Irish Heritage Trust
Which historic properties does the Irish Heritage Trust care for?
The Irish Heritage Trust cares for and brings to life some of Ireland’s most precious historic houses, museums, gardens and parklands, while also developing innovative and compelling visitor experiences at these beautiful places. These properties comprise:
How is the Irish Heritage Trust funded?
The Irish Heritage Trust is an independent registered charity that operates on a not-for-profit basis. The Trust is grateful to be partially funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, but relies for the greatest part on the generosity of donors and visitors to our properties and events.
Does the Irish Heritage Trust publish an annual report?
Yes, the Irish Heritage Trust publishes an annual report which is publicly available on this website. Click here to download our latest annual report.
Do you have any job vacancies at the moment?
All job opportunities are posted here on the Irish Heritage Trust website. Click here to access the careers section.
Membership
What are the benefits of Irish Heritage Trust membership?
When you become a member of the Irish Heritage Trust you will enjoy:
- Unlimited entry to Irish Heritage Trust properties at Fota House Arboretum & Gardens (Cork) The National Famine Museum; Strokestown Park (Roscommon); and Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum & Gardens (Wexford).
- Garden, museum, and tour access across our properties.
- Discounted and free events across Irish Heritage Trust houses, gardens, and museums.
Can I join the Irish Heritage Trust or renew my membership online?
Yes, you may join the Irish Heritage Trust and renew your membership online. Please click here to visit our membership section and sign up.
Am I able to purchase Irish Heritage Trust membership in person?
Yes, you may purchase Irish Heritage Trust membership in person at the following locations:
- Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens, Co. Cork.
- Strokestown Park House, Gardens & National Famine Museum, Co. Roscommon.
- Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum & Gardens, Co. Wexford
You may also renew your membership in person at the above locations should you so wish.
I have lost my membership details – what should I do?
If you have lost your membership details, please email admin@irishheritagetrust.ie for assistance.
Volunteering
Does the Irish Heritage Trust have a volunteering programme?
Yes, the Irish Heritage Trust has an award-winning volunteering programme which operates at the following properties:
- Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens, Co. Cork.
- Strokestown Park House, Gardens & National Famine Museum, Co. Roscommon.
- Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum & Gardens, Co. Wexford.
The support, passion, and commitment of our Irish Heritage Trust volunteers help make Ireland’s heritage properties engaging, accessible, and exciting places to visit.
Every year, our extraordinary volunteers contribute their time, skills, and enthusiasm to the Irish Heritage Trust in all sorts of practical ways. Our staff appreciate their support and insights, just as much as visitors love the authentic welcome and the local knowledge they share.
How can I get involved?
In the first instance, you should make contact with the volunteer co-ordinator at the Irish Heritage Trust. They will be able to provide you with an overview of the volunteer opportunities available and talk you through the application process.
Is there a minimum time commitment?
No. We have a wide variety of volunteer roles ranging from once off event-related support to longer-term regular volunteering in our gardens, or seasonal volunteer guide opportunities. No matter how much or how little time you are able to give to us, it is greatly appreciated and helps us to do many things we would not otherwise be able to do.
Donations
How do I make a donation in support of the work of the Irish Heritage Trust?
Click here to learn more about how to make a financial donation in support of the work of the Irish Heritage Trust.
Can I request that my donation supports a specific project or property?
Yes, you are free to specify that your donation is used to support a specific project or property. If you are making a donation online, there is space on the online donation form for you to make your wishes known.
Is the Irish Heritage Trust able to claim the tax back on my donation?
If you are an Irish taxpayer and donate more than €250 to the Irish Heritage Trust in any year you may increase the value of your gift to the Trust by 44.9%. The Government approved tax back scheme can be availed of by signing and completing a CHY3 Enduring Certificate, which can be accessed here.
There is no cost to you and the Trust will claim the tax back from the Revenue Commissioners. All you need to do is to complete the CHY 3 Form and post it to:
Irish Heritage Trust
11 Parnell Square East
Dublin
D01 ND60
Your Certificate is then valid for five years – it can, of course, be cancelled by you at any time.
The impact of this Certificate is considerable and makes a real difference. For example, should you donate €250 the Trust may claim an additional €112.32 in tax back, meaning the true value of your €250 gift is increased to €362.32
There is a four-year time limit for making a claim under this scheme.
