Farmleigh

31/08/2026

Country Number 3
BULGARIA
When we think of Bulgaria and Ireland, two countries at opposite ends of Europe, we might not immediately think of a shared history. But look a little deeper and there are some fascinating connections.

One of the most remarkable stories is that of James David Bourchier, an Irish journalist from County Limerick.
Bourchier spent many years in the Balkans and became a passionate supporter and advocate of Bulgaria and its national cause. He played an important role in bringing Bulgarian issues to the attention of the wider European public.

Another Irishman, Pierce Charles de Lacy O'Mahony, also developed strong links with Bulgaria and became involved in humanitarian work, particularly supporting Bulgarian children.

The cultural connection continued through literature.
The works of James Joyce, one of Ireland's greatest writers, have found a strong following in Bulgaria. His monumental novel Ulysses was translated into Bulgarian, and Bloomsday — the annual celebration of Joyce's Ulysses — has been celebrated in Bulgaria since 2005.

Perhaps one of the most beautiful connections between the two countries is found in traditional music.

Irish folk musician Andy Irvine developed a deep interest in Bulgarian and Balkan music, drawing inspiration from its distinctive rhythms, melodies and vocal traditions.
Bulgarian music, with its extraordinary rhythmic complexity and powerful singing traditions, opened up new possibilities for Irish musicians.
And the exchange continues today.
Shiroka Laka, in the Rhodope Mountains, is home to the National School of Folk Arts — one of Bulgaria's great centres for traditional music, singing and dance.
The school has developed connections with Irish musicians through workshops, performances and cultural exchanges, including collaborations with Tigh na Coille, a traditional Irish music group from County Clare.
Musicians and students from Shiroka Laka have also travelled to Ireland to perform and share Bulgarian traditions, including appearances at Fleadh Nua in County Clare as part of The Meeting of Bulgarian & Irish Traditions.

What makes the connection between Ireland and Bulgaria particularly special is that both cultures have deep traditions of storytelling, dance, community, and keeping music alive from one generation to the next.

And today, the connection continues.
🇧🇬❤️🤝❤️🇮🇪

27/08/2026

🎉 Happy 65th Birthday, Alan! 🎉

Today we’re celebrating a very special member of the Farmleigh family — Alan, our wonderful herdsman! 🐴💚

Alan is a well-known and much-loved face around the estate, always ready with a smile, a bit of fun and a story to brighten the day. He has a very special place in his heart for the donkeys — and they certainly know how lucky they are to have him looking after them! 🫏❤️

His dedication to the animals is second to none. Alan is there 365 days a year, caring for them through every season and in all kinds of weather. His love and commitment to the donkeys was even recognised when he was awarded “Guardian of the Donkey” by The Donkey Sanctuary in Cork — a wonderful honour and one that suits him perfectly.

Next year marks an incredible 20 years working at Farmleigh, and we’re so grateful for all the care, hard work, and good humour he has brought to the estate over the years.

And, of course, who could forget Alan’s legendary Christmas spirit? When he moonlights as the big man 🎅😂

So today, we raise a glass to you, Alan. 🥳

Happy 65th birthday! Thank you for everything you do for the animals, the donkeys, and everyone at Farmleigh. Here’s to a fantastic birthday and many more happy years ahead! 💚🫏🎂

26/08/2026

Make a day of it at Farmleigh! Explore Vision, a photography exhibition featuring a photograph from each EU Member State, then wander through the beautiful gardens and relax with a coffee at the Boat House Café. A perfect day out celebrating Europe through photography, nature, and great food. 🇪🇺👌
This exhibition is open Tuesday to Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays from 10am - 5pm.
Please note it closes between 1pm - 2pm.

25/08/2026

2nd country in our One Europe series.

BELGIUM

The story begins in the early Middle Ages, when Irish monks travelled across Europe as missionaries and scholars. Irish saints and religious communities became associated with places such as Ghent, Geel, Fosses and Liège.

One of the strongest connections developed in Leuven. In 1607, Irish Franciscan Florence Conry founded the Irish College there, creating a centre for Irish exiles, education and scholarship during a turbulent period in Irish history. Remarkably, Hugh O’Neill and Rory O’Donnell, leaders of the Flight of the Earls, passed through Leuven that same year.

