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. 204. “(Massy/B,PB) The summer residence of the Massy family in the Galtee Mountains; built ca 1800. Two storey, five bay front; two three-sided bows on each of the side elevations. Now partly demolished.”
Massy Lodge, County Limerick, courtesy National inventory.
Detached five-bay two-storey country house, built c. 1800, with two three-sided bows on each of the side elevations. Comprising gable-fronted porch to front (south-west) elevation, single-bay two-storey extension to rear (north-east) elevation. Hipped slate roof with rendered chimneystacks and overhanging eaves. Render over rubble sandstone walls. Square-headed openings with limestone sills and two-over-two pane timber sliding sash windows. Square-headed opening to north-east elevation having limestone sill and tripartite four-over-four pane timber sliding sash window with flanking one-over-one pane timber sliding sash windows. Round-headed opening to porch having render hoodmoulding over two-over-two pane timber sliding sash window. Square-headed door opening to porch having flanking Doric style render pilasters. Square-headed opening having half-glazed timber panelled door with flanking sidelights. Ten-bay two-storey outbuilding to north-west having hipped slate roof. Render over rubble sandstone walls. Square-headed openings with sandstone voussoirs and fixed windows. Square-headed opening having sandstone voussoirs and timber battened doors. Round-headed carriage arch with dressed sandstone voussoirs, now blocked up.
Appraisal
This substantial house retains much of its original form. It was originally built under the direction of Charles Frederick Anderson as the summer residence for the Massy family in the Galtee Mountains. Features such as the sash windows and limestone sills contribute to the historic quality of the site, whilst the substantial outbuilding adds valuable context. The house is an appealing feature in the landscape, and contributes to the diversity and character of the architectural heritage of the local area.
Massy Lodge, County Limerick, courtesy National inventory.
Kilfrush Stud, Knocklong, County Limerick courtesy Jordan’s Town and Country Estate Agent, 2024.
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. 167. “[Gubbins/LG1937Supp] A plain two storey early C19 house. Seven bay entrance front with porch; five bay side. Attractive pillared gate lodge.”
Kilfrush Stud, Knocklong, County Limerick courtesy Jordan Town and Country Estate Agent, 2024.
Detached eight-bay two-storey country house, built c. 1835, with five-bay side elevation. Hipped roof with rendered chimneystacks. Square-headed window openings. Projecting porch with four Ionic columns and steps up to entrance. Doric style pillared gate lodge within demesne.
Appraisal
Kilfrush was built for Joseph Gubbin by the architect Charles Frederick Anderson. It is an important country house within the architectural heritage of County Limerick. The attendant Doric style gate lodge is also of significance being part of the demesne related architecture.
The home of Joseph Gubbins from at least 1837 and held in the early 1850s from the Court of Chancery. It was valued at £70 and was still the home of the Gubbins in the 1870s and in 1906 when it was valued at almost £66. According to the Irish Tourist Association survey it had been built in 1825 and was still the home of Mrs Gubbins in 1943. It is still extant.
A Long Established Stud Farm with World Class Pedigree on c. 286 Acres (115.74 Hectares) For Sale By Public Auction Wednesday 24th July 2019 @ 3.0Opm In Dunraven Arms, Adare, Co. Limerick (unless previously sold) Kilfrush is a superb stud farm steeped in history with a delightful Georgian Residence together with guest wing, gate lodge, staff houses, Managers house and 73 boxes on circa 286 acres (115.74 hectares) in a wonderful private setting, surrounded by mature landscaped gardens and sheltered, with extensive variety of mature timber. “In the Heart of Scarteen Hunt Country” Location: The property is located to the south east of Limerick City between the town of Hospital and the village of Knocklong on the R513, c. 38 km Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Club, c. 35km from Limerick City and 56km from Shannon International Airport. The M8 motorway can be accessed at Junction 9 close to the town of Cashel, circa 40km from the property. Kilfrush Stud is approximately 2 hours 30 minutes drive from Dublin and Rosslare respectively. Cork Airport is 1 hour. The nearest town to the property is Hospital which is circa 2km to the North West and the small rural village of Knocklong is located (2km) to the south east. Tipperary, Charleville and Mitchelstown are all within ½ hour drive.
Background & History: The Kilfrush Estate House was designed by C.F Anderson in circa 1835 as part of a larger demesne for Joseph Gubbins who was the landlord and later to become High Sheriff of County Limerick in 1863. In 1969 the house was sold and purchased by an Irish American Mr. John A. Mulcahy on 220 acres of land. Mr. Mulcahy made extensive renovations to the house and added a new wing. He also purchased the adjoining farm bringing the total area to approximately 286 acres. Richard Nixon the 37th President of the United States stayed in Kilfrush House in October 1970, as part of a three day visit and a lot of the renovation/ extension works to the house correlated with this visit. Mr. Mulcahy sold Kilfrush to Mr. Jean Pierre Binet in 1978. Kilfrush had been used as a dairy farm and it was only after 1978 that it began to be converted into a full self – contained bloodstock operation. Initial works commenced in 1980 including fencing and draining of all the lands. It was at this point that many of the stable yards were constructed and the main house itself underwent further renovation.
