Cahircalla, Ennis, Co Clare – hospital

by jenjunebugDecember 30, 2024October 29, 2025

Cahircalla, Ennis, Co Clare – hospital

*Cahercalla House, Ennis, County Clare, photograph by Robert French, [between ca. 1865-1914], Lawrence Photograph Collection, National Library of Ireland.*

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. “(Stacpoole/IRF; Crowe/LGI1958) A two storey house of C19 appearance; front of five bays, with one bay pedimented breakfront; projecting porch, entablatures on console brackets over ground floor windows. Lower wing at back. Occupied by Richard Stacpoole 1820s; afterwards became the seat of Wainwright Crowe.”

https://davidhicksbook.blogspot.com/2013/04/cahercalla-house-co.html

David Hicks

WEDNESDAY, 10 APRIL 2013

Cahercalla House

Co. Clare

Cahercalla in the early 20th century when still a private residence

(Copyright the National Library of Ireland)

The extension to the house can only be described as unsympathetic

(Copyright Ellie Ross)

However one detail that has survived is the fantastic door knocker

(Copyright Ellie Ross)

Times have not been kind to this building that appears majestically overlooking a lake in the black and white picture from the National Library. The lake is a distant memory and the house is now a community hospital. An unsympathetic wing has been added that detracts from the simplistic beauty of a house. Cahercalla House is situated near Ennis in County Clare, details are few but it was occupied in the 18th century by the Crofts, England and the Maguire Families. In 1735 a James Croft died there in 1735 and later The Clare Journal reported that a Joseph England died there on Monday 1st February 1779. In 1814 the property was owned by David A. England. The Ennis Chronicle of 28th October 1818, reported that a Thomas Mc Mahon died at Cahercalla the home of David A. England. David Arthur’s mother was a member of the Mc Mahon family and the house was probably inherited by a member of the McMahon family as a Charles Mahon lived here in 1837.

The house was then owned by Wainright Crowe in the 1860 when he was High Sheriff for Clare. In 1868 on the instructions of Wainright Crowe nine acres were enclosed in to form a Fair Green which eventually became the town park in Ennis. In 1873. Wainwright Crowe of Cahercalla died, he had been the agent for Lord Leconfields extensive Irish estates having succeeded both his father and brother in the same position. In 1887 Edith Millicent Crowe daughter of Wainright Crowe married Wyndham Harry Payne- Gallwey In the 1901 census Wainright Francis Crowe aged 39, a son of the previous owner, is in residence in Cahercalla House with his wife Ellen Mary, his two daughters Muriel Francis and Milicent and his brother Edmund together with five female servants. By 1911 only Wainright, his two brothers and two female servants are listed as living in the house. The house is listed as having 30 rooms and 11 windows on its entrance front. In 1909 Wainwright F. Crowe agreed to sell over 1’600 acres to the Congested Districts Board. The Cahercalla Estate and residence were aquired by St. Flannan’s College in 1935, three years before the arrival of St. John of God sister’s from Wexford. In 1951 the Bishop of Killaloe opened Cahercalla as a private hospital to be managed by the Sisters of St. John and it initially accommodated 35 patients.

Birchfield, Liscannor, Co Clare – ‘lost’

by jenjunebugDecember 30, 2024February 26, 2025

Birchfield, Liscannor, Co Clare – ‘lost’

*Birchfield, County Clare entrance front, Collection of Mrs Grania Weir.* 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. “An early C19 castellated house of two storeys. Symmetrical front; slender round turrets at sides; battlemented parapet, porch. Now a ruin. The embattled stable and outbuildings survive. Built by Cornelius O’Brien, MP, who was responsible for O’Brien’s lookout tower on the Cliffs of Moher nearby. A monument surmounted by an urn to his memory, with a lengthy inscription stands on the road to the north of the house.”

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.

Belvoir, Sixmilebridge, Co Clare – ruin

by jenjunebugDecember 30, 2024February 7, 2025

Belvoir, Sixmilebridge, Co Clare – ruin

p. 40. “(Wilson Lynch/LGI1958) An early C19 “gingerbread Gothic” house; later porch, ogee doorcase and pinnacles. Simple Gothic chapel joined to house by screen; according to an inscription on a stone, it was “erected in return for the devoted attention of a wife during an illness in 1862-63.” The house is now a ruin but the chapel is still roofed and in use.”

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.

“An early 19C Tudor Revival house built for David Wilson with a single storey porch. Attached chapel built 1862-1863 still in use. Now a ruin.”

Ballynalacken Castle, Lisdoonvarna, Co Clare

by jenjunebugDecember 30, 2024

Ballynalacken Castle, Lisdoonvarna, Co Clare – hotel

p. 26. “(O’Brien/LGI1912) A single-storey house with a curved bow, close to an old keep on a rock. The seat of the O’Brien family, of which Lord Chief Justice Peter O’Brien, Lord O’Brien of Kilfenora (known irreverently as “Pether the Packer”) was a younger son.”

