County Clare

Cragleigh House, Ennis, Co Clare

by jenjunebug

Cragleigh House, Ennis, Co Clare

Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.

Bence-Jones, Mark. 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. 294. “A two storey three bay early C19 house with Wyatt windows and fanlighted doorway, standing in front of an older building to which it is linked. Elegant curving staircase. Owned C19 by the Pilkington family; now the home of Mrs Ignatius Houlihan, who have built a modern addition at one side of the house in place of the conservatory which formerly stood there.” 

Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.

Not in National Inventory 

Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.

For sale July 2025 Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.

V95HW6N

€2,500,000. 7 Bed, 8 Bath, 836 m²

Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.

Cragleigh House is an exceptional period residence set on over 14 acres of private, beautifully landscaped grounds, just minutes from Ennis Town Centre. This remarkable estate includes the original period home, a charming stone-cut guest lodge, walled gardens, a garage, and various outbuildings. The property effortlessly combines timeless elegance with character, offering a truly unique and distinguished living experience.

Accessed via an impressive, stone-pillared, automated gated entrance, leading along a sweeping, tree-lined, stud-railed avenue. This elegant approach opens to a brick-paved courtyard at the front of the house and continues to the cut-stone guest lodge and enclosed walled garden via a multi-split driveway. Elevated on a gentle rise, the house is enveloped by lush parkland, productive farmland, and magnificent specimen trees, offering complete privacy and a tranquil setting.

Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.

Extensively renovated by its current owners, Cragleigh House now combines all the comforts of modern living—including a B2 energy rating—with the timeless elegance and original features characteristic of a Georgian mansion. The overall accommodation including the guest lodge totals approximately 9,000sq.ft. The original residence features a sun-drenched reception room with soaring ceilings, an open fireplace, and shuttered sash windows framing views of the mature grounds.

Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.

This level of finish and outlook extends to the private home office. A grand, arched entrance doorway leads to the original staircase, ascending to the first-floor master suite, main bathroom, and second bedroom. These historic spaces are seamlessly connected to more recent extensions through beautifully crafted stone and brick archways.

Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.

A second, double-height entrance hall includes an additional staircase to a separate first-floor landing, which accommodates three further en-suite bedrooms.

Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.

The heart of the home is the traditional style open plan kitchen leading to a formal dining area and family room. French doors lead out to both the private rear patio within the walled garden and a raised front terrace.

Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.

From the central hallway, a short flight of steps descends to another family room and a covered walkway that links back to the walled garden.

Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.

Additional ground floor spaces include a utility room, two guest WCs, and a wine room.

Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.

Guest Lodge The charming cut-stone guest lodge offers versatile accommodation, including a double-height games room, two bedrooms (one en-suite), a gym, and a shower room on the ground floor. A first-floor bridge connects the kitchen/dining area to a vaulted-ceiling reception room. Throughout, you’ll find exposed timber beams, extensive wood flooring, and fine tilework—details that add warmth and character.

Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.

Gardens and Grounds Set within approximately 14 acres, the estate is graced by mature trees and an enchanting one-acre walled garden. The majority of the grounds are laid out in stud-railed paddocks, ideal for equestrian use. Closer to the residence, expansive herbaceous and perennial borders, gravel pathways, and thoughtfully placed garden seating create a series of peaceful outdoor rooms. Fountains and ponds enhance the serene atmosphere of the walled garden—an idyllic escape from the demands of daily life. A host of outbuildings include plant room, two fuel sheds, garden room and garage. Viewing strictly by prior appointment with sole selling agent. PSL002295

Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.

Ground Floor Main Residence Entrance Hall Living Room 6.2m x 4.8m Office 4.8m x 4.7m Sitting / Dining / Kitchen 12.9m x 6.9m Utility Room 3.5m x 2.3m Ground Floor WC One 2.3m x 1.4m Family Room 6.9m x 4.3m Rear Hallway 8m x 3.4m Ground Floor WC Two 4m x 2.1m Laundry Room 4.9m x 2.2m Wine Room 3.9m x 3.7m First Floor Main Residence First Floor Landing 22.2m x 2.5m Bedroom One En-Suite 6.9m x 5.1m En-Suite 2.8m x 2.8m Dressing Room 2.8m x 2.2m Bedroom Two En-Suite 4.9m x 4.8m En-Suite 3.1m x 2.5m Dressing Room 2.5m x 1.8m Bedroom Three 5.7m x 5m Bathroom 5.6m x 4.5m Bedroom Four 6.7m x 4.7m Bedroom Five 6m x 4.8m En-Suite 3.2m x 3.2m Dressing Room 4.8m x 4.8m Guest Lodge Ground Floor Gym 5m x 4.4m Games Room 5.7m x 5.2m Bedroom One 5.8m x 3.8m En-Suite 3.8m x 1.8m Dressing Room 2.8m x 1.8m Bedroom Two 3.8m x 3.1m Bathroom 3.1m x 1.9m Guest Lodge First Floor

Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.

