KOKORO HERITAGE CENTRE & CAFE

“I am absolutely blown away
by this incredibly special place,
it is breathtaking”
(Minister Dara Calleary T.D.  – Monday 8^th June 2026)

KOKORO HERITAGE CENTRE & CAFE OPENS AT TRAMORE’S JAPANESE GARDENS

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Monday 8^th June saw the official opening of ‘Kokoro’ Heritage Centre and Café at the Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens by Minister Dara Calleary T.D., Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht & Minister for Social Protection official, also in attendance: His Excellency, Ambassador Miyagawa, Japan’s Ambassador to Ireland, Metropolitan Mayor of Waterford, Councillor Adam Wyse, Minister of State Mary Butler T.D., Minister of State John Cummins and Senator Joe Conway along with many other distinguished guests, local councillors, friends, supporters, volunteers and staff of the gardens.

The Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens in Tramore is now described as a jewel in the crown of South East of Ireland, developed over the past 14 years from a seed sown in September 2012. A vibrant tourist attraction and event space, the gardens currently welcome in the region of 40,000 visitors annually.

The new ‘Kokoro Heritage Centre and Café’  will add a much needed new dimension Tramore’s thriving tourism attraction and event space. Through this new Centre, and throughout the gardens, visitors will be introduced to the inner spirit of Japan as perceived and written about so evocatively by Lafcadio Hearn.

The beautiful Japanese style event space will also provide a much needed indoor space for a range cultural and family events held at the Japanese Gardens throughout the year, it will also offer a unique covered space in times of inclement weather for the many weddings held there annually. There will also be opportunities to expand on the existing programme of events, with plans to deliver additional music recitals, poetry readings, talks,  lectures,  artistic and family events.

The upper floor Café with unrivalled views of Tramore beach and bay will provide a stunning setting for locals and visitors alike to enjoy local food and artisan produce. Tea/Coffee and Cakes will be served at the ‘Kokoro Café every day 10am-5pm.

The Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens is a not for profit entity and this project was developed through the support of….

Waterford City and County Council:

Waterford Leader Partnership:

The Tomar Trust:

Department of Rural and Community Development: 

Pobal:

Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens:

EXPO 70 Fund: Kanzai Osaka 21st Century Association