Kilfrush Stud, Knocklong, County Limerick courtesy Jordan Town and Country Estate Agent, 2024.
Main Residence: The main residence comprises a detached eight – bay two – storey house built, in circa 1835 with five bay – side elevation. The house was renovated and extended initially in time for President Nixon’s arrival in 1970 and again in circa 1980. Overall the entire is in good condition throughout with extensive accommodation of approximately 1,027 sq.m (11,054 sq.ft) in the original house. In addition there is generous accommodation in the Guest Wing. The rooms are all spacious with high ceilings and superb plasterwork. There is excellent natural light with an outstanding vista over the lake from the main reception rooms. There are many traditional design features throughout and any work completed has been sympathetic to the original. There is a ‘Bossi’ & ‘Adam Style’ fireplaces throughout the house and other features which make the property an ideal house for entertaining with the benefit of also being a very comfortable family home.
Kilfrush Stud, Knocklong, County Limerick courtesy Jordan Town and Country Estate Agent, 2024.Kilfrush Stud, Knocklong, County Limerick courtesy Jordan Town and Country Estate Agent, 2024.
Accommodation
The overall accommodation of the main residence briefly includes: Hall 18.7m x 5.6m With cornice, ornate ceiling & double staircase Breakfast room 6.60m x 7.65m Folding doors to dining room, cornice, Adam’s style fireplace, door to patio and garden. Dining room 6.70m x 9.75m With cornice, ornate ceiling & centerpiece, Adam’s style fireplace, door to butlers pantry and kitchen. Drawing room 6.0m x 11.70m Magnificent room with cornice, ornate ceiling and Bossi fireplace. Study 6.90m x 5.60m With Georgian fireplace and drinks cabinet. Kitchen 4.85m x 7.70m Panelled ceiling, built in presses with marble and stainless steel worktop and a range of cookers gas and electric.
Kilfrush Stud, Knocklong, County Limerick courtesy Jordan Town and Country Estate Agent, 2024.Kilfrush Stud, Knocklong, County Limerick courtesy Jordan Town and Country Estate Agent, 2024.Kilfrush Stud, Knocklong, County Limerick courtesy Jordan Town and Country Estate Agent, 2024.Kilfrush Stud, Knocklong, County Limerick courtesy Jordan Town and Country Estate Agent, 2024.Kilfrush Stud, Knocklong, County Limerick courtesy Jordan Town and Country Estate Agent, 2024.Kilfrush Stud, Knocklong, County Limerick courtesy Jordan Town and Country Estate Agent, 2024.Kilfrush Stud, Knocklong, County Limerick courtesy Jordan Town and Country Estate Agent, 2024.Kilfrush Stud, Knocklong, County Limerick courtesy Jordan Town and Country Estate Agent, 2024.Kilfrush Stud, Knocklong, County Limerick courtesy Jordan Town and Country Estate Agent, 2024.
Overview of Kilfrush Stud: Kilfrush Stud is a superb property on circa 286 acres (115.74 hectares) with extensive residence with guest wing, gate lodge, manager’s residence, 2 staff houses, apartment and 73 boxes with various ancillary facilities provided for the full operation of a successful breeding enterprise. The land is primarily in one block with an internal road system giving access to all the paddocks. There is superb mature timber throughout the farm and all boundaries providing excellent natural shelter. The land itself is good quality limestone, ideally suited for grass growth. The success from the stud itself indicates that the land has the ability to produce quality, having bred over 80 Group and Stakes winners.
Kilfrush Stud, Knocklong, County Limerick courtesy Jordan Town and Country Estate Agent, 2024.Kilfrush Stud, Knocklong, County Limerick courtesy Jordan Town and Country Estate Agent, 2024.Kilfrush Stud, Knocklong, County Limerick courtesy Jordan Town and Country Estate Agent, 2024.Kilfrush Stud, Knocklong, County Limerick courtesy Jordan Town and Country Estate Agent, 2024.Kilfrush Stud, Knocklong, County Limerick courtesy Jordan Town and Country Estate Agent, 2024.Kilfrush Stud, Knocklong, County Limerick courtesy Jordan Town and Country Estate Agent, 2024.Kilfrush Stud, Knocklong, County Limerick courtesy Jordan Town and Country Estate Agent, 2024.