Living Room 6.2m x 5.7m Kitchen Dining Room 5.7m x 3.1m Outbuildings A host of outbuildings include: • Plant room • 2 fuel sheds • Garden room • Garage

Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.
Cragleigh House, Cragleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare, for sale July 2025 photograph courtesy Cormac O’Sullivan.

Cullane, Sixmilebridge, Co Clare – ruin 

by jenjunebug

Cullane, Sixmilebridge, Co Clare – ruin 

Bence-Jones, Mark. 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. 97. “(Studdert/IFR) A Georgian house with a bow window, overlooking the lake. Had a good scrolled overmantel in one room. Now a ruin. A gazebo on hill nearby.” 

Clooney House, Clooney, Co Clare

by jenjunebug

Clooney House, Clooney, Co Clare – house went to ruin

Bence-Jones, Mark. 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. 294. “Originally a two storey five bay C17 house of the Bindon family, which produced the C18 amateur architect and portrait painter Francis Bindon. The house burnt C19 and the property was sold by the impecunious Burton Bindon, who emigrated to Australia; his daughter and her husband Joseph Hall subsequently returned to Ireland and bought back Clooney. They rebuilt the burnt-out shell of the house in a rich Victorian Italianate style, … Unfortunately the Hall’s finances did not last out; he is said to have gambled and she was extravagant; so that by early C20 the house was once again ruinous. When Joseph Hall died 1907 he did not leave enough money to pay for his own burial.” 
 
Not in national inventory 
 
In Blake, Tarquin. Abandoned Mansions of Ireland. Collins Press, Cork, 2010. 

Listed in Vanishing Country Houses of Ireland by The Knight of Glin, David J. Griffin and Nicholas K. Robinson, published by The Irish Architectural Archive and The Irish Georgian Society, 1988.

“A two storey pedimented mid-19C house with single storey porch. Seat of the Bindon family and probably the birthplace of Francis Bindon the architect. Now a ruin.“

Clifden House, Corofin, Co Clare

by jenjunebug

Clifden House, Corofin, Co Clare

Bence-Jones, Mark. 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. 293. “Studdert/IFR] A two storey seven bay early C18 house. Central niche over Doric doorcase of stone. Seat of the Burton family, which produced the C19 portrait painter and miniaturist Sir Frederick Burton. In the present century, owned by Thomas George Gabbett Studdert, whose cousin Caroline, nee Studdert, had married E.W. Burton of Clifden. Now the home of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Robinson. 

Clarisford, Killaloe (Bishops’ Palace), Co Clare

by jenjunebug

Clarisford, Killaloe (Bishops’ Palace), Co Clare

Bence-Jones, Mark. 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. 84. “The Palace of the (C of I) Bishops of Killaloe, a late C18 block of three storeys over a basement in a demesne by the River Shannon outside the town. Built 1774-78 by Bishop Robert Fowler. Five bay front; triple window with unusually narrow sidelights in centre, above tripartite Doric doorcase with pedimented porch on two columns; steps with curving iron railings up to hall door. C19 eaved roof on bracket cornice. Three bay side.” 

Carrigoran, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co Clare – demolished in the 1980s 

by jenjunebug

Carrigoran, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co Clare – demolished in the 1980s 

Bence-Jones, Mark. 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. 293. “(Fitzgerald Bt of Newmarket-on-Fergus/PB1908, Fitzgerald/LGI1912) An 18th century house the residence of the Fitzgerald family in the 18th and 19th centuries. Griffith’s Valuation shows that the house was valued at £45 in the mid 19th century and that it was held by Sir Edward Fitzgerald from Matthew Rosengrave. An earlier house reputedly destroyed by fire in the late 18th century stood nearby. The house was bought by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word in the 1920s. The house was still in use in the 1940s but was demolished in the 1980s.” 

