A Hidden room has been uncovered during renovations at Wexford’s historic Johnstown Castle. The iconic property is undergoing restoration works at the moment with new windows being installed throughout.
The discovery was made during these window repairs. A hidden room was discovered which had sat untouched for more than 50 years.
Dating back over 850 years to the Norman times in Ireland, Johnstown Castle was in private hands for centuries and went through a number of aristocratic families before coming into public ownership in the late 20th century.
In 2018 the Irish Heritage trust took over the care and management of Johnstown Castle in Co Wexford and the Estate underwent a €7.5 million makeover, which included conservation of the castle itself, the construction of a new visitor centre and the restoration of an 86m underground servants’ tunnel.
Work will now be carried out to assess the room and see if it can be restored and could be included as part of future castle tours.
In April 2023 renovations works completed on the never before seen East Wing of Johnstown Castle and it was officially opened to the public. The spectacular East Wing is set within its own discreet annexe of the castle, comprising three rooms full of character and charm. Set across three floors where, during the castle’s history, many parties and events took place, it once housed a ballroom, oratory, billiard room and science laboratory.
As restoration works continue on the Castle and gardens through 2023 a brand-new discovery was made on Sunday, August 13th 2023 by a joiner who was working on window conservation in the castle itself. The contractors from National Gates and Joinery Company broke through a section of wall only to uncover a hidden room which has remained untouched.
Anne O’Donoghue, CEO of the Irish Heritage Trust, “This is a really incredible discovery. It is highly unusual to find additional hidden treasures in heritage properties and this is the second time that this has happened at Johnstown Castle following our discovery of a secret room under the tower at the lake just last year. The Trust’s mission is to care for the properties and work towards making them financially sustainable, this is done through a number of different ways, such as, welcoming visitors to our sites, philanthropy and competitive grants. In the case of the windows here in Johnstown Castle the work are been completed with support from the Dept. of Heritage
Speaking to South East Radio News this morning General Manager of Johnstown Castle Brenda Comerford explains how the room was discovered. “Workers from New Ross company National Gates & Joinery spotted a window that could have been a room and when the wall was knocked we made the discovery”.
