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.
“(Ward/IFR) A two storey C18 house with a high roof, incorporating what is said to be part of an earlier house. Long front with irregular fenestration; two storey gabled porch with found-headed window above entrance doorway. Underground passage leading from beneath the stairs to a field some distance from the house. In 1814, the residence of Luke Eiffe; in 1837 of J. Shanley. Owned ca 1849 by Carp Armit, who sold it around that time to Christopher Ward. Now owned by Mr L.J. Ward.”
Record of Protected Structures
Detached nine-bay two-storey house with shallow hipped roof, built in two stages, c. 1750 and c.1800.
Normansgrove or Norman’s Grove is situated near Clonee, Dunboyne. A two storey eighteenth century house with a high roof, an earlier building is incorporated into the house. The house is one room in depth with a passage running at the back of the building. There is a folly and a haha to the south of the house.
In 1748 the property was acquired by the Lee Norman family who gave the house their name. In the eighteenth century Norman’s Grove was the residence of Luke Eiffe. Luke Eiffe died 1856 aged 85 years. His son, Luke, emigrated to New Zealand, where he died in 1865. His son, James, died 1878 aged 62 years.
In 1803 Norman’s grove was the seat of Mr. Jones. In 1835 Normansgrove was the seat of Captain Arnott. There was 7.75 acres of plantation at Normansgrove. Captain Arnott was only in possession for a short time. In 1837 J. Shanley J.P. was living at Normansgrove. James Shanley of Norman’s Grove emigrated to Canada.
Christopher Ward of Gunnocks rented the house and lands in 1845. In 1876 Christopher Ward of Norman’s Grove, owned 84 acres in county Meath. In 1881 Bernard Ward was living at Norman’s Grove.
In 1901 and 1911 Patrick J. Ward, grazier, was living at Norman’s Grove. The house had eighteen rooms, sixteen windows to the front and nineteen outbuildings.
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.
“A two storey five bay Georgian house with a central pedimented projection. Fanlighted doorway in doorcase with entablature.”
Mountainstown House, County Meath, courtesy Raymond Potterton, for sale May 2025.
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.
“(Pollock/LGI1958) An early C18 house of two storyes over high plinth, with a charming air of bucolic Baroque. The six bay front is adorned with giant Ionic pilasters, two supporting the pediment and one at either side; but they have neither architrave nor frieze. The Venetian entrance doorway is enriched with Ionic pilasters, urns on entablatures, a keystone and a finial which breaks through the string-course above. In front it is is a great if somewhat rustic perron with a central balustrade and ironwork railings to the flights of steps. In the centre of the four bay side elevation is a little floating pediment. This side of the house is prolonged by a three sided projection, with timber-mullioned windows in C17 style. There is a dormered attic in the high roof, which is also lit by a lunette window in the main pediment.”
Six-bay, two-storey over basement house, with two-bay breakfront and pediment, c.1720 by Richard Gibbons, sold to John Pollock in 1780, sw wing added 1813 and single storey kitchen wing. Stableyards.
Mountainstown (House) - located outside Navan in the townland of Castletown Kilpatrick, built around 1720 for Richard Gibbons whose father Samuel acquired the estate in the late 17th century: in the same year he made a visitation of his dioceses, Bishop Anthony Dopping of Meath recorded ‘Mr Gibbons and his wife came here in xmas 1693.’ Mr Gibbons’ son Richard is likewise recorded as being at Mountainstown in Faulkiner’s Dublin Journal in 1745, by which time the house would have been well finished. Over the door is a stone cartouche featuring the arms of the Pollocks, the family that followed the Gibbonses at Mountainstown. The latter remained in possession of the estate until 1796 when it was sold to the John Pollock by a daughter of Samuel Gibbons. He had already been renting for some time. The first John Pollock moved from Scotland to Ireland in 1732 and settled in Newry where he became involved in the linen trade. His son continued in the same business and was commemorated by a tombstone in St Mary’s, Newry declaring he and his wife Elizabeth had been ‘parents of eleven children all of whom they lived to see established in the world.’ One of those children, another John, became a successful solicitor in Dublin and was appointed Transscriptor of the Court of the Exchequer. He first rented and then bought Mountainstown although he retained a townhouse in Dublin’s Mountjoy Square so that his business could continue. Married to the daughter of a London banker, around 1811 he extended Mountainstown by adding a two-storey wing to the south-west of the older building. The ground floor of this new section contains a large drawing room with canted bay window and beyond it an equally substantial dining room. A substantial stable yard was added by the next generation. In the mid-1820s Mountainstown was inherited by Arthur Hill Cornwallis Pollock, named after his father’s patron, Arthur Hill, second Marquess of Downshire. The present generation has decided to put the property on the market (March 2015) for €4.15 million.