http://lordbelmontinnorthernireland.blogspot.com/2014/06/carrigoran-house.html

Castle Crine, near Sixmilebridge, Co Clare – demolished 1955 

by jenjunebug

Castle Crine, near Sixmilebridge, Co Clare – demolished 1955 

Bence-Jones, Mark. 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. 66. “(Butler/IFR; Massy, Clarina, B.PB1949; Butler-Henderson, sub Faringdon, B/PB) …..Inherited by Sophia Mary, Lady E.B. Butler-Henderson, who sold it ca 1950. Now demolished.” 

http://lordbelmontinnorthernireland.blogspot.com/2014/11/castle-crine.html

THE BUTLERS WERE MAJOR LANDOWNERS IN COUNTY CLARE, WITH 11,389 ACRES

This family is said to descend from the noble house of BUTLER, VISCOUNTS MOUNTGARRET. WILLIAM BUTLER, of Rossroe Castle, County Clare, serving as High Sheriff of that county in 1712, left a daughter, Anne, wife of St John Bridgeman (of Woodfield), and two sons, viz.

HENRY, of Rossroe Castle;
THOMAS, of Castle Crine.

The second son,

THOMAS BUTLER, of Castle Crine, was father of 

WILLIAM BUTLER, of Castle Crine, who succeeded to the landed property of his cousin, Henry Butler, of O’Brien’s Castle, in 1791.

He wedded Anne D’Alton and had issue, a son,

JAMES BUTLER, of Castle Crine, who espoused Mary, daughter of Robert Ievers, of Mount Ievers, County Clare; and dying ca 1821, leaving issue.

The eldest son,

HENRY BUTLER JP DL, of Castle Crine, married Anna, daughter of Charles Dawson, of Charlesfort, County Wexford, and died in 1852 (buried at Bunratty), leaving,

JAMES, his heir;
Charles Eyre, 69th Regiment;
Henry, 90th Regiment;
William Dawson;
Deborah.

The eldest son,

JAMES BUTLER JP DL, of Castle Crine, High Sheriff of County Clare, 1851, wedded, in 1852, Sophia, daughter of Major Irvine, and by her (who married secondly, Major Graham), he left at his decease, in 1857, three daughters, of Castle Crine, his co-heiresses,

ANNA FRANCES;
SOPHIA MARY;
HENRIETTA JEMIMA.

The second daughter,

Sophia Mary Butler, married the 5th Lord Clarina, though had no male issue, and on the marriage of her eldest daughter, the Hon Sophia (Zoë) Butler-Massey to the Hon Eric Henderson, the Castle Crine estate was settled upon her, subject to the life interests of her mother and aunts.

Following the decease of Miss Anna Frances Butler in 1938, the last survivor, Mrs Butler-Henderson (who with her husband assumed the surname of BUTLER in addition to that of HENDERSON) succeeded to Castle Crine estate.

Her daughter, Mrs Wordsworth, resided there until 1951, when the estate was sold. 

CASTLE CRINE, near Sixmilebridge, County Clare, was a castellated late-Georgian house, comprising a two-storey block with two curved bows beside each other at one end; one with pointed Gothic windows and a three-storey tower.

Little battlements; corbelled turret on tower.

Castle Crine was demolished in 1955. 

First published in November, 2012.

Listed in Vanishing Country Houses of Ireland. by The Knight of Glin, David J. Griffin and Nicholas K. Robinson, published by The Irish Architectural Archive and The Irish Georgian Society, 1988.

p. 41. Castellated late Georgian house. Seat of the Crine family. Demolished 1950. Gothic gate lodge in ruins.

Carrigaholt Tower, Shannon, County Clare

by jenjunebug

Carrigaholt Tower, Shannon, County Clare

Bence-Jones, Mark. 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. 58. The Cottage: “Burton sub Conyngham]  A C19 house of random ashlar consisting of a 2 storey centre with pointed windows, flanked by single-storey gabled wings; overlooking the mouth of the Shannon, close to the ruins of an old castle of the MacMahons which was captured by the O’Briens of Thomond and afterwards passed to the Burton family. Now rebuilt, but the old C18 pink brick garden walls still survive.” 

Carrigaholt Tower, Shannon, County Clare, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon, 2024.