The lake to the front of the house was created in circa 1991/1992 and it is naturally supplied from drains under a section of the lands. Kilfrush Stud has bred many winners over the years including over 80 Group & Listed Winners some of which are listed below:- Pedigree: Kilfrush has bred over 80 Group and Stakes winners including the following: • Last Tycoon (Gr. 1 Breeder’s Cup and Champion Sprint Miler). • No Pass No Sale (Gr. 1 Poule d’Essaie de Pouliches). • Caerlina (Gr. 1 Prix Diane (French Oaks) • Valentine Waltz (Gr. 1 Poule d’Essaie de Pouliches) • Immortal Verse (Gr. 1 Coronation Stakes) • King’s Drama (Gr. 1 Sword Dance Inul Stakes) • Cerulean Sky (Gr. 1 Prix Saint Alary) • Claire Marine (Gr. 1 Matriarch Stakes & Group 1 Beverly Hills H) • Truly Special (Gr. 3 Prix de Royaument) • Modhish (Gr. 2 Grand Prix de Deauville) • Russian Snows (Gr. 2 Prix Royalieu) • Splendid Moment (Gr. 2 Prix due Chenes) • Josr Algarhoud (Gr. 2 Gimcrack Stakes) • Wigganthorpe (Gr. 2 Gimcrack Stakes) • Truly A Dream (Gr. 2 E.P. Taylor Stakes) • New Girlfriend (Gr. 2 Prix Robert Papin) • Memphis Tennessee (Gr. 3 Ormonde Stakes) • Toboug (Gr. 1 Dewhurst Stakes) • Bestebreuje (Gr. 2 in USA) • Know Heights (Gr. 2 Santa Anita) • Royal Bench (Gr. 2 Prix Daniel Wildenstein) • My Style (Gr. 2 Del Mar Invitational H) Hunting: Kilfrush is in the heart of Scarteen Hunt (Black & Tans) country, renowned worldwide, for one of the best known pack of foxhounds. Other packs within boxing distance include:- Duhallow, Limerick County Hounds and Tipperary Fox Hounds.
The house is surrounded by mature timber and two walled gardens. The house overlooks a lake which was constructed in the early 1990’s and which forms a superb visual amenity to the main residence.
Gate lodge: Located just inside the main entrance, built in 1968 with Waterville stone and extending to circa 116.2 sq.m (1,250 sq.ft) the accommodation provides kitchen, dining room, living room, bathroom and 4 bedrooms. There is oil fired central heating and is all in good condition.
Main Yard 1: laid out as square Courtyard This yard is located to the immediate east of the main residence with a total of 24 boxes including a stallion box, tack and feed rooms, 3 foaling boxes (sitting up room), workshop and 3 pony boxes. The entire is in excellent condition throughout and all the boxes are fitted with automatic drinkers and feed pots. Outer yard: The outer yard comprises 11 yearling boxes with 2 x 3 span hay sheds fully enclosed with concrete base. There is a 14 metre x 14 metre lunging ring and 5 other hay sheds with lean- to. Loading ramp, American barn with 22 boxes and a tack/feed room and stocks. There are also 2 bull pens under a covered shed and a lofted feed house. The yard is all under concrete and has been very well designed and arranged for the current enterprise. There are 6 isolation boxes provided away from the main yards and a covered 6 unit automatic walker. Separate dungstead provided behind this yard. Large garage. Isolation yard: This yard is located to the south of the main holding and is essentially used as an isolation yard with access off the main road. The yard comprises 12 stables, feed house with water, all weather turnout paddock and access to several paddocks. Lands: The entire property extends to circa 286 acres (115.74 hectares) and is all laid out in grass with post and rail fencing and an internal road system accessing the various paddocks (20). There is superb shelter throughout with piped water to each paddock. The farm is ideal for grass production and has been well managed by the present owners. The lands are classified in the Soils map of County Limerick as a combination of ‘Elton’’ and ‘Howardstown’ series. There are charming walks through the wooded shelter belt around the farm.
Services: Private water (3 wells), Septic tanks, ESB and telephone where applicable. There is oil fired central heating provided to most of the ancillary staff accommodation although we understand that the office and 1 bedroom apartment has electric storage heating. Planning: The house is classified as a ‘Protected Structure’ in the Limerick County Development Plan. Solicitor: Donal M. Gahan, Ritchie & Co., 36 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 1, D02XE16 – Tel: 01-6767277 Amenities Hunting: with Scarteen (Black & Tans, Duhallows, Limerick County Hounds and Tipperary Fox Hounds) Racing: Limerick, Cork, Clonmel, Tipperary Golf: Adare Manor, Castletroy, Charleville Shooting: Ample rough shooting in the area.
