Ballycurrin Castle, Co Mayo 

Mark Bence-Jones. A Guide to Irish Country Houses (originally published as Burke’s Guide to Country Houses volume 1 Ireland by Burke’s Peerage Ltd. 1978); Revised edition 1988 Constable and Company Ltd, London.

p. 20. “(Lynch, VSA) A late-Georgian house built 1828 by Capt Peter Lynch, replacing an earlier house said to have been built in C17 by Maurice Lynch. Of two storeys over basement, with cut stone quoins and other facings. Fine situation overlooking Lough Corrib; ruined castle in grounds.” 

https://www.buildingsofireland.ie/buildings-search/building/31312316/ballycurrin-house-ballycurrin-demesne-co-mayo

Detached three-bay (two-bay deep) two-storey over part raised basement country house, built 1828; extant 1838, on a T-shaped plan with single-bay (single-bay deep) full-height central return (west). Vacant, 1898. Occupied, 1911. Sold, 1914. Burnt, 1921. In ruins, 1929. “Restored”, 2007-10, to accommodate occasional use. Replacement hipped slate roof on a T-shaped plan behind parapet with pressed iron ridges, paired limestone ashlar central chimney stacks having stringcourses below capping supporting terracotta octagonal pots, and concealed rainwater goods with cast-iron octagonal or ogee hoppers and downpipes. Replacement cement rendered walls on dragged cut-limestone chamfered cushion course on cement rendered base with drag edged rusticated cut-limestone quoins to corners supporting dragged cut-limestone monolithic cornice below iron-covered parapet. Segmental-headed central door opening approached by flight of five dragged cut-limestone steps, replacement timber doorcase with fluted engaged colonettes, and dragged cut-limestone surround framing reclaimed timber panelled door having sidelights on panelled risers below fanlight. Square-headed window openings including square-headed window openings in tripartite arrangement (ground floor) with drag edged dragged cut-limestone sills, timber mullions, and rendered surrounds framing replacement four-over-four (basement), nine-over-nine (ground floor) or six-over-six (first floor) timber sash windows having three-over-three (ground floor) or two-over-two (first floor) sidelights with nine-over-nine (ground floor) or six-over-six (first floor) timber sash windows to side elevations. Interior reconstructed, 2007-10, including (ground floor): central entrance hall-cum-staircase hall with carved timber surrounds to door openings framing timber panelled doors; reception room (south) with carved timber surround to door opening framing timber panelled door and carved timber surrounds to window openings framing timber panelled shutters on panelled risers; reception room (north) with carved timber surround to door opening framing timber panelled door and carved timber surrounds to window openings framing timber panelled shutters on panelled risers; and carved timber surrounds to door openings to remainder framing timber panelled doors with carved timber surrounds to window openings framing timber panelled shutters on panelled risers. Set in relandscaped grounds. 

Appraisal 

A country house erected for Captain Peter Lynch (d. 1840) regarded as an integral component of the early nineteenth-century domestic built heritage of south County Mayo with the architectural value of the composition, one allegedly retaining at least the footings of a seventeenth-century house annotated as “Ballicurren [of] Lynch Esquire” by Taylor and Skinner (1778 pl. 217), confirmed by such attributes as the deliberate alignment maximising on panoramic vistas overlooking Lough Corrib ‘with its numerous islands…and the picturesque chain of the Connaught mountains [in the distance]’ (Burke 1855 II, 19); the compact plan form centred on an elegant doorcase; and the diminishing in scale of the openings on each floor producing a graduated tiered visual effect with the principal “apartments” defined by Wyatt-style tripartite glazing patterns. Although reduced to an ivy-enveloped ruin following its destruction (1921) during “The Troubles” (1919-23), a recent “restoration” has secured the elementary form and massing together with interesting remnants of the original fabric, thereby upholding much of the character or integrity of the country house. Furthermore, an adjoining walled garden (extant 1838); and the nearby Ballycurrin Lighthouse (see 31312317), all continue to contribute positively to the group and setting values of a much-depleted estate having historic connections with the Lynch family including Charles Lynch (d. 1897; NLI); the succeeding Clarkin family including James Clarkin (b. 1864), ‘Farmer’ (NA 1911); and Lieutenant-Colonel Claude Beddington MA (1868-1940), later of Ower, County Galway (Tuam Herald 1923). 

https://www.buildingsofireland.ie/buildings-search/building/31312317/ballycurrin-house-ballycurrin-demesne-co-mayo

Freestanding single-bay two-stage “lighthouse”, built 1847, on a circular plan. Now disused. Set on pier extending into lake. Photography by James Fraher 

Appraisal 

A lakeshore “lighthouse” erected by Charles Lynch DL (d. 1897) representing an important component of the mid nineteenth-century built heritage of south County Mayo. NOTE: Although traditionally cited as a late eighteenth-century “improvement” of the Ballycurrin House estate, quoting a date stone (“1772”) on the adjacent boathouse, the “lighthouse” does not appear on the first edition of the Ordnance Survey (surveyed 1838; published 1840) and an accompanying date stone (“1847”) indicates a period of construction coinciding with the height of the Great Famine (1845-9). 