Irish Castles and Historic Houses. ed. by Brendan O’Neill, intro. by James Stevens Curl. Caxton Editions, London. 2002: 

This is a tall and slender five-storey tower standing on one corner of a bawn and built originally by the MacMahons, Lords of Corcasascin, around the end of the 15th century… 

Teige Caech ‘the Short-sighted’ MacMahon was unsuccessfully beseiged in the tower by Sir Conyers Clifford in 1598, but a few months later the Earl of Thomond succeeded in wrestling the castle from him. It was then taken over by Daniel O’Brien who built the fireplace on the fifth floor which bears the date 1603. 

Carrigaholt Tower, Shannon, County Clare, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon, 2024.

In 1646, Admiral Sir William Penn called at the castle on his way to Kinsale, having just abandoned Bunratty to the Confederate troops. In 1651 it was taken by Cromwell’s general, Ludlow, who kept a garrison there for a year. Charles II, however, restored the castle to to O’Briens in 1666. But in 1691 William of Orange gave it to Keppel, Earl of Albermarle, who sold it almost immediately afterwards to the Burtons, who retained it up til the present century. 

Carrigaholt Tower, Shannon, County Clare, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon, 2024.
Carrigaholt Castle, County Clare, photograph by Robert French, (between ca. 1865-1914), Lawrence Photograph Collection, National Library of Ireland.
Carrigaholt Castle, County Clare, photograph by Robert French, (between ca. 1865-1914), Lawrence Photograph Collection, National Library of Ireland.

Carrigaholt Cottage, Castle & Lands, Rinemackaderrig, Carrigaholt Castle, Carrigaholt, Co. Clare V15 VK68 6 beds4 baths305 m2 for sale courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon.

SOLD by auction on Wednesday the 27th of March 2024. This is a truly special property set privately along the stunning shoreline of the Shannon Estuary on the southern coast of the Loop Head peninsula. The property has stunning sea views and is located a short stroll from the village of Carrigaholt which is a picturesque sea side fishing village in south west Co Clare. It is accessed just off the quay road, which also leads to the local harbour and pier. The ruin of Carrigaholt Castle is a striking landmark adjacent to the pier and is included in the property. Rarely does a property with such a private setting and superb shore frontage come to market along the west Coast of Ireland. The property consists of circa 7.05 hectares (17.4 acres) of land bounded to the south and east by approximately 400 meters of private shore frontage and to the north by a walled garden and the ruins of Carrigaholt Castle. In a clearing of a private wooded area in the centre of the property there are two residential buildings in addition to outbuildings. The property was purchased by the McGrath family in 1910. Prior to that it belonged to the local landlord. Carrigaholt Castle is one of Ireland’s best preserved “Tower Houses”, built around 1480 by the McMahons, the last Gaelic Chieftains to rule this peninsula. The building is a protected structure. The two residential buildings are made up of the main residence and an adjacent more modern two bedroom residence. The main residence “Carrigaholt Cottage” (Eircode V15 VK68) is made up of a period style 4 bedroom residence to the front and a series of extensions to the rear and side. It was known as Carrigaholt Cottage. It is referenced in Hugh Weir’s houses of Clare book as a “rectangular, two storey, two bay Gothic windowed house”. The building was constructed approximately in the mid 1800’s and originally included two single storey wings on either side of the main building. There was also a glass structure to the front which has also been removed. Currently there is a sunroom extension to the side. In addition there is a large extension to the rear containing the kitchen and utility areas – (There is also a loft two bedroom conversion above this rear extension). The building requires significant modernisation. There are a number of sheds to the rear. Approximate floor area of the main house 235 sqm (2,528 sq ft approx.) The adjacent two bedroom residence (Eircode V15AK50) was built some time in approximately the early 1980’s or so. It is a two story residence with a kitchen, living/dining area and an entrance hall on the ground floor. There are two bedrooms and a bathroom on the first floor. Oil fired central heating. Approximate floor area of 70 sqm (754 sq ft approx.) BER D2. BER No. 116530932 The wooded area around the house clears to good quality pasture land to the east. To the south the property is bounded by the shoreline. There is some lesser quality land to the west of the residence. There is a wooded walled garden area to the rear (north) of the residence. This walled garden area is registered as Folio CE56767F and is made up of circa 0.33 hectares (0.81 acres). To the north of the walled garden there is a small area of ground to the west of the castle which has a path giving public access to the castle. This area and the Castle itself are currently under lease to the Clare County Council. The property was originally accessed, and can still be accessed, via a shared side road to the left of the L2002 Carrigaholt to Kilbaha road about 850 meters south of the village. The shared road is about 450 meters to the entrance from the L2002. This is in addition to the access to the property from the Quay road.

