café/Shop: 9:30 AM–5:00 PM.
Walled Garden: Limited hours (see above).
Bird of Prey Centre: Wednesday–Sunday, 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM, 3:30 PM.
Admission: €12 (adult), €9 (senior/student), €6 (child 6–16), free (under 5), €30 (family, 2 adults + up to 4 children). Parking is €4 (coins/contactless). Maze tokens and Bird of Prey Centre tickets are extra. Memberships offer free parking, discounts, and event access.
The house’s ground floor and parklands are wheelchair-accessible, with disabled parking. The maze and upper floors may pose challenges. Dogs are allowed on leads in the parklands but not in the house or café.
Visit Duration: A half-day (3–4 hours) to explore the house tour (1 hour), Beit Museum (1 hour), maze (30 minutes), playground, and trails.
Atmosphere: Visitors describe Russborough as “magnificent” and “fascinating,” with a “fabulous setting” blending art, history, and nature. The house’s grandeur and parklands’ beauty make it ideal for all ages, though some find parking fees (€4) and closures (e.g., house closed until February) frustrating if not communicated clearly.

Nearby Attractions:

Wicklow Mountains National Park (15 minutes): Rugged peaks and trails.
Glendalough (20 minutes): Monastic ruins and lakes.
Blessington Lakes (5 minutes): Boating and scenic walks.
Powerscourt Estate (25 minutes): Gardens and waterfall.
Punchestown Racecourse (15 minutes): Horse racing events.

New Features

Kaleidoscope Festival (July): A family music and camping festival returns to Russborough, this year it featured Iartists like Texas and The Coronas. With hundreds of family activities, including circus shows, hands-on science, and outdoor adventures, it’s a major draw. Tickets and details are available at www.russborough.ie, making this a highlight for families and music lovers.
Restored Vernet Drawing Room: The newly restored Vernet Drawing Room, featuring four 1750s paintings (Morning, Midday, Sunset, Night) commissioned for Russborough, opened in 2024 and remains a focal point. This room, with its 1750 scagliola masterpiece by Pietro Belloni, enhances the house tour’s appeal, showcasing Joseph Leeson’s Grand Tour collection.
Walled Garden Restoration Progress: The 18th-century walled garden, restored by RHSI volunteers since 2011, continues to evolve., expect expanded public access hours or new plantings, with volunteer-led tours highlighting the garden’s progress. Fresh produce sales on volunteer days (Wednesdays/Saturdays) will continue.
Go Wild Garden Show: A new garden show celebrating rewilding, wild gardening, and sustainable practices is planned, emphasizing Russborough’s commitment to biodiversity. Details, including dates and activities, will be announced on www.russborough.ie, including workshops or guided walks.
Visitor Expectations
Time and Cost: Plan for a half-day (3–4 hours) to cover the house tour (1 hour), Beit Museum (1 hour), maze (30 minutes), playground, trails, and café. Tickets are €12 (adult), €9 (senior/student), €6 (child 6–16), €30 (family). Parking is €4, with maze tokens and Bird of Prey Centre tickets extra. The Kaleidoscope Festival and sketching weekend may have separate fees. Bring cash for parking and small purchases.
Best Times to Visit: Spring (April–May) for rhododendrons and garden vibrancy, summer (July–August) for the Kaleidoscope Festival and full parkland access, or early 2025 for the Murillo exhibition. Midweek visits avoid crowds, and sunny days enhance lake views.
What to Bring: Wear sturdy shoes for trails and weather-appropriate clothing. Bring a camera for the house and lake vistas, and cash for parking/maze. Dogs are allowed on leads in the parklands but not in the house or café.
Who It’s For: Ideal for history and art lovers (house tours, Beit Museum), families (playground, maze, fairy trail), and nature enthusiasts (trails, gardens). The Bird of Prey Centre and sheepdog demos appeal to kids and animal lovers.

Recommendations

Book house and Bird of Prey Centre tours in advance via +353 (0)45 865239 or www.russborough.ie, especially for weekends and the Kaleidoscope Festival. Check closure dates (December 20–February 28) to avoid disappointment. Confirm vegan/vegetarian café options. Combine with Glendalough or Wicklow Mountains for a full day.
Take the House Tour: Book a guided tour (hourly, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM on weekends) to see the Vernet Drawing Room and Murillo exhibition, with guides like George or Judy for an engaging experience.
Explore the Parklands: Walk the 2km Wildlife or Rhododendron Trail, or try the maze and fairy trail for family fun. Download the audio tour for a self-guided experience.
Visit the Café: Enjoy the Tea Rooms’ historic ambiance, but arrive before 5:00 PM closing. Check for vegan options if needed.
Attend 2025 Events: Don’t miss the Kaleidoscope Festival (July 4–6) for music and family activities, or the Go Wild garden show for sustainability insights. Book sketching weekends early.
Follow Updates: Check www.russborough.ie or @russboroughhouse on social media for event schedules, garden hours, and exhibition updates.

Russborough House & Parklands is a blend of art, history, and nature, with its 2025 offerings like the Kaleidoscope Festival, Murillo exhibition, and restored Vernet Drawing Room making it a recommended visit in Ireland’s Ancient East. For the latest details, visit www.russborough.ie or email info@russborough.ie.