The Irish Franciscans in Leuven also played an important role in preserving Ireland’s history. Their community was closely connected with Mícheál Ó Cléirigh and the compilation of the Annals of the Four Masters, one of Ireland’s great historical chronicles.

The relationship continued into the 20th century. During the First World War, Irish soldiers fought in Belgium, including at the Battle of Messines. Today, the Island of Ireland Peace Park in Belgium commemorates soldiers from different Irish traditions who died during the conflict.

From medieval monks to scholars, soldiers and cultural exchange, Belgium and Ireland share a remarkable European story. 🇮🇪🇧🇪

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23/08/2026

As we continue to play our part in hosting events during the Irish Presidency, we thought it was the perfect time to shine a spotlight on the people behind the scenes.
Each member of the team has a different role, story, and connection to Farmleigh, but together, they help create a welcoming and memorable experience for our visitors and guests.
Meet Kate and Therese. Kate has recently been appointed Head Guide. She has been with the OPW for over 9 years, starting her guiding journey at Castletown House. Her interest lies in social history and the women of the Guinness family, giving talks on the Glorious Guinness Girls and The Lifelong Legacy of Guinness Care.
And if you’ve ever joined one of Kate’s Halloween tours, you’ll know she has a talent for telling a good story! 👻 Her Halloween tours have become a favourite combining Farmleigh’s history with some wonderfully atmospheric tales.
Therese is also passionate about the stories behind the Big House. Her talks on The Rise and Fall of the Big House in Ireland and the history of the Iveagh Trust have gone down a storm with visitors, offering fascinating insights into Irish social history and the changing world in which Farmleigh’s residents lived. Therese had been in Farmleigh for nearly 3 years and is known for her sunny personality and warm approach. She has a wonderful way of bringing Farmleigh’s stories to life.

21/08/2026

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our Heritage Week tours and talks this week! 🏛️💚
It has been wonderful to welcome so many people and share stories, history, and heritage with you.
A special thank you to all the children and families who braved the rain to join us on our outdoor trail! 🌧️☔ Your enthusiasm and good spirits really made the day special.
Thank you for helping us celebrate and enjoy our local heritage together. We hope to see you again soon! 💚

20/08/2026

Ireland & Austria: A Shared History
Did you know that Ireland and Austria have a fascinating historical connection stretching back centuries?
The relationship began in the Middle Ages, when Irish monks travelled across Europe as missionaries and scholars. In Vienna, Irish Benedictines established the Schottenstift in the 12th century. Despite its name, “Schotten” refers to the Irish monks who founded it.
Centuries later, another wave of Irish people arrived in Habsburg lands. Following political and religious upheaval in Ireland, many Irish soldiers and aristocrats became part of the European military tradition known as the “Wild Geese.” Some entered Habsburg service and rose to extraordinary positions.
Irish-born or Irish-descended figures such as Field Marshal Maximilian Ulysses Browne, Franz Moritz von Lacy and the Taaffe family became prominent figures in Austrian political and military life. Irish officers were even involved in the defence of Vienna during the Ottoman siege of 1683.
The connection continued into the modern era, when Irish nationalists and intellectuals took an interest in the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s attempts to manage different nationalities within one state.
From medieval monasteries to Habsburg armies and the politics of national identity, Ireland and Austria share a surprisingly deep and fascinating history. 🇮🇪🇦🇹

19/08/2026

As Ireland hosts the EU Presidency this year, we would like to celebrate the cultural connections that link us with our European neighbours. 🇪🇺
Starting tomorrow with Austria, this series explores art, culture and history — the stories, ideas and people that connect Ireland with Europe across borders and generations.

16/08/2026

11/08/2026

Come along to the beautiful Farmleigh Ballroom where we will examine the rise and fall of the Big House in Ireland from the Anglo-Norman Invasion to the Protestant Ascendancy and through the upheavals of land wars, revolution and civil war.

More than just homes, the Big House symbolised power, privilege, and wealth while also embodying deep divisions and unrest.

We'll explore their elegant architecture, the skilled craftmen behind them, and the contrasting lives of the families and servants within.

By the 20th century, many Big Houses stood empty, burnt or repurposed, marking the end of an era. Yet their legacy still lingers in Ireland's landscape and memory.

Tickets are free. Booking essential through eventbrite.ie.