Russborough to focus on outdoor space for 2020

AFTER a record-breaking 2019, Russborough House and Gardens will focus on its outdoor spaces to help to make up for a possible dramatic fall in visitor numbers in 2020.

200,000 people visited the historic house and gardens in West Wicklow last year, including the 40,000 who attended Kaleidoscope music and arts festival. However, Russborough’s chief executive Eric Blatchford said numbers for 2020 could be significantly down on last year’s figures.

‘All of our major events including Kaleidoscope and the garden show have been cancelled. It’s going to have a big impact in terms of visitor numbers because we could get 20,000 to 25,000 visitors this year. It’s going to have a dramatic negative impact.’

Between 100 and 150 people have visited the parkland walks since they re-opened on May 18. While only visitors within a 5km radius have been able to visit the grounds, phase two could allow people within 20km visit. Under the Russborough House and Gardens plan for re-opening, phase two will also see the tea rooms, operated by Brambles, re-open to serve takeaway teas, coffees and ice creams.

Later phases would see the opening of the house tours and shops. However, Mr Blatchford suggests tourists may be wary of indoor attractions for some time to come and this could have an effect on the house.

‘We have a lot of outdoor activities but the jewel in our crown is the indoor tour. We are not expecting to open the house anytime before phase 4. Even if we do open, we are not expecting many people to do the house tour. It may be the end of the year or 2021 before people feel comfortable to visit indoor attractions.’

A virtual tour of the house is being considered, however, for now the focus is on encouraging visitors to enjoy the outdoor attractions on the 200-acre site. The playground, Bird of Prey Centre and CP adventures are expected to re-open in the near future.

‘The indoor tour will be difficult for the rest of the year, but we have a lot of outdoor attractions. We hope people will be encouraged to visit because there’s a lot of space for social distancing in 200 acres,’ Mr Blatchford said.

While the gates of Russborough have been closed to the public, outdoor staff continued their work to keep the grounds looking their best. The easing of some Covid-19 restrictions on May 18 also allowed volunteers to return to care for the walled garden.

The summer trade helps the house and gardens to remain open during quieter times of the year, but the closure meant no income for several months.

‘The outdoors is open and we hope people will bring their family to enjoy this picturesque location,’ Mr Blatchford concluded.