It has long been commented that Mountainstown, County Meath is mis-named since its location in the midst of flat countryside is near neither a mountain nor a town. One ill-tempered Englishwoman in the 1840s wrote ‘At the beginning of this month we came to a place called Mountainstown, which name it must have been received from the inveterately stupid and perverse disposition of the Natives, because the place is situated in a low and flat Country, and there is not a Mountain to be seen within the Horizon.’ In fact the denomination most likely derives from an Anglicisation of the Irish for ‘Beside a Bog.’ It has borne the name for hundreds of years since the house here, soon due to celebrate the tercentenary of its construction, has always been known as Mountainstown. It is believed to have erected around 1720 for Richard Gibbons whose father Samuel acquired the estate in the late 17th century: in the same year he made a visitation of his diocses, Bishop Anthony Dopping of Meath recorded ‘Mr Gibbons and his wife came here in xmas 1693.’ Mr Gibbons’ son Richard is likewise recorded as being at Mountainstown in Faulkiner’s Dublin Journal in 1745, by which time the house would have been well finished.
The oldest part of Mountainstown is a stocky rectangular block with six bay front, of two main storeys with dormer attic above and basement below. Kevin Mulligan has described the building as occupying ‘the middle ground between farmhouse and mansion’ and like others employed the terms bucolic and naive when speaking of its design. Mountainstown’s facade is its most immediately striking feature, a determined effort on the part of Richard Gibbons to display awareness of current architectural trends even if these were employed in a somewhat unsophisticated manner. Four slender Ionic pilasters ascend to the top of the building but without the intervention of an entablature and frieze; instead they meet the roofline via a narrow moulded cornice. The two central pilasters support a pediment but again appear too slight for the task. The raised entrance is reached by flights of stone steps with iron work railings on either side, the Venetian doorcase once more being flanked by pairs of pilasters with sidelights above which sit half-urns while over the door itself is a stone cartouche featuring the arms of the Pollocks, the family that followed the Gibbonses at Mountainstown. The latter remained in possession of the estate until 1796 when it was sold to the John Pollock who had already been renting for some time.
The history of Mountainstown’s next owners represents a familiar trajectory from merchant class to gentry, a route to which many families formerly aspired. The first John Pollock moved from Scotland to Ireland in 1732 and settled in Newry where he became involved in the burgeoning linen trade. His son continued in the same business and was commemorated by a tombstone in St Mary’s, Newry declaring he and his wife Elizabeth had been ‘parents of eleven children all of whom they lived to see established in the world.’ One of those children, another John, became a successful solicitor in Dublin and was appointed Transscriptor of the Court of the Exchequer. He also acted as agent for the Hills, Marquesses of Downshire, among the country’s largest landowners: at one time they had 115,000 acres, mostly but not exclusively in County Down. Hence being their agent was a profitable occupation and allowed John Pollock first to rent and then to buy Mountainstown although he retained a townhouse in Dublin’s Mountjoy Square so that his business could continue. Married to the daughter of a London banker, around 1811 he extended Mountainstown by adding a two-storey wing to the south-west of the older building. The ground floor of this new section contains a large drawing room with canted bay window and beyond it an equally substantial dining room. To the immediate right of the facade is a long kitchen wing and behind this lies a very substantial stable yard added by the next generation.
Mountainstown is thus of two periods and two parts, each complementing the other. While the later portion of the house is relatively plain and very much in the Regency taste with deep tripartite windows, high ceilings and understated plasterwork, the earlier reflects the more ostentatious taste of the period in which it was built. The entrance hall, stairs and first floor landing retain their original decoration, moulded plaster panels with lugged heads forming tabernacle frames beneath a dentil cornice. The handsome stairs are wide and shallow, Doric balusters supporting the handrail and the side of each tread adorned with carved curls of foliage. As with the facade, this decoration represents the original builder’s interest in showing he was au courant with the latest fashions. The most unexpected feature can be found almost immediately inside the front door: what looks to be a death mask set into the ceiling. It is commonly believed that the man shown is Samuel Gibbons, perhaps placed here as an act of filial piety on the part of his son Richard. The rooms in the front portion of the house are noticeably smaller than those added in the 19th century, and some have angled corner chimneypieces: a marble panel on that in the former morning room featuring a knight in armour.