Managers House: This is a two storey house adjacent to main yard extending to circa 226.2 sq.m (2,434 sq.ft). The accommodation is all in excellent condition with kitchen (Aga cooker), living room, dining room, drawing room, wc, sunroom and 4 bedrooms (2 ensuite). Staff house 1: c. 125 sq.m. (1,345 sq.ft.) built in the 1980s A compact two storey house located adjacent to the main yard and comprising kitchen/ dining room, living room, office, study, bathroom and 3 bedrooms.
Staff accommodation Staff dining room, ironing room, boiler room, cold stores, plant room and general stores. Upstairs: comprising 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Cellar 2 wine cellars. Bedroom 1 5.60m x 6.80m Georgian fireplace with wooden surround Ensuite Bathroom and dressingroom Bedroom 2 5.60m x 8.60m Georgian fireplace with wooden surround Ensuite Bathroom and dressingroom Bedroom 3 6.0m x 8.20m Georgian fireplace with wooden surround Ensuite Bathroom and dressingroom Master suite 6.70m x 9.85m Adam style fireplace with marble surround Ensuite Bathroom and dressingroom Hot press and linen press Guest / Leisure wing: This comprises Guest Bedrooms (3) and leisure area which was added for the visit of President Nixon in 1970 – Total Area 1,386 sq.m. (14,918 sq.ft.) Lobby, entertaining area With bar, ladies and gents toilets, tv room leading to gym, swimming pool, sauna and changing rooms. Bedroom 1 8.80m x 8.50m Georgian fireplace, dressing room, ensuite bathroom with shower w.c. & w.h.b. and doors to patio and garden. Bedroom 2 8.80m x 8.60m Georgian fireplace, dressing room, ensuite bathroom with shower w.c. & w.h.b. and doors to patio and garden. Bedroom 3 8.80m x 8.60m Georgian fireplace, dressing room, ensuite bathroom with shower w.c. & w.h.b and doors to patio and garden. General leisure area Table tennis, snooker, French doors to central patio and gardens.
Staff house 2: c. 125 sq.m. (1,345 sq.ft.) built in the 1980s This is almost a direct replica of staff house 1 with added conservatory. Ideal for staff or guest accommodation.
Stud office: There is a stud office located in the main yard and it provides a number of rooms for administration in addition to toilets and kitchen. There is also a one bedroom staff apartment.
BER: Exempt
Directions
Take the M7 to Limerick from the North and after Junction 29 take the R512, at the Kilmallock Roundabout take the 2nd Exit on to Kilmallock Road (R512) after 6 miles turn left onto the R514 and then turn right onto the R513 which brings you to Knocklong, just before the Village the property is on the left. From the East take the M8 and Exit at Cashel and head for Golden and Tipperary Town (N74), from Tipperary take the R662 into Knocklong Village and from there take the R513 the property is one mile north on the right hand side.
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. 70. “(Ievers/IFR) A two storey four bay early C19 house with a single-storey Doric portico.”
Castle Ievers, County Limerick, courtesy National Inventory.
Detached four-bay two-storey over basement country house, built c. 1830, with central breakfront, portico to front (west) elevation, five-bay side elevation and adjoining late medieval castle to rear (east) elevation. Hipped slate roof with overhanging eaves, rendered chimneystacks and timber eaves brackets. Roughcast rendered walls with smooth render plinth. Square-headed openings having four-over-four pane timber sliding sash windows to first floor with moulded render surrounds and continuous limestone sill course. Six-over-six pane timber sliding sash windows to ground floor with moulded surround and limestone sills. Portico comprising fluted Doric style pilasters to corners, flanking engaged fluted Ionic columns supporting entablature, central double-leaf timber glazed door having flanking round-headed sidelights and spoked fanlight above. Approached by limestone steps. Castle to rear having rubble limestone walls with cut limestone crenellations having stringcourse beneath. Single-storey modernised and extended gate lodge to front (west) of site. Cast-iron gates and railings to front of site flanked by square-profile cut limestone piers and sweep walls.
Appraisal
This pleasing middle sized country house is of balanced proportions and retains its original form and many of its original features. It was designed by and construction supervised by Charles Frederick Anderson for Robert Ievers. The proportions of the house with widely spaced central chimneystacks, overhanging eaves, symmetrical windows and an over basement construction creates a sense of grandeur with these elements derived from Georgian architecture. The elaborate porch further enlivens the façade with underlying classical design displayed though the use of mixed Doric and Ionic columns. The abutting medieval castle to the rear is a most notable feature which shows an earlier use of the site with connections to the late medieval period.
Castle Ievers, County Limerick, courtesy National Inventory.Castle Ievers, County Limerick, courtesy National Inventory.
Irish Historic Houses 