Kokora Heritage Centre and café is officially opened in County Waterford

County Waterford saw the official opening of its newest café and heritage centre on Monday, June 8, when His Excellency, Ambassador Miyagawa, Japan’s Ambassador to Ireland, and 

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, visited the Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens in Tramore for the official opening of its new Kokoro Heritage Centre and Café.

Among the other guests at the opening ceremony were 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 other distinguished guests, local councillors, friends, supporters, volunteers and staff of the gardens.

Cllr Wyse spoke about all the positive things currently happening in Waterford that help to make it a great place to live and work.

He also highlighted 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 a lot and 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," he said.

Minister Dara Calleary, in his opening address, admitted to being "blown away" by his surroundings.

"I am absolutely blown away by this incredibly special place, it is breathtaking," he said.

He spoke ot 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," he said.

Later the Minister addressed those who had worked on the project, commenting: 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 a statement of culture."

Ambassador Miyagawa, Japan’s Ambassador to Ireland followed on from the Minister’s remarks expressing his delight at being in attendance at the opening ceremony.

"It is my great honour and pleasure to join in this opening ceremony," said the Ambassador.

"‘Kokoro’ means heart and spirit and to me it represents the spirit that has connected Ireland and Japan across time and distance," he added.

He then spoke about the Order of the Rising Sun, gold and silver rays which had been recently bestowed on Agnes Aylward, the Chairperson and founder of the gardens, and 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’."

Ms Aylward then thanked all those who had helped, worked and supported the development of the gardens over the last 11 years. She also thanked those who had helped to fund the new Kokoro and Heritage Centre and Café. 

She acknowkedged the staff, volunteers and the many visitors to the gardens, all of whom had contributed to the gardens in many ways including through their support and money raised through entry receipts - all of which enabled Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens to raise much needed match funding.

Following the speeches Ms Onozaki, Research Specialist at the Embassy of Japan in Ireland, performed the Japanese sacred Kagura dance 'Toyosaka', following which those in attendance moved to the Japanese Gardens, where Minister Calleary unveiled a commemorative plaque.

The Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens in Tramore is a jewel in the crown of the south east. Developed over the last 14 years it's a vibrant tourist attraction and event space that welcome around 40,000 visitors annually.

It's anticipated the new Kokoro Heritage Centre and Café will add a new dimension to 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 and will also offer a unique covered space in times of inclement weather for the many weddings held there each year. 

It's also hoped there will there will be opportunities to expand on the existing programme of activities at the site and to deliver additional music recitals, poetry readings, talks, lectures, artistic and family events.

The upper floor café offers views of Tramore beach and bay where locals and visitors will be able to enjoy local food and artisan produce while taking in the stunning view.

Tea, coffee and cakes will be served at the Kokoro Café from Thursday to Sunday until the end of June, and its full café menu will be launched on June 26th.

Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens is a not-for-profit entity and was developed through the support of Waterford City and County Council, Waterford Leader Partnership, The Tomar Trust, the Department of Rural and Community Development, Pobal, Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens, EXPO 70 Fund and Kanzai Osaka 21st Century Association.