Abbeyleix House and Farm puts on spectacular show for its annual Family Day

Abbeyleix House and Farm was bathed in sunshine as it opened its gates to thousands of visitors for the annual Family Day on Sunday, June 29. 

A 10k run kicked off festivities at the estate where families laid out blankets and chairs to enjoy the spectacular airshow while others roamed the grounds where attractions and activities awaited around every corner.  

The Family Day, which benefits a number of local charities, is designed to welcome visitors of all ages and it didn’t disappoint. It included an airshow, a vintage car display, local crafts and produce, equestrian, archery, beautiful gardens, a peaceful meditation area and train rides for the younger visitors, who also had play areas to enjoy.

Abbeyleix House and Farm has become a haven for animals and in particular rescue animals. The tranquil setting is used by My Lovely Horse Rescue charity to rehabilitate horses and it is a welcome home for rescued animals of all types.  

Under its new owner, tech billionaire Stripe co-founder and keen pilot John Collison, who purchased the property in 2021, the 1,120 acre Abbeyleix Estate is enjoying something of a renaissance. 

There is a team of specialist workers carrying out period-correct restorations at the estate. The most notable of these restorations is taking place at Millbrook Manor which was in a state of dereliction when it was bought in 2022.

It is now due to be returned to its former glory and a team is working to transform the building into a high end restaurant and hotel. Michelin star winning chef Cuán Greene has been hired to oversee the opening of the restaurant.

Abbeyleix House and Farm’s Janine Henwood said the overall plan was to breathe life back into the estate without losing any of its heritage and authenticity. 

“It is like breathing new life into it while still maintaining the connection with community because Abbeyleix exists around the estate and the estate actually exists because of the community of Abbeyleix,” she said.

“We have historical architects because we have to maintain the buildings and to restore them to a certain specification,” she said. 

“Liam who is on our staff full time does the original lime plaster cast work… he does a lot of the restoration of the cornices inside,” she said. 

Ms Henwood said Abbeyleix House and Farm has a particular focus on animal welfare charities and though My Lovely Horse Rescue has taken in over 60 horses for rehabilitation and rehoming. 

The estate has an equestrian team headed by Olympic Showjumper Sam Watson, who was riding in the arena during the Family Day. 

It’s not only horses at the farm, some of the other rescue animals at the estate include goats, pigs, dogs, donkeys, cats and guinea pigs. There are also alpacas at the estate and their fleeces are spun in the traditional way for wool. 

“The aim of the estate is to have these open days for the public to enjoy while restoring and retaining the authenticity and the heritage of the estate. The De Vesci’s have always had a good relationship with the townsfolk and we hope to do the same. It is not about who owns it, it is about what we staff and community are doing on the estate,” Ms Henwood explained. 

She said Abbeyleix House and Farm maintains good relations with Thomas Vesey, the 7th Viscount de Vesey, who still owns the church in the estate and was in attendance at the Family Day. He consults regularly on the estate and has been a great source of information for the staff in their role as the new custodians of the history and tradition of the estate.  

All of their efforts were evident in the organisation of the highly successful Family Day where thousands enjoyed the picturesque setting and dramatic displays. Organisers even allowed for the sweltering heat by deploying a hydration station where free water was distributed to the visitors. 

Donations from this year’s event went to Laois Homecoming Festival,  Abbeyleix District Hospital,  Abbeyleix and District Lions Club and Laois SPCA.