AV ROOM & TEA HOUSE VISITOR EXPERIENCE
The Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens new visitor experience was launched for the 2020 season. However due to Covid-19 Restrictions currently in place, aspects of the new facilities will not be in use until further notice. The interactive visitors experiences were enabled through Ireland’s Ancient East Grant Aid from Failte Ireland and we hope you can enjoy the following additions to the gardens in the very near future.
HANDHELD AUDIO GUIDES IN 5 LANGUAGES
The story of the gardens is revealed to visitors through our Handheld Audio Guides. These are available in French, German, Japanese, English and Spanish. DUE TO COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS THESE ARE CURRENTLY NOT IN USE.
INTERACTIVE TOUCH SCREENS
Our Interactive Touch Screens are available in the AV Visitor Room. The adult’s touch screen provides a welath of information about both the gardens and Lafcadio Hearn. Answers are provided to many Frequently Asked Questions, which include plant lists, the entities behind the gardens, Hearn’s writings and his family. Interactive maps also offer visitors information on each garden area. A Children’s Touch Screen will allow them view answers to their Discovery Trail, learn some Japanese words, and listen to one of Hearn’s Stories. DUE TO COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS THESE ARE CURRENTLY NOT IN USE.
AV SCREEN – VISITOR ROOM
Our AV Room provides a space for visitors to relax and enjoy information on the gardens. Videos can be viewed on the construction of the gardens; recent events in the gardens; and information about Hearn’s life and family. For those less mobile or for visitors who may want to avail of a video tour of the gardens on screen, the AV Room provides the ideal retreat during inclement weather. Visitors can also enjoy magnificent views of the Gardens and Tramore Bay. This is also where you will find information on other attractions in Tramore and Waterford City and County. DUE TO COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS THESE ARE CURRENTLY NOT IN USE.
THE TEA HOUSE TEA CEREMONY
Visitors to the gardens, can look into the Tea House when passing by and view a projection of a Japanese Lady performing a Tea Ceremony. This beautiful, tranquil performance was filmed in Japan especially for the Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens.
INSIDE THE TEA HOUSE
Visitors also have an option of entering the Ceremonial Tea House, as an added extra, when booking a tour of the gardens. A maximum of five people are allowed in at any one time and shoes must be removed. The tour guide will explain the custom and practice of the tea ceremony. Through the AV Screen visitors will be given some additional insights into Hearn’s family and his home city of Matsue in Japan. Also as part of the Teahouse experience you will see a projection of a Japanese Lady performing a Tea Ceremony, made especially in Japan for the Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens. It is the ideal opportunity to take a ‘Selfie’. DUE TO COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS THESE ARE CURRENTLY NOT IN USE.
Photograph Left: Launch of New Interactive Visitor Experience Facilities. This project was supported by Failte Ireland through the Storytelling Interpretative Grants Scheme of Ireland’s Ancient East. Pictured at the unveiling (left to right) Sarah Fitzpatrick, Failte Ireland, Minister of State at the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and the Department of Education and Skills, John Halligan, T.D., H.E. Japanese Ambassador, Mitsuru Kitano, Agnes Alyward, Tramore Development Trust, Mary Houlihan, Manager, Ireland’s Ancient East at Fáilte Ireland, MEP Grace O’Sullivan, Mayor of Waterford City & County Council, Cllr.John Pratt, Anne Harpur, Chairperson, Tramore Development Trust. (behind) Sonomi Leslie and Michiko Masuda.