Carrigaholt Tower, Shannon, County Clare, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon, 2024.

Accommodation 

“Carrigaholt Cottage” – Entrance Hall – 1.97m x 6.4m Drawing Room – 4m x 5.75m Living Room – 3.9m x 3.9m Downstairs Bedroom single – 2.2m x 2.77m Wet room WC – 2.2m x 1.8m Sunroom – 2.6m x 4.8m Kitchen – 4.7m x 7m Store – 4.7m x 2.4m Utility Room – 4.7m x 3.4m WC – 1.45m x 1.37m Loft Attic Conversion – Room 1 – 4.7m x 2.6m Room 2 – 2.43m x 3 Bathroom – 1.5m x 3m “Second Residence” – Entrance Hall – 1.7m x 1.7m Living / Dining Room – 3.8m x 5.2m Kitchen – 2.7m x 2.7m Landing – 0.9m x 5.2m Corridor – 4.7m x 1 Bedroom 1 Single – 5m x 4.1m Bedroom 2 – 2.6m x 4.1m Bathroom – 1.85m x 2.15m

Features 

Carrigaholt Tower, Shannon, County Clare, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon, 2024.
Carrigaholt Tower, Shannon, County Clare, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon, 2024.
Carrigaholt Tower, Shannon, County Clare, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon, 2024.
Carrigaholt Tower, Shannon, County Clare, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon, 2024.
Carrigaholt Tower, Shannon, County Clare, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon, 2024.
Carrigaholt Tower, Shannon, County Clare, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon, 2024.
Carrigaholt Tower, Shannon, County Clare, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon, 2024.
Carrigaholt Tower, Shannon, County Clare, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon, 2024.
  • Private residence by the sea
  • Two residential buildings
  • Carrigaholt Cottage originally built in mid 1800’s.
  • Adjacent 2 bedroom residence built early 1980’s
  • 400 meters of private shore frontage
  • Includes the ruins of Carrigaholt Castle
  • 6.5 hectares (16 acres) of land
  • Stunning sea views
  • Short walk to local village

BER Details 

BER: G BER No: 116531971 Energy Performance Indicator: 506.2 kWh/m2/yr

Negotiator 

Diarmuid McMahon

Carrigaholt Tower, Shannon, County Clare, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon, 2024.
Carrigaholt Tower, Shannon, County Clare, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon, 2024.
Carrigaholt Tower, Shannon, County Clare, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon, 2024.
Carrigaholt Tower, Shannon, County Clare, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon, 2024.
Carrigaholt Tower, Shannon, County Clare, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon, 2024.
Carrigaholt Tower, Shannon, County Clare, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon, 2024.
Carrigaholt Tower, Shannon, County Clare, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon, 2024.
Carrigaholt Tower, Shannon, County Clare, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon, 2024.
Carrigaholt Tower, Shannon, County Clare, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon, 2024.
Carrigaholt Tower, Shannon, County Clare, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon, 2024.
Carrigaholt Tower, Shannon, County Clare, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon, 2024.
Carrigaholt Tower, Shannon, County Clare, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon, 2024.
Carrigaholt Tower, Shannon, County Clare, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon, 2024.
Carrigaholt Tower, Shannon, County Clare, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon, 2024.

Carnelly, Ennis, Co. Clare

by jenjunebug

Carnelly, Ennis, Co. Clare

Bence-Jones, Mark. 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. 56. “A 3 storey mid-C18 house of pink brick, built for George Stamer almost certainly to the design of his brother-in-law Francis Bindon. 5 bay front; Venetian doorway, windows with keystones, those in the top storey touching the frieze of the cornice. The front is prolonged by a 2 storey 3 bay wing, with rusticated window surrounds. Elaborately decorated drawing room; ceiling of foliage in low relief; modillon cornice; frames, festoons and pedimented mirrors on walls. At one end of the room is an unusual feature of 2 pairs of fluted Corinthian columns supporting an entablature with Corinthian pilasters behind them and a round-headed frame containing a mirror; it might have been imagined that the room was once a Catholic chapel and that the altar was here: but that cannot have been the case, for the Stamers were Protestants descended from a Cromwellian soldier who is said to have brought a curse on the family through taking part in the burning of a convent.” 

https://clarecastleballyea.clareheritage.org/topics/big-houses-in-clarecastle-and-ballyea/carnelly-house

Carnelly House

Carnelly House, County Clare, photograph by Eric Shaw, courtesy Clarecastle Ballyea Heritage website.

