EVENTS
At Whitestown House, we’re passionate about exploration, experimentation, and the joy of learning. Our events bring like-minded people together in a spirit of discovery and generosity. These enriching, creative gatherings feature wonderful experts and collaborators who share their knowledge and passion with participants. Community and authentic experiences are central to our ethos, our workshops are an opportunity to connect with others, be inspired and enjoy this beautiful house and estate.
Whitestown House and Estate has been built with the vision and skills of generations of men and women. Tradition and heritage are very important to us and with our workshops we hope to create opportunities to come together to share knowledge and skills while learning from one another.
Our workshops will always begin with a warm welcome, with fires lighting and tea, coffee and Hazel’s scones. Some events will be held in the house, bookmaking in our beautiful library, flower arranging in the back drawing room or history and heritage being explored on our long dining room table. Other workshops and events will be held elsewhere on the estate, in the shoot room or stables, or out in the woods or fields.
If you would like to host a private or corporate event or would like to collaborate with us on an event or workshop please contact us at the link below. Our workshop events are ticketed, details of upcoming dates are outlined below.
Upcomming Events
MEMOIR WRITING & Spring Lunch WITH CRAICLY STORIES
Saturday May 30th 10am-4pm
Join your hosts for a day of comfort, creativity, writing and memories.
Co-hosted by Jane Gormley, writer and founder of CRAICLY and Aoife Keogh of Whitestown House. Gather for a relaxing day of conversation and reflection with a community of thinkers and writers, in the gorgeous surrounds of the Whitestown House & Demense in north County Dublin.
On arrival you will be welcomed into the library for morning tea and Hazel's homemade scones, while Aoife shares some of the fascinating history of Whitestown House and estate. Followed by a gentle, guided walk within the estate and yards, designed to facilitate relaxation and appreciation of the natural environment.
This will be followed by a creative memoir writing session conducted in the drawing room of Whitestown House. Using writing prompts and techniques our group will explore memoir writing, and commence prose that each writer can work on and take home to finesse. Following some time by the fires with writing space, the group will gather at the long table in the dining room. Guests will enjoy a delicious seasonal lunch concluding with an (optional) communal sharing of stories, coffee, and cake.
This event is suitable for people who enjoy storytelling, memoir and the outdoors. You do not need to have previous writing experience, it's a very inclusive, creative and sociable session. Tickets are very limited and can be booked at the link below.
Meet the expert
Jane Gormley is a writer whose debut memoir is due for publication in Winter 2026 with Mercier Press. Jane, an experienced storyteller and writer, founded CRAICLY in a direct response to the clear disconnect being experienced in a rapidly digitized world.
A lucky combination of being a story fanatic and of being based in rural Ireland - surrounded by beauty, heritage, history, mystery and fun. The Craic. Struck by reports of a growing, global epidemic of loneliness it seemed an achievable contribution to create friendly events for people to get together and celebrate both people and place through storytelling. To experience and discuss real life, past and present. To do something real and non-digital. And the story themes are never ending!
Newbridge House Collaboration
2026 Dates & Events to be announced
Our collaboration with Newbridge House is a true source of joy for us, bringing together the traditions of Irish country house hospitality with modern creativity and warmth.
In 2024, we welcomed guests to a series of immersive masterclasses, exploring the art of cookery, hosting, and the enduring charm of gathering around the table. From a seasonal brunch masterclass filled with conversation and cocktails to an elegant dinner party demonstration set against the backdrop of Newbridge’s historic interiors, each event was a celebration of heritage, conviviality, and shared experience.
As neighboring estates with deep cultural legacies, Whitestown House and Newbridge House share a history of hospitality, storytelling, and social gatherings. We are excited to continue this tradition in 2025 with a new series of events that invite guests to step into the world of country house entertaining where food, design, and history come together to create unforgettable experiences.
Stay tuned for exciting announcements about our upcoming events at Newbridge House, we look forward to welcoming you once again for exceptional food, inspiring conversation, and a celebration of Ireland’s rich traditions.
Meet your hosts
Whitestown House and the Keogh family have a long history and love of hospitality. Hazel brings her wealth of experience hosting large parties, renowned for welcoming and entertaining guests over the years. A keen cook and homemaker, Hazel’s warmth and hospitality is legendary and much loved.
Aoife’s background is in the art industry, and her creativity and artistic flare is woven into the very fabric of Whitestown House. Aoife designs all our events, she has a passion for tablescaping, the history and heritage of hospitality and is known for creating personal and original touches for our events.
Ballymaloe trained Kelly, brings her expertise in the culinary arts, planning menus that champion seasonal, local and sustainable ingredients. Kelly’s cookery demonstrations are informative and interactive, she encourages questions and ensures everyone learns new skills in an enjoyable atmosphere.
And of course Hazel keeps an expert eye on it all, ensuring that the spirit and warmth of Irish country house hospitality is experienced by all who attend.
Previous Events
We love a good story at Whitestown House, and this special evening was steeped in history, folklore, and storytelling. Our guests gathered around the fires as acclaimed author and broadcaster Anthony Murphy regaled us with the myths and legends that have shaped Ireland’s rich cultural heritage.
Our guests enjoyed the warm hospitality of Whitestown House, with complimentary whiskey from our neighbours on Lambay Island and wine and nibbles as the conversation flowed. The Full moon added to the atmosphere and sense of place. Hopefully our first of many such gatherings.
Myths by the Fireside with Anthony Murphy
Foraging Walk and Wild Food Lunch
This was a wonderful day reconnecting with our heritage and enjoying the glorious summer sunshine in the surroundings of Whitestown House Estate. We learned all about foraging with this informative and fun session with Denise Dunne from The Herb School and The Herb Garden.
We spent the morning exploring the estate grounds learning about the native Irish seasonal plants and herbs that grow here. Denise gave us plenty of tips on harvesting and using foraged plants to create tasty and nutritious wild food dishes.
After all that fresh air we enjoyed Kelly’s Elderflower, Lemon Verbena and Sweet Geranium Spritz cocktails al fresco and a delicious three-course wild food inspired lunch in the dining room.
Everyone who attended received a full recipe leaflet to take home and a native Irish Wild Herb identification eBook.
HOSTING a spring gathering
A day filled with creativity and camaraderie at Whitestown House.
We experienced the art of tablescaping guided by Tara from The Designed Table, crafted beautiful seasonal arrangements with Ciara from The Potting Shed, and created personalised place name settings with Calligraphy by Laura.
After our creative endeavours, we gathered around the long table in the dining room to enjoy a delicious two-course seasonal lunch accompanied by pink bubbles.
This was a wonderful day celebrating the joys of spring in the company of fellow hosting enthusiasts.