For sale June 2022: Eircode: H91NDT9 

https://www.myhome.ie/residential/brochure/ballycurrin-demesne-ower-headford-galway/4444619

950,000 

Farrell Auctioneers & Estate Agents Ltd are delighted to bring to the market Ballycurrin House a restored period house on the shores of Lough Corrib outside Headford Co. Galway. Ballycurrin House dates from the 1770’s and is a beautifully restored period house located in rural splendour close to the shores of the famous Lough Corrib on approx 3.7 acres of land with three additional lakeside properties, and the historic ruins of the 14th century Ballycurrin Castle. It provides immediate access to fishing on Lough Corrib as it has it’s own private jetty. Ballycurrin House, cottage and lodge are currently available for rent and are an ideal base for those interested in angling or holidaying in the West of Ireland region. All accommodation is less than 50 metres from the lakeshore. Also located on the lands is a three bedroom bungalow dwelling on the shores of Lough Corrib. It provides immediate access to fishing on Lough Corrib as it has it’s own private jetty. Ballycurrin House, cottage and lodge are currently available for rent and are an ideal base for those interested in angling or holidaying in the West of Ireland region. Accommodation includes entrance hallway, kitchen, living room, 3 bedrooms 3 en-suite and a main bath is less than 20 metres from the lakeshore. Located in the centre of Europe’s largest brown trout fishing district and in the sought after area of Headford with its rural tranquility, this property offers incredible potential as a beautiful family home with uninterrupted views of the countryside, Connemara Mountains and Lough Corrib. Headford is a well-established town located 12 minutes from the property with a host of amenities including shops, supermarkets, pubs, restaurants, primary and secondary schools, public transport, childcare facilities and various sports facilities. The property is 20 minutes from Ballinrobe, 30 minutes from Claregalway, 30 minutes from Tuam, 34 minutes from Galway City and just an hour from Knock airport. The Property Is For Sale By Public Auction On Friday 3rd June 2022 Venue: At The Property Time : 1:00pm Solicitor with carriage of sale: Mr. Colman Sherry, Colman Sherry Solicitors, The Square, Gort, Co. Galway, 091 – 632688 €950,000 AMV 

Accommodation 

Drawing Room 7.10m x 7.40m This room has original solid oak flooring, south west facing windows over the lake with beautiful original design double glazed sash windows. There is also a limestone arch with brick built insert feature large open fire place with ornate antiques. Reception Hallway 4.80m x 9.20m This area has original solid pine flooring and feature ceiling centre piece and antique feature staircase. Dining Hall 5.10m x 7.10m This area has beech/maple flooring and large open fireplace with antique surround and limestone arch. Hallway To Basement 1.00m x 4.90m Master Bedroom Suite 7.20m x 7.45m This room has semi solid beech/maple flooring, triple aspect room with windows facing east, south and west, feature wall lighting and two open antique fireplaces. En- Suite 3.00m x 4.30m This area is tiled floor to ceiling and contains enclosed shower unite, w.c, bidet and vanity w.h.b unit. Landing 5.20m x 1.90m This area has solid pine flooring, access to the hot press and attic and staircase to ground floor. Bedroom 2 5.20m x 3.60m This room has beech/maple semi solid flooring, open antique fireplace. Bedroom 3 3.80m x 3.70m This room has beech/maple semi solid flooring, east facing window and feature fireplace. En – Suite 2.00m x 2.70m This area is tiled floor to ceiling and contains vanity w.h.b, w.c and enclosed shower unit sliding doors. Kitchen 7.00m x 7.50m This area has limestone flagstone flooring, fully fitted kitchen units with granite worktops, mosaic splash back, integrated appliances, gas stove and two larder units, Living Area 7.50m x 5.40m This area has limestone flagstone flooring, arch feature limestone wall with treble aspect windows. Bathroom 3.10m x 7.50m This area contains antique cast-iron bath with cast iron surround, all antique sanitary ware including w.c, bidet, and w.h.b. 

Features 

• Ballycurrin House dates back to 1770’s • Set on approx. 3.7 acres • Three additional guest lakeside cottages • Access to fishing on Lough Corrib • Private Jetty • Restored to its full glory including sash windows and 13ft ceilings. • Located just 10 minutes from Headford which is a host to all amenities • Located 34 minutes from Galway city • Located 1 hr from Knock airport • Ideal wedding venue 

Ballycurrin House was the former home of a branch of the Lynch family, the tribe of merchant prices who ruled Galway for some 600 years. In its grounds is one of the Lynches’ defensive towerhouses – the 14th century Ballycurrin Castle. The ruins of Ballycurrin Castle, seat of the Lynches, are also on the grounds. Sometime in the 18th century, Henry Lynch built the house as a more comfortable dwelling – records suggest the current house was built in 1828 to replace that one. The last Lynch to live there was Charles Lynch, who died in 1897. A supporter of the Land League, Charles established a Gaelic football club among his tenants and gave over his lawns for the sport. He was also something of an inventor. One of his designs, for a model paddle wheel, was displayed at the Exhibition of Art and Industry at the RDS in 1853. Charles and his wife Helena had only one child who died in infancy, so on Charles’ death, the estate passed to the Clarkins. One of an American branch of the Lynch family contested the will but to no avail – the 1901 census shows a clatter of Clarkins living there. In 1914 it was sold to the Congested Districts Board, which in turn passed it to a retired English army officer named Colonel Beddington. He renovated and landscaped it before being hounded out of the place during the Irish war years. Rumours still abound as to who was actually responsible for burning the house down in 1921. own on the lakeshore, though no longer on the property either, is Ireland’s only inshore lighthouse, said to have been built in the 1700’s by Henry Lynch so the steamer from Galway to Cong could get to Ballycurrin House with provisions. Sources differ on that though. Locals favour the version that has Henry Lynch’s wife building Ballycurrin Lighthouse so her husband could find his way home from the pub. The current owner in recent years has lovingly restored the property to his former glory. Since its restoration, the estate has been in commercial use for holiday lettings, parties and weddings.