Associated families, etc.

O’Brien, French, Ross Lewin, O’Donoghue, Stamers, Stamer, Vereker, Burton, Ioynt, O’Grady, Gleeson.

Townland

Carrowanelly (Clareabbey)

Location 

S of the main Ennis to Limerick road, 2~5 km ESE of Clarecastle.

Present condition 

House: Standing. Inhabited.

Demesne: Many mature trees. Original gates and gateway standing and used. Gate lodge inhabited. Original yard and utility buildings standing and used.

Features 

Carnelly, one of Clare’s most notable residences, is an eighteenth-century, brick built, three-storey, tive bay, hip- roofed house over a basement, with a central side and fanlit Venetian style doorway approached by four steps. It faces north-north-east down a straight driveway to the main gates. A slightly lower gable-ended, two-storey, three bay extension was later added to the west. A large yard and utility buildings adjoin the rear. The reception rooms are decorated with interesting pedimented mirrors, and at one end of the drawingroom fluted columns embrace another mirror as though it was a “baroque” altarpiece. The ceilings are of fine stucco work. The windows, with their thin glazing bars, are surmounted by stone keystones, and the corners are dressed with block and start quoins. Ornamental trees and shrubs were planted in the surrounding gardens, and it is reputed that Maire Ruadh of Lemeneagh Castle (q,v.) haunts the drive!

 History 

Possibly the earliest Georgian house in County Clare, Carnelly was almost undoubtedly designed by Francis Bindon (1690-1765), and possibly built with bricks brought over from Holland as ballast. Bindon’s sister was married to a member of the family whose daughter-in-law married Charles Vereker, 2nd Viscount Gort, as her second husband, from whom descends the present holder of that title. William Stamer, of Rettendean in Essex, and Barberstown, County Kildare, died in 1637, having had two sons by a Miss Sibthorp of Dublin. Edward took over the English property, while William Stamer of County Fermanagh moved to Carnelly, County Clare circa 1640. He married Martha, daughter of William Pigott. Their son, Colonel George Stamer of Clare Castle, was the father of the infamous Major William Stamer who, in about 1691, burned Quin Abbey. He married Anne, daughter of David Bindon. She was the mother of George Stamer, husband of Honora, who was a daughter of Christopher O’Brien. There were only three more male successors. There is a tradition that, due to William’s burning of the abbey and his expulsion of the monks, a curse was put on the family that for four generations there would only be sons, and then the family would become extinct, This happened. The Stamers are stated to be of an old Saxon family long settled in East Anglia. Due to Harriet Stamer’s marriage to the Duke de Rovigo, many valuable Napoleonic and other books were stored at Stamer House (q.v.), some of which were transferred to Carnelly on the marriage of her daughter, Mary Savary, to Francis N, Burton in 1841. In 1878 F. N. Burton, J.P., owned nine thousand, six hundred and sixty-nine acrest (rateable value £4,392) at Carrigaholt and at Carnelly. There are the remains of a “giant’s grave” off the east side of the drive.  [The property is now owned by J.J. McCabe].

Weir, Hugh, W. L. Houses of Clare, Ballinakella Press, 1985

Cahercon House (or Cahiracon or Cahircon), County Clare

by jenjunebug

Cahercon House (or Cahiracon or Cahircon), County Clare, Killadysert, Co. Clare

Bence-Jones, Mark. 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. 53. “(Kelly, sub Roche-Kelly/IFR; Vandeleur/IFR) …The seat of the Scott family; afterwards of the Kelly and Vandeleur families. Now owned by a religious order.” 

http://lordbelmontinnorthernireland.blogspot.com/2014/08/cahercon-house.html

THE HON CHARLES WILLIAM WHITE WAS THE SECOND LARGEST LANDOWNER IN COUNTY TIPPERARY, WITH 23,957 ACRES
LUKE WHITE (c1740-1824) was born at Bell’s Lane (now Garfield Street), Belfast.

This bookseller, lottery operator and Whig politician was once known as “the Smithfield Millionaire.”

He started as an impecunious book dealer, first in the streets of Belfast; then, from 1778, at an auction house in Dublin, buying and reselling around the country.

