By Barry Coughlan
Irish Heritage Trust relies heavily on volunteering and since it was established in 2006 some of Ireland’s most precious historic properties have been brought to life.
A beneficiary is Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum & Gardens, Wexford where Malcolm Noonan TD, Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform recently launched the publication of the Trust’s new Complete Guide to Volunteering.
Volunteers, with the support of staff and other conservation specialists, have enabled the Heritage Trust to carry out countless important roles including gardening, tour guiding, stewarding, customer service and restoration projects across all three Trust Properties.
These volunteers play a vital role in the Trust’s ability to welcome thousands of domestic and international visitors each year and to share the stories of the properties and the people who once lived in them.
Paying tribute to the Irish Heritage Trust for its successful and engaging volunteer program, Minister Noonan said: “I’m delighted to be here in the magnificently restored east wing of Johnstown Castle and to launch this very important Complete Guide to Volunteering.
“Volunteers make an immense contribution to the Trust as it develops vibrant visitor attractions which showcase our local and national heritage.
“The enduring connections that are made between volunteers from the community with these special places will allow for our heritage to be protected and our social history brought to life for generations to come.”
The Minister’s comments were welcomed by Anne O’Donoghue, CEO of the Irish Heritage: “They (volunteers) help us bring to life our ethos of People, Place, Participation, something which underpins all of our work.
“The Irish Heritage Trust firmly believes that increased individual and community participation is the key to enhancing the special places we care for. The Complete Guide to Volunteering provides a framework for us to develop, manage and acknowledge volunteerism in a meaningful and inclusive way in the years ahead.”
For those looking to organize an event with a difference, Johnstown’s spectacular gothic-revival setting impresses guests upon their arrival with its magnificent lake walks, woodlands and gardens and is the ideal backdrop for outdoor photography.
A variety of walks and trails are on offer to the visitor as well as guided tours of the castle and self-guided tours of the Irish Agricultural Museum.
For details see www.johnstowncastle.ie