Fairbrook House Gardens & Museum of Contemporary Figurative Art
Fairbrook House Gardens & Museum of Contemporary Figurative Art
Fairbrook House Gardens & Museum of Contemporary Figurative Art
4.5
About
Between ruins of the former mill(1700) situated at the river Dawn, an unusual paradise like garden has been laid out by well known Dutch artists Muller and Mastenbroek. Separately the water and woodland garden, historic millpond. In the out house a museum/gallery with unique figurative art. Guided tours only.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Full view
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
3 within 5 kms
Attractions
9 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
9 reviews
Excellent
6
Very good
1
Average
1
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Anne O
Tramore, Ireland182 contributions
Aug 2019 • Couples
We visited Fairbrook recently we loved the beautiful gardens and museum.Coffee and delicious Coffee cake completed a perfect visit.A hidden gem .
Written 18 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
aisling_123123
Waterford, Ireland1 contribution
Jul 2013 • Solo
This is a beautiful hidden gem of a garden in the sunny south east. I have been to this garden many times and will definitely return. The garden is full of hidden corners which are sure to delight.
Written 21 January 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
orla99913
Limerick, Ireland65 contributions
Jul 2020
I was with my elderly mother, who, even though physically it's getting beyond her, loves gardening and gardens generally, and who wanted to have a little excursion somewhere, so I found Fairbrook House within 30 minutes of her home, clicked go on the phone (am now officially a huge fan of the Maps function on phones) and off we went. We turned off the main Cork-Waterford road into a hilly, wooded area, and 2 minutes later were parking outside the main gate of Fairbrook House.
The first thing we did was go explore the part of the properly across the road from the main gate to the house, which I would imagine was just wonderful in the hot days of summer, right beside the river and with beautiful shade from the trees. Then we went into through the gate to the house and art museum itself and as I couldn't see anyone, I rang the bell outside the museum, and the lovely Clary Mastenbroek herself, owner of the properly since the early 1990s, came out from behind the trees and showed us where the café was set up. As we were still dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic, food was served at little tables outside under a canopy (because rain) and it was delicious - I had an open salmon salad sandwich on their own brown bread and I would highly recommend it, while my mother had some lemon drizzle cake.
After we ate, we went exploring the grounds behind the house. The property is bound on one side by a small fast-flowing river, and it was this river that started everything off: it powered the old woollen mill, the remains of which now house the art museum and studio space, and the remains of several old buildings can still be seen and are incorporated into the gardens. We wandered and admired how one old building has been turned into a large rectangular pond, and the walls of another are used to delineate an area, and the lovely area for the climbing plants, and the adorable maze, the rock gardens, the colour asnd textures throughout - and of course the original artworks, the statues, the lovely features. We both loved it. And Clary had given us a little map to give us an idea of what to expect, which you can see on the website.
After that, I asked if we could enter the art museum and see the artworks, and we did - Clary herself has created several of the huge canvases over the years, and they can be seen on the website. Personally I loved them, but not everyone is into seeing nudes in art - and I'm not sure my elderly mother was all too enamoured. Clary also showed us works by her daughter who lives nearby and also works on the property, and works by her late husband Wout Muller. Both Clary and Wout are from the Netherlands originally.
Before we left, we sat down on some nice comfortable deck chairs in the area of the formal garden to the front of the house that sweeps down to the river, and Clary's daughter came over to chat to us, and told us of concerts that are held there during the summer 'in normal times' - obviously the pandemic has affected this as well. We left, and will return. Not sure when, but I definitely would like to.
The first thing we did was go explore the part of the properly across the road from the main gate to the house, which I would imagine was just wonderful in the hot days of summer, right beside the river and with beautiful shade from the trees. Then we went into through the gate to the house and art museum itself and as I couldn't see anyone, I rang the bell outside the museum, and the lovely Clary Mastenbroek herself, owner of the properly since the early 1990s, came out from behind the trees and showed us where the café was set up. As we were still dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic, food was served at little tables outside under a canopy (because rain) and it was delicious - I had an open salmon salad sandwich on their own brown bread and I would highly recommend it, while my mother had some lemon drizzle cake.
After we ate, we went exploring the grounds behind the house. The property is bound on one side by a small fast-flowing river, and it was this river that started everything off: it powered the old woollen mill, the remains of which now house the art museum and studio space, and the remains of several old buildings can still be seen and are incorporated into the gardens. We wandered and admired how one old building has been turned into a large rectangular pond, and the walls of another are used to delineate an area, and the lovely area for the climbing plants, and the adorable maze, the rock gardens, the colour asnd textures throughout - and of course the original artworks, the statues, the lovely features. We both loved it. And Clary had given us a little map to give us an idea of what to expect, which you can see on the website.
After that, I asked if we could enter the art museum and see the artworks, and we did - Clary herself has created several of the huge canvases over the years, and they can be seen on the website. Personally I loved them, but not everyone is into seeing nudes in art - and I'm not sure my elderly mother was all too enamoured. Clary also showed us works by her daughter who lives nearby and also works on the property, and works by her late husband Wout Muller. Both Clary and Wout are from the Netherlands originally.
