Wells House and Gardens

About the museum

Wells House stands on an estate at Ballyedmond near Gorey in the north of County Wexford. The house goes back to the 1600s and the site says it has witnessed Cromwell’s campaigns, the 1798 rebellion and the Famine. The Doyne family lived there, and the estate was designed by the architect Daniel Robertson, who also laid out the gardens at Johnstown Castle.

The estate is now open to the public as Wells House and Gardens. The main attraction for most visitors is the grounds, with landscaped and heritage gardens, two woodland walks, an adventure playground, an animal farm and picnic areas. Seasonal events such as Halloween train rides and a Christmas experience take place in the autumn and winter.

Guided tours bring the house itself to life. A guide in Victorian costume leads visitors through the ground floor and the bedrooms and tells the story of the families who lived and worked in the estate. The tours normally run on Sundays and are not offered from mid-October because the house is prepared for the Christmas events.

Highlights

• Guided tour of a 17th-century manor house led by a guide in Victorian costume
• Landscaped and heritage gardens
• Two woodland walks
• Adventure playground and animal farm
• Seasonal events such as Halloween train rides and the Christmas experience

Permanent exhibition

• Guided house tour – A costumed guide leads visitors through the ground floor and bedrooms of the manor house and explains the history of the families who lived there.

Operated by

Wells Estate Ltd

Admission & discounts

The prices are for gate entry to the gardens and grounds; the guided house tour, afternoon tea and seasonal events are ticketed separately. Annual members enter without pre-booking. Children under 2 are free.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The woodland walks and gardens are wheelchair and buggy friendly. The website gives no access details for the interior of the house.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area

The estate is aimed at families, with an adventure playground for children up to 12, an animal farm, picnic areas and seasonal events. Baby changing stations are in the toilets beside the café.

Getting there & parking

The estate lies about 20 minutes south of Gorey.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Wi-Fi

Mrs Stone’s Café beside the main house; afternoon tea can be booked in advance. The website lists free Wi-Fi, parking and toilets among the facilities. Picnic areas are beside the playground.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

The estate offers weddings, corporate events and exclusive private events, as well as self-catering cottages.

Plan your visit