By 1798, during the Rebellion, he helped the Irish government with a loan of £1 million (at £65 per £100 share at 5%).

He then purchased Luttrellstown Castle from Henry Luttrell, 2nd Earl of Carhampton, in 1800, and changed its name to Woodlands in order to eradicate the memory of its previous owner.

Mr White, High Sheriff of County Dublin, 1804, Longford, 1806, MP for Leitrim, 1818-24, married firstly, in 1781, Elizabeth, daughter of Peter de la Mazière, and had, with other issue,

Thomas, Colonel in the army, of Woodlands;
Samuel;
Luke;
HENRY, of whom hereafter;
Matilda, m 4th Baron Massy.

He espoused secondly, in 1800, Arabella, daughter of William Fortescue, and had further issue, one son.

Mr White died at his London residence in Park Street, Mayfair.

He left properties worth £175,000 per annum which subsequently devolved upon his fourth son,

HENRY WHITE (1791-1873), of Woodlands, County Dublin, and afterwards of Rathcline, County Longford, who wedded, in 1828, Ellen, daughter of William Soper Dempster, of Skibo Castle, Sutherland, and had issue,

LUKE, his heir;
Henry;
George Frederick;
Francis Samuel;
Charles William, of Cahercon;
Robert;
Eleanor; Emily.

Mr White was elevated to the peerage, in 1863, in the dignity of BARON ANNALY, of Annaly and Rathcline, County Longford.

He was succeeded by his eldest son,

LUKE, 2nd Baron (1829-88), KP, MP for Clare, 1859-60, Longford, 1861-2, Kidderminster, 1862-5, who espoused, in 1853, Emily, daughter of James Stuart, and had issue.

The Heir apparent is the present holder’s only son, the Hon Luke Henry White.

*****
The 1st Baron’s fifth son, the Hon Charles William White (1838-90), of Cahercon, inherited the County Clare estates comprising 18,226 acres, and 5,731 acres in County Tipperary.

CAHERCON HOUSE, near Kildysart, County Clare, is situated on the banks of the River Shannon, the seat of the Scott family until at least the 1850s.

The sale rental of 1854 gives a detailed description of the house which included 16 bedrooms.

Cahercon, variously known as Cahircon, Caheracon and Cahiracon, is a late-Georgian block of three storeys over a basement, with two-storey, mid-19th century wings and other additions.

The house faces across the Shannon estuary.

The main block is of five bays, with an Ionic porch; the wings have three-sided bows. The roof is prominent.

Cahercon was the seat of the Scott family until at least the 1850s and was constructed around 1790.

In 1873, the wings, conservatory and single storey bay were added.

By the 19th century James Kelly held the house in fee.

The Hon James William White, son of Lord Annally’s son, lived in Cahiracon in the mid 1870s and it was still a seat of the family in 1894.

The Vandeleurs lived in Cahercon at the beginning of the 20th century.

In 1920, it was purchased by the Maynooth Mission to China, and they in turn sold it to the Salesians Sisters of St John Bosco in 1962.

Until 2002, Cahercon House operated as a secondary school, boarding school and convent.

First published in July, 2012.

https://www.bcd-urbex.com/cahercon-house-kildysart/

It seems everywhere in Ireland has a rich history behind it, and Cahercon House in Kildysart is no exception. The 60-bedroom Georgian mansion was built around 1790, on 220 acres of land overlooking the Shannon Estuary. Through that time it has been an ascendancy family seat, a seminary for missionaries, a boarding school and, most recently, a pet project for the head of a quarrying conglomerate.

The house was built by the Scott family, but soon becoming the home of the White family in 1800s. The Whites were regarded as “new money” by high society after rapidly making their fortune operating a lottery, however this proved to be the start of an aristocracy and the house stayed in the family for the next 90 years.

Cahercon House, Ireland - Exterior of the house
Cahercon House, Ireland – Exterior of the house

Cahercon House was sold to the Vandeleurs in 1897, after their previous residence in Kilrish was destroyed by fire, and they remained there for the next two decades. The Vandeleurs, however, were not popular landlords amongst the community, and were responsible for over 1,000 evictions following the potato famine.

The estate was sold to the Maynooth Mission to China, later called the Missionary Society of St Columban and better known as “the Columbans” in 1920 for £14,000. Cahercon became St Senan’s College, a philosophical institute and seminary. A few years later, it would become a convent for the Sisters of Saint Columban, who ran a high school there until 1948. The Columbans sold the place, in October 1962, to the Salesian sisters who turned it into a boarding school for girls, which closed in 2002.

