Saunderscourt and Beyond: James Fraser's Legacy in Irish Landscape Design
Ferrycarrig Hotel, Ireland, Y35 Y9TA
Tuesday 18 November 2025
Irish Landmark Trust cordially invites you to a lecture by Dr. John A. McCullen, former OPW Chief Park Superintendent.
James Fraser was a prolific landscape gardener in Ireland during the 1830s–1860s, and is credited with designing or advising on numerous demesnes across the country. After training as a botanist and serving as head gardener at Terenure House in Dublin, he set up as an independent “landscape gardener ” around 1829.
Many Irish estate owners including Curraghmore, Co.Waterford; Adare Manor, Co. Limerick; Gowran Castle, Co. Kilkenny; Florencecourt, Co. Tyrone, Clandeboyne, Co. Down and Caledon, Co. Tyrone sought his expertise in laying out gardens, parklands, and ornamental grounds.
Also highlighted is Fraser’s work at Saunderscourt Estate, Co. Wexford (one of his notable projects) as well as his prolific use of trees and in the landscape and their management.
Donations toward the project will be gratefully received on the night. To donate in advance, visit www.irishlandmark.com/donate
John A. McCullen graduated from University College Dublin (UCD) with a first class hons. degree in horticulture in 1970 followed by an M.Sc. in Landscape Ecology, Design and Maintenance from London University. In 2007 he was awarded a PhD by the University of Dublin (History of Art Dept., Trinity College).
He retired as chief park superintendent (Office of Public Works, OPW) in 2012 and had been responsible for the management and conservation of the Phoenix Park for almost 25 years. John had also been involved in the conservation and restoration of many of the OPW’s Historic Parks and Gardens during this period. He is the author of An illustrated history of the Phoenix Park (Landscape and Management to 1880) published in 2009 and also The Phoenix Park (An illustrated history of its landscape and management 1880 – 1980) published in 2024.
Supported by the Heritage Council.
James Fraser was a prolific landscape gardener in Ireland during the 1830s–1860s, and is credited with designing or advising on numerous demesnes across the country. After training as a botanist and serving as head gardener at Terenure House in Dublin, he set up as an independent “landscape gardener ” around 1829.
Many Irish estate owners including Curraghmore, Co.Waterford; Adare Manor, Co. Limerick; Gowran Castle, Co. Kilkenny; Florencecourt, Co. Tyrone, Clandeboyne, Co. Down and Caledon, Co. Tyrone sought his expertise in laying out gardens, parklands, and ornamental grounds.
Also highlighted is Fraser’s work at Saunderscourt Estate, Co. Wexford (one of his notable projects) as well as his prolific use of trees and in the landscape and their management.
Donations toward the project will be gratefully received on the night. To donate in advance, visit www.irishlandmark.com/donate
John A. McCullen graduated from University College Dublin (UCD) with a first class hons. degree in horticulture in 1970 followed by an M.Sc. in Landscape Ecology, Design and Maintenance from London University. In 2007 he was awarded a PhD by the University of Dublin (History of Art Dept., Trinity College).
He retired as chief park superintendent (Office of Public Works, OPW) in 2012 and had been responsible for the management and conservation of the Phoenix Park for almost 25 years. John had also been involved in the conservation and restoration of many of the OPW’s Historic Parks and Gardens during this period. He is the author of An illustrated history of the Phoenix Park (Landscape and Management to 1880) published in 2009 and also The Phoenix Park (An illustrated history of its landscape and management 1880 – 1980) published in 2024.
Supported by the Heritage Council.
