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About
Wells House & Gardens
Wells House & Gardens boasts over 400 years of history and was built in the late 1600s by John Warren.
Wells House & Gardens boasts over 400 years of history and was built in the late 1600s by John Warren. John owned more than 6,000 acres of land in the area that was purchased on his death by the Doyne family. The Doyne Family went on to run the Wells Estate for over 260 years and helped the current owners bring the story of the estate to life before reopening.
During the 1800s, the Doyne family engaged renowned English architect Daniel Robertson who completely redesigned the house and its surrounds as you see it today including the facade of the house, much of the impressive interior design, the terrace garden, the arboretum and the impressive tree lined avenue. Robertson is best known for his work in creating the stunning gardens at Powerscourt House and Johnstown castle. His work is also prolific throughout the Southeast.
In 1965 Gerhard Rosler; a hardworking and innovative German industrialist bought the house and lands and moved to Wells House with his family. During his time at Wells Gerhard added self-catering options and a bowling alley which is now the Robertson Hall. His son Uli and wife Sabine inherited the property and opened the estate to the public.
Today, the house is owned by the Sean Doyle Group.
Wells House and Gardens continues to grow from strength to strength, while developing their customer offering and echoing the stories of Ireland’s Ancient East while establishing itself as one of Ireland’s Top Family Days Out and places to stay while visiting the South East of Ireland.
2012
July 2012 Wells House Opens to the Public with the following six elements:
- Tearooms and Visitor Centre
- House Tour (6 ground floor rooms) Telling the story of Lady France’s and Charles Mervyn Doyne
- Restoration of Terrace Garden according to drawings from Daniel Robertson
- Playground
- Lady France’s Woodland Walk
- 3D Archery
2013
- Commenced work on the restoration of the windows of Wells House.
- September 2013, restoration of the Wishing Well
- Spring 2013, the Craft Courtyard opens
2014
- March 2014, changed from Tearoom to Mrs Stones Restaurant and renovated the Green Room to become part of restaurant.
- March 2014, also saw the completion of the 1st garden terrace outside.
- September/October 2014, Restoration of Mogue’s Woodland Walk.
- Continued restoration of the windows.
- September 2014, Clay Target Shooting at Wells House and Gardens.
2015
- February 2015, Parterre Garden restored to original design using drawings by Daniel
- Added 2nd terrace and Mad Hatter’s ice-cream shop.
- March 2015, installed wood carvings Trolls and Owl.
- September 2015, started on the restoration of the Arboretum according to Daniel Robertson’s drawings.
- October 2015, installed education boards on Mogue’s walk and more carvings.
- Ongoing restoration of House (walls in hallway, mothers room etc.)
2016
- February 2016, added new gents’ toilets and 2nd ladies’ toilets.
- May 2016, pathways were laid in Arboretum.
- Commissioned Fairy sculptures arrived (Emma Jane Rushworth)
- June 2016, Urn installation arrived.
- September 2016, opened the Animal Farm and Falconry and Harris Hawks arrived.
2017
- May 2017, 2 bedrooms opened in House and added to House Tour.
- July 2017, new bakery for the restaurant and new staff room.
- December 2017, replaced gutters on the front of Wells House and Gardens also repointed some of the brickwork.
- Continued restoration of the windows at the back of Wells House.
- Started work on Robertson Hall to be converted to a wedding and corporate venue.
2018
- Spring 2018, revamped the chess board and draughts area.
- March 2018, completed the work on Robertson Hall.
- September 2018, restored Sash in the Wells Versailles Room.
- Restored sashed in the Wells Library.
2019
- Playground renovations – early 2019.
- February 2019, Renovated four of the courtyard cottages (400 years old) into accommodation.
- February 2019, Installed the Hobbit House on the woodland Walk.
- May 2019 restored windows and gables in Craft Courtyard.
- New flooring put into Entrance Hall of house.
- Robertson Hall underwent a landscaping and planting overhaul.
2020
- New Sculptures added to Woodland walk
- More animals added to the Animal Farm
- Visitor Centre moved to the Courtyard
2021
- The restoration of the fountain
- New additions to Mogue's Woodland Walk including Drayko the Dragon
- Preparation work begins on the new wildflowers meadows
- 2000 bulbs planted for Spring flowers in 2021
2022
A new chapter in the future of this magnificent estate begins in 2022 for Wells House and Gardens with the purchase of the estate by The Sean Doyle Group. It is business as usual as this award-winning tourism attraction based in North Wexford.
Value Proposition
Wells House and Gardens is for the entire family, from grandparents to toddlers.
We need to play, learn, and explore in a relaxed, safe environment. We encourage all our visitors to discover their inner child and love to see children’s faces light up with the magic of our estate. Guests become part of our story, the story of Wells House and Gardens which dates back to the late 1600’s.
Wells House is for those that are looking to spend the entire day relaxing in beautiful surroundings, enjoying all we have to offer from our playground to animal farm, woodland walks to great locally sourced food and drink. As a family run attraction, we welcome our visitors as we would guests into our home – welcoming visitors big and small! Our home is your home – relax.
Our informal, relaxed approach allows visitors to enjoy our broad and evolving offer.
We engage with and listen to our visitors to ensure the attraction is tailored to them.
Because we believe that Wells House and Gardens is magical, peaceful and deserves to be part of Wexford’s landscape and history for many generations to come. We want every visitor to leave smiling and planning to return.
The Wells House and Gardens Team
Wells House & Gardens
Things To Do
Wells House & Gardens are now taking bookings for our exciting School Tours Offering.
School Tours
We are currently developing beautiful new walks through the Magic Woods of Wells House & Gardens, which children and teachers can enjoy on their visit.
Our Adventure Playground is perfect for letting the kids work off some energy before getting back on the bus.
All our packages offer free playtime in our adventure playground and the option of lunch too!
This International Dawn Chorus Day, we invite you to experience our own magical ‘Dawn Chorus’ with exclusive early morning access to Well House & Gardens and Woodland Walks.
Dawn Chorus Morning
Welcome the new day, lose yourself in Spring’s joyful morning song and enjoy the beautiful Sunrise at 05.51am, listening to a backdrop of birdsong whilst watching the day awaken in the enchanting gardens and woodlands, which is sure to boost your wellbeing and leave you feeling relaxed and ready for the day ahead.
Relax, unwind and enjoy your retirement with the help of Wells House & Gardens.
Active Retirement
Spend an afternoon in the dining room of the house itself and then take a step back in time with a guided house tour, bringing you back to a time when the magnificent ground floor and bedrooms witnessed the stories of Cromwell, Rebellions and the Famine.