Belvedere House and Gardens in Mullingar, Co Westmeath is to close its falconry after two years due to rising costs. The gift shop is also closing as part of a reorganisation at the venue.
It is envisaged that a new private sector partner will be responsible for general retail operations at Belvedere, including a garden centre.
Bartle D'Arcy, general manager at the house, said the new measures were not being taken in response to falling visitor numbers. Attendances increased to over 150,000 this year, he said.
He said the house was reorganising some of its activities following its successful pop concert in the grounds last July, and would definitely be holding another concert in the summer of 2007, and possibly for another five years after that.
The house also contains a walled garden, an apiary and a courtyard where weddings and other private functions are held.
Belvedere House was acquired by Westmeath County Council in 1982 for €317,000, a portion of which was later recouped by the sale of land on which a golf club had been established. Some €7 million was subsequently spent on the restoration of the house and gardens by the county council and tourism bodies, allowing it to open to the public in 2000.
The falconry was established two years ago when Chris Tuffrey arrived from Birr Castle in Co Offaly. Up to 40 birds were resident in the Belvedere Falconry Centre at one time with daily flying displays of eagles, falcons and hawks.
The falconry was financed by a portion of the gate receipts from the main house and gardens. Mr Tuffrey said rising insurance and feed costs has now made the operation uneconomical. Now about half the birds will be sold with the other half accompanying Mr Tuffrey to England.
Belvedere will retain an interpretative centre, exhibition galleries, three children's playgrounds, an animal sanctuary, and several picnic areas.