Ballykilty, Quin, Co Clare

by jenjunebugDecember 30, 2024September 24, 2025

Ballykilty, Quin, Co Clare

*Ballykilty Manor, Quin, County Clare, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon and Cushman and Wakefield*.

p. 290. “(Blood/IFR) A three storey C18 house, remodelled C19 after a fire and given a two storey Victorian front with a projecting pedimented centre carried on the pillars of an open porch. A seat of the Blood family, members of which included “The Reputed Colonel” Thomas Blood, who attempted to carry off the Crown Jewels from the Tower of London 1671, the early C19 bibliophile and numismatist Bindon Blood, known – presumably on account of his name, rather than of his habits – as “the Vampire,” and his namesake General Sir Bindon Blood who died 1940 aged 97. Ballykilty is now a hotel.”

Ashline, Ennis, Co Clare

by jenjunebugNovember 9, 2024March 24, 2026

Ashline, Ennis, Co Clare

*Ashlin House, Ennis, County Clare, photograph by Robert French, Lawrence Photographic Collection, National Library of Ireland.*

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. 13. “(Mahon/LGI1912) A two storey Georgian house with a curved bow in the centre of its front, incorporating the entrance doorway; and with one bay on either side. Windows grouped away from the corners, leaving wide expanses of blank wall at either side of the façade. Extension set back and lower wing.”

Not in national inventory

Annaly Lodge, Drimmeen, Broadford County Clare

by jenjunebugNovember 9, 2024July 4, 2025

Annaly Lodge, Drimmeen, Broadford, County Clare for sale Oct 2022, photographs courtesy Michael Dorgan Auctioneers & Valuers

V94 XC9P €1,200,000 6 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms

4 Bedroom Victorian Hunting Lodge & additional Coach House and Guest Cottage on C.22acres of Land – C.8.88ha Michael Dorgan Auctioneers & Valuers are privileged to present this magnificent opportunity to purchase this spectacular Victorian Hunting Lodge in magnificent grounds in a magical and tranquil woodland setting. Annaly Lodge is a delightful late 19th century two storey cut stone Gothic style home completely restored throughout. It is situated in the beautiful rural countryside, between the Slieve Aughty and Slieve Barnagh mountains in a totally unspoilt area surrounded by many lakes. The property was designed as a gentleman’s hunting residence by Lieutenant Col. Charles William White (Lord Annaly), who was a very popular MP for Tipperary. It stands on approx. 22 acres of grounds with sweeping lawns all surrounded by a marvellous variety of broad leafed and evergreen trees with a huge variety of shrubs, mainly rhododendron azaleas etc. The property is surrounded by approx.1800 acres of natural forest which attracts wild deer and a variety of flora and fauna. It is an ideal place to get away from it all yet it is within easy driving distance of airport and cities. The property has absolute peace and privacy and all this together with the spectacular surrounding countryside makes Annaly Lodge a very appealing place to live. It is located 2 miles from Broadford village (R465), 15 miles from Limerick City and 38 min drive from Shannon airport.

Accommodation

Accommodation Approximately 515.7 m2 (5,551 sq ft) The Victorian property was built in the 1850s as a hunting lodge for the White family. Today, the stone-cut house has been extended, restored and modified to suit 21st century tastes while being mindful to retain the integrity and spirit of the original period features throughout. The house presents itself as a wonderful family home with superb bright spacious reception rooms, decorated with taste to enhance period features and take in the exceptional outdoors. Numerous bay windows and glass door lead to gardens and grounds from almost every room The kitchen is modern and airy, and a large sunroom has replaced a yard to the side of the house and links it to a renovated coach yard building. The layout at Annaly Lodge is wonderful for everyday family living or entertaining on a large scale. The property includes Ground floor: • Porch • Hall • WC • Drawing Room • Study • Family Dining Room • Pantry area • Reception/ Family Room • Modern fitted Kitchen • Rear hall • Laundry/ Utility Room • Very large conservatory that leads to a two-storey converted Coach House First floor: • Master bedroom with ensuite bathroom • Bedroom 2 with ensuite shower room • Bedroom 3 • Bedroom 4 • Bedroom 3 and 4 with shared bathroom • Rear staircase • Linen room Throughout the gardens are fine features including a stone fountain, gazebo, natural pond with decking, BBQ hut, fire pit, numerous sunny terraces and seating area dotted throughout the grounds. Amazing natural playgrounds for children or just to sit, relax and watch the ever-changing vistas or the extensive wildlife that pop in to visit. Coach House off Sunroom • Living Room. • Bedroom. • Ensuite. Guest Cottage • Living Room. • Kitchen. • Bedroom. • Bathroom.

