I discovered this place by chance while looking at the Garden Heaven programme on television some time ago and have made many visits since. The Steam Museum is only a short drive from Dublin. It is situated 16 miles from Dublin off the N7 and is signposted from Kill.

One of the many interesting aspects of the museum is the Guinness family connection. The grounds belong to the last of the sons Richard Guinness and the museum is right beside his residence. The Richard Guinness Hall displays his collection of historic prototype models built at the beginning of the era.

The Steam Museum Building is rebuilt from the Great Southern and Western Railway Church of St Jude’s removed from Inchicore in Dublin. There was a huge CIE engineering works on Inchicore Road where a lot of steam engines, trains and all kinds of heavy machinery were produced up until a few years ago.

The Church of St Jude’s was used by the workers and when the workforce dwindled the church was removed. It lay derelict until the trustees of the steam museum bought the church, took it down stone by stone and brought it to Straffan. It was then rebuilt in the grounds of Straffan House. All that remains at Inchicore is the spire.

On several of the window sills some of the names of the great engineers who worked in the Inchicore works are engraved. There are also lots of early models of steam engines that were used in breweries, distilleries, factories and ships throughout Ireland.

The Walled Garden of eighteenth century origin at Straffan House is exquisite with a breathtaking roserie and lots of unusual shrubs and plants. To round off your visit go to The Steaming Kettle Teahouse situated across the courtyard. These are lovely tea rooms with home baking and very good service.

June, July and August: Wednesday to Sunday and Bank Holidays 2.00 - 6.00 pm (Steam up every Sunday. May and September by arrangement in advance. Admission rates to Steam Museum and Lodge Park Walled Garden: Adults €7.50, Child/OAP/Student €5.00 Family Admission €20.

While you are in the area, you should visit the Donadea Forest Park. ‘Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints’ are the words that greet you when you approach the Woods. The road from Clane over to Kilcock is where this beauty spot is located.

I fell in love with the place and I have visited the forest several times in the last few months. The tranquillity that exists there is magic. I went in the evening and spent an hour or so rambling through the woods. The only sounds I heard were birds chirping and a few rabbits running around. The hustle and bustle of the city is left far behind.