The house then fell into the hands of Clareman Paddy Whelan, a businessman who owned an extensive quarrying business and was looking to set up an explosives factory. Planning permission was granted for construction of the factory in the grounds, but faced furious local opposition, including from the nuns of Cahercon House themselves. The Whelan Group purchased the house from the nuns for something over €1 million, and the objections were silenced.

The planning permission still became overturned in 2003, but following a 10-year legal battle, was reinstated with various conditions. In a strange twist of fate, in 2010 the Whelan group, including the explosives venture, were liquidated in the High Court.

The property is now empty and for sale again, including planning permission to build an explosives factory.

Our visit was late in the day and the daylight was fading, but some of the lights inside were working.

Cahercon House, Ireland - The grand ballroom
Cahercon House, Ireland - Exterior of the house
Cahercon House, Ireland – Exterior of the house

Cahercon House was sold to the Vandeleurs in 1897, after their previous residence in Kilrish was destroyed by fire, and they remained there for the next two decades. The Vandeleurs, however, were not popular landlords amongst the community, and were responsible for over 1,000 evictions following the potato famine.

The estate was sold to the Maynooth Mission to China, later called the Missionary Society of St Columban and better known as “the Columbans” in 1920 for £14,000. Cahercon became St Senan’s College, a philosophical institute and seminary. A few years later, it would become a convent for the Sisters of Saint Columban, who ran a high school there until 1948. The Columbans sold the place, in October 1962, to the Salesian sisters who turned it into a boarding school for girls, which closed in 2002.

The house then fell into the hands of Clareman Paddy Whelan, a businessman who owned an extensive quarrying business and was looking to set up an explosives factory. Planning permission was granted for construction of the factory in the grounds, but faced furious local opposition, including from the nuns of Cahercon House themselves. The Whelan Group purchased the house from the nuns for something over €1 million, and the objections were silenced.

The planning permission still became overturned in 2003, but following a 10-year legal battle, was reinstated with various conditions. In a strange twist of fate, in 2010 the Whelan group, including the explosives venture, were liquidated in the High Court.

The property is now empty and for sale again, including planning permission to build an explosives factory.

Our visit was late in the day and the daylight was fading, but some of the lights inside were working.

Cahercon House, Ireland - The grand ballroom
Cahercon House, Ireland – The grand ballroom
Cahercon House, Ireland - The grand ballroom
Cahercon House, Ireland – The grand ballroom
Cahercon House, Ireland - One of the reception rooms
Cahercon House, Ireland – One of the reception rooms
Cahercon House, Ireland - Bay window
Cahercon House, Ireland – Bay window
Cahercon House, Ireland - Sitting room
Cahercon House, Ireland – Sitting room
Cahercon House, Ireland - A decaying room
Cahercon House, Ireland – A decaying room
Cahercon House, Ireland - Room with lots of timberwork
Cahercon House, Ireland – Room with lots of timberwork
Cahercon House, Ireland - Dining room
Cahercon House, Ireland – Dining room
Cahercon House, Ireland - Hallway with nice peely ceiling
Cahercon House, Ireland – Hallway with nice peely ceiling
Cahercon House, Ireland - Entrance hall and staircase
Cahercon House, Ireland – Entrance hall and staircase
Cahercon House, Ireland - Top of the staircase
Cahercon House, Ireland – Top of the staircase
Cahercon House, Ireland - Upstairs landing
Cahercon House, Ireland – Upstairs landing
Cahercon House, Ireland - One of the bedrooms
Cahercon House, Ireland – One of the bedrooms
Cahercon House, Ireland - Fantastically dated room
Cahercon House, Ireland – Fantastically dated room
Cahercon House, Ireland - Hallway with collapsing lantern
Cahercon House, Ireland – Hallway with collapsing lantern
Cahercon House, Ireland - Ballroom with the lights on
Cahercon House, Ireland – Ballroom with the lights on
Cahercon House, Ireland - Ballroom with the lights on
Cahercon House, Ireland – Ballroom with the lights on
Cahercon House, Ireland - Victorian wrought iron conservatory
Cahercon House, Ireland – Victorian wrought iron conservatory
Cahercon House, Ireland - Exterior of the house
Cahercon House, Ireland – Exterior of the house