Features

• This property is not listed with Heritage society. • OFCH. • Broadband. • Septic tank. • Well Water. • CCTV Viewing monitor & Alarm. • Stone pier entrance with electric gates. • Large natural pond with decking and BBQ hut. • Broadford 3km. • Limerick 23km. • Ennis 29km. • Shannon Airport 30km. • Galway 87 km • Dublin 202km • Cork 131km

BER Details

BER: Exempt

Directions

Annaly Lodge is located near the village of Broadford a picturesque village in the verdant Glenomra Valley tucked in at the foot of Slieve Bearnagh and Slieve Aughty mountains on the majestic Lough Doon. The village is situated on the R466 the road from Killaloe to Ennis. The village has schools, a church, 2 pubs and a shop for daily needs. The local primary school is excellent and is one of a few rural schools in Ireland to have been awarded a grant to improve play and sport facilities for the children. The numerous rivers and lakes to include the famous Lough Derg are an angler’s paradise. Clare is home to some beautiful scenery and natural beauty, which include the Burren, the Cliffs of Moher and the attractive Heritage Town o Killaloe situated at the mouth of Lough Derg on the River Shannon. Ennis the county town to Clare, is just a 20-minute drive away and offers a wide range of shops, amenities and restaurants that will cater for all. The M18 motorway to Limerick or Galway is within 15 minutes’ drive, and Shannon Airport can be reached in 25 minutes. There are several good primary and secondary schools within easy reach and less than an hour away is the renowned Glenstal Abbey School.

This property is being offered for Sale by private treaty. Terms are available and to be negotiated on application with agents: Michael Dorgan Auctioneers & Valuers Baldwin Street Mitchelstown Co. Cork (025) 85700

Adelphi, Corofin, Co Clare

by jenjunebugNovember 9, 2024March 19, 2026

Adelphi, Corofin, Co Clare

p. 2. “(Fitzgerald/ LG1863; Blood/IFR) early 19C house of one storey to the front and two storeys to the back. Five bay front with Wyatt windows; end bow; wide eaved roof. Behind the house is an old ruined tower.”

https://www.buildingsofireland.ie/buildings-search/building/20401712/adelphi-house-clifden-co-clare

*Adelphi, County Clare, photograph courtesy of National Inventory.*

Detached five-bay single-storey over part-raised basement house, built c. 1810, with three-bay recessed central block having tripartite window openings and single-bay advanced end bays having relieving arches. L-plan two-bay two-storey return to rear. Hipped artificial slate roof with four diagonally placed chimneystacks and deep eaves with exposed timber rafters. Roughcast rendered walls. Slate hanging to west walls. Glass lens set in wall beside front door step allowing view up from basement. Timber pilasters and cornice to timber panelled door with overlight. Diamond pane cast-iron windows set in cut-stone frames. Tripartite windows flanking door. Bow window to right side elevation. Retaining interior shutters. Detached two-bay single-storey gable-fronted rubble stone-built coach house to site. Cut-stone gate piers with cast-iron gates to site.

https://merrionstreet.ie/en/News-Room/Releases/28_heritage_buildings_to_benefit_from_funding_under_the_Structures_at_Risk_Fund_2015_–_Minister_Humphreys_%C2%A0.html

Grant Awards under Structures at Risk Fund 2015

Adelphi House, Corofin, Co Clare awarded €30,000

Abbeyfield House, Co Clare

by jenjunebugNovember 9, 2024June 12, 2025

Abbeyfield House, Co Clare

Not in Bence-Jones

https://www.buildingsofireland.ie/buil ding s-search/building/20000137/abbeyfield-house-county-clare

Detached three-bay three-storey house, built c. 1750, having three-storey wings and connecting bay to further three-storey section, all to rear. Salient two-story wing to right, c. 1820. Two-storey extension, c. 1900 to rear. Pitched slate roof with red brick stacks to gables. Pitched slate roofs to rear sections. Hipped slate roof to salient wing. Roughcast rendered walls with eaves cornice. Rendered walls to salient wing. Roughly coursed rubble stone walls to rear with some roughcast render and lime wash in places. Shouldered architrave with scroll keystone surmounted by pediment supported by consoles to front door. Timber sliding sash windows. Set on bend of the river. Terminates the vista of Abbey Street to the north. Large stable block close to river bank, possibly suggesting former military use.

*Abbeyfield House, Co Clare courtesy National Inventory.*

In need of TLC

The limestone doorcase of Abbeyfield House, Ennis, County Clare. Believed to date from c.1750, in the early 19th century the building was home to Matilda Crowe with whom Thomas ‘Honest Tom’ Steele, the friend and supporter of Daniel O’Connell, was passionately in love. He would sit on a rock on the other side of the river Fergus and gaze at Abbeyfield House in the hope of catching a glimpse of Miss Steele but to no avail: she ignored his overtures. Today the house is a police station and desperately in need of some of the love once lavished on its former chatelaine.