Before we left, we sat down on some nice comfortable deck chairs in the area of the formal garden to the front of the house that sweeps down to the river, and Clary's daughter came over to chat to us, and told us of concerts that are held there during the summer 'in normal times' - obviously the pandemic has affected this as well. We left, and will return. Not sure when, but I definitely would like to.
Written 4 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yvette A
Waterford, Ireland20 contributions
Aug 2018 • Friends
Gardens were redeveloped from old cotton mills and very pleasant , with numerous little 'Nooks and Crannies' - the 'museum' is a display of family paintings which are very attractive. I had visited with 2 friends in early July (they have visited several times) and very much enjoyed it. We had teas /coffees and cakes and then wandered into gardens and museum - the proprietor stepped into the museumm and kindly gave us some additional information about the very unusual and attractive paintings. At no stage were we told that there was a charge to see gardens or museum.
Today I brought a friend from Dublin to see the gardens and house - first we had teas/coffees and cakes which came to €12 and then began to wander around the garden. Cue 10 minutes later the proprietor came out and said there was charge of €5 for garden / €7 for museum. I told her that I had visited once before and had encountered 'no charge' - there was no reply to this except that 'it was for the upkeep of the garden' . Rather embarrassingly we had not enough cash on us so we got €6 together , gave it to her and went to immediately to go but she said it was okay to look at garden but 'not to do this again'.
We left the property after further 10 minutes - I had perhaps assumed to much but it would be best that prices are displayed explicity on front gate in order to provide clarity as to the entrance fee
Today I brought a friend from Dublin to see the gardens and house - first we had teas/coffees and cakes which came to €12 and then began to wander around the garden. Cue 10 minutes later the proprietor came out and said there was charge of €5 for garden / €7 for museum. I told her that I had visited once before and had encountered 'no charge' - there was no reply to this except that 'it was for the upkeep of the garden' . Rather embarrassingly we had not enough cash on us so we got €6 together , gave it to her and went to immediately to go but she said it was okay to look at garden but 'not to do this again'.
We left the property after further 10 minutes - I had perhaps assumed to much but it would be best that prices are displayed explicity on front gate in order to provide clarity as to the entrance fee
Written 26 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
George C
Kilkenny, Ireland52 contributions
Jul 2018 • Solo
A rather quaint garden which is divided into 'rooms' with plenty of plant and architectural interest throughout. Be sure to ring the outside bell for assistance and follow the well laid out copy of the directions through the garden in order to avail of the ultimate benefits. A stream flows nearby which was probably used by the original woollen mills of yesteryear. Each 'room' has something different to see and you will be amazed by the crumbling grandeur throughout. There are pools, a maze, what appeared a rill, wisteria arches, parterre, borders, etc. The small cafe has excellent home made preserves, scones, cakes, etc. Next I visited the museum which is really a testament to family art. Across the road you can wonder along well cut paths through a secret woodland and the same steam flows alongside (covered with dragon fly!). An annual concert is held in the garden (inside if wet). Well worth the 5 euro charge.
Written 23 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rosemary K
East Riding of Yorkshire, UK6 contributions
Jun 2018 • Friends
We came across this lovely place whilst walking in glorious sunshine and it offered a wonderful rest place with fabulous gardens and shaded areas to enjoy coffee and pastry. Thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon there with friendly owner and stunning gardens. Will definitely visit again when in the area
Written 9 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Red1953
Waterford, Ireland106 contributions
Jul 2017 • Friends
Fairbrook House was unknown to me. A friend encouraged me to visit. It is a most serene location beside the small Dawn River. One can just visit and have tea/coffee and among other items, the most beautiful scones and home made jam. I'd choose the table for two beside the river.
Apart from eating there is a most unusual garden to visit (€7). The house is located on the site of an old woollen mill and has been very creatively laid out recycling old stonework, with idiosyncratic sculptures and unusual layouts.
The house and gardens can be visited by road, or from the Waterford Greenway that runs just behind the grounds.
It is well worth a trip to visit. Closed Mondays & Tuesdays.
Apart from eating there is a most unusual garden to visit (€7). The house is located on the site of an old woollen mill and has been very creatively laid out recycling old stonework, with idiosyncratic sculptures and unusual layouts.
The house and gardens can be visited by road, or from the Waterford Greenway that runs just behind the grounds.
It is well worth a trip to visit. Closed Mondays & Tuesdays.
Written 27 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kay M
Kilkenny, Ireland4 contributions
Aug 2015 • Family
Charming, thought provoking, stimulating, with some unusual art pieces to discover both in the garden and museum. Lovely blend of nature and art. The garden is a series of surprises one after the other. Very enjoyable and worthwhile. Easy to find. Friendly, helfpul informative host. Would highly recommend.
Written 16 August 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fii
2 contributions
Aug 2019 • Solo
Visited Fairbrook café was so disappointed with staff, not very pleasant. It seemed to me I was putting her out. I felt very uncomfortable.☹️
Written 24 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No questions have been asked about this experience
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing