New Kokoro Heritage Centre and Café opening at Tramore’s stunning Japanese Gardens
“I am absolutely blown away by this incredibly special place, it is breathtaking”
(Minister Dara Calleary T.D. – Monday 8th June 2026)
Monday 8th 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 Metropolitan Mayor of Waterford Councillor Adam Wyse, spoke about all the positive things currently happening in Waterford that help to make it such a great place to live and work and the impact that places like Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens have on the tourism offering of Waterford and the wider south east region “all of these things mean alot they are very important, but what makes it a great place to live for families, for children and for visitors from all over the world, is to be able to come and visit a place like this.”
Minister Dara Calleary in his opening address said “I am absolutely blown away by this incredibly special place, it is breathtaking” he spoke about the connection that Tramore’s Japanese Gardens had with Japan saying “this space is a bridge from Ireland to Japan and to everyone who has a hand or part of it , thank you for creating a bridge to connect two cultures, miles and continents apart”. “It is not only a flagship project for Waterford but it is a flagship project for Ireland”
Later the Minister addressed all those who had worked on the project “we should all learn from each and everyone who worked on this project, whether it be in a leadership role or from anyone who lifted a stone or a trowel to extraordinarily transform this beautiful space from a wasteland to the magic…. from a wasteland to a statement of culture”
Ambassador Miyagawa, Japan’s Ambassador to Ireland followed on from the Minister’s remarks expressing his delight to attend the official opening of ‘Kokoro Heritage Centre and Café at the Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens. “It is my great honour and pleasure to join in this Opening Ceremony ‘Kokoro’ means heart and spirit and to me it represents the spirit that has connected Ireland and Japan across time and distance”. The Ambassador when speaking about the Order of the Rising Sun, gold and silver rays which had been recently bestowed on Agnes Aylward he said: “ I would like to echo the words Agnes said when receiving her award ‘this honour is not only for me but belongs to all my friends and colleagues who have joined in the effort to make this happen’.
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 from Thursday to Sunday until the end of June, and it’s full Café Menu will be launched on June 26th.
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
For More information contact
Janet Carey 0877973861 (janet@lafcadiohearngardens.com)
PHOTOGRAPHS available from Noel Browne (noelbrowne06@gmail.com)
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