In the mid-1820s Mountainstown was inherited by Arthur Hill Cornwallis Pollock, named after his father’s patron, Arthur Hill, second Marquess of Downshire. Almost twenty years before he had been sent on a tour of Europe by his parents, presumably keen that their heir have the upbringing of a gentleman. Having visited France and Italy, he travelled as far as Russia, spending time at the Imperial court in St Petersburg with his friends Lords Royston and Somerton, before finally returning home in the second half of 1807. Four years later he married a cousin and devoted the rest of his life to agriculture and country pursuits. It was Arthur who created the spacious yard immediately to the north of the main house as he often won medals for his animals at agricultural shows. The Pollocks were always keen on hunting and Arthur had his own pack of hounds at Mountainstown as did many of his neighbours: eventually these were amalgamated into the Clonghill Hunt which later became the Meath. And so it has gone on until now, when the present generation has decided the moment is right to pass Mountainstown on to another family, perhaps one that will remain in the house for as long as have the Pollocks. It is always sad to see an historic property come on the market, especially in Ireland where relatively few families have stayed in the same place for so long. However, one should remember the words of Disraeli who in 1867 observed, ‘Change is inevitable in a progressive country. Change is constant.’ Whatever one’s personal feelings, the proposed departure of the Pollocks from Mountainstown, like that of the Gibbonses before them, is a reflection of that necessary change.
For sale 4/11/2019
courtesy Savills (Country)
Tel: 01 663 4350
PSRA Licence No. 002223
Mountainstown Estate, Navan, Co. Meath, C15 C938
9 bed, 1103.9sq m
€2,750,000
A most impressive 18th Century Georgian mansion, of immense charm and character, nestled in the heart of rural Meath and surrounded by 120 acres of parkland, paddocks and mature woodland. Mountainstown comprises a most impressive, but charming Georgian House surrounded by 120 acres of parkland, paddocks, mature woodland and newly planted hardwood. Nestled in the heart of unspoilt rural Meath, a county renowned for its rich heritage and excellent lands.
The house is approached by two sweeping avenues both of which travel through the parkland before the first glimpse of the house and eventually arriving at the broad gravel forecourt. While the house does impress by its grandeur and scale, it exudes character and style, which has made it a fabulous family home. In all, Mountainstown encompasses all the attributes one seeks when acquiring a fine country residence; from the sizable, well maintained house, extraordinary stable yard, gardens and auxiliary courtyards, walled garden and mature parkland. The residence stands three floors over basement with a good layout and an easy flow due to the two separate staircases. It is approached by a double set of balustraded stone steps into the main hall which has a fine staircase with turned Doric bannisters and walls decorated with handsome plaster panels.
This hall ceiling features the mould of Samuel Gibbon`s face, set within a graceful cartouche. To the left of the hall there are four interconnecting reception rooms, namely the library, small dining room (or breakfast room) drawing room and dining room. This enfilade of south -facing spaces blend and flow beautifully to make for superb entertaining.
The library features gilded carvings of the Pollock family crest; the boar pierced by an arrow, atop the pelmets, which also support the original tassel fringes. This fascinating library also has its original leather wall covering, in a wonderful ox-blood colour.
The drawing room and the dining room stand out as exceptionally graceful rooms due to their light-filled proportions and decorative features. The drawing room boasts a large 3 bay window which leads directly into the garden via a flight of wide stone steps. To the right of the hall are found the study, play room and the fantastic modern Scavolini kitchen which is bright and spacious, with 4 windows facing due West and East with cushioned window seats.
Upstairs there are generous bedroom suites all with fine views either overlooking the gardens or with panoramic vistas over the surrounding countryside. The whole basement houses useful rooms such as the party room (formerly the Servant`s Hall), gym, billiard room, a garden sitting room which leads onto the sunken garden, a music room and a kitchen.
When the current Arthur Pollock took over the property himself and his wife Atalanta meticulously continued the restoration of the house and planted two gardens, whilst always being mindful to maintain the integrity of all the original features. Their main object has been to use all of the house and make it family orientated and up-dated to reflect a modern family`s needs. Over recent years the house has been re-wired, re-plumbed and re-roofed.
Their efforts also extended to the garden where they have laid out a mix of formal and informal gardens and cleverly created a sunken patio garden which is to the rear of the house and accessed via the garden room and from the formal garden.
Ground Floor The interior is approached up a gracious flight of stone steps to the grand reception hall which is a beautiful space with ornate plaster cornicing. The entrance hall and the fine staircase are two of Mountainstown’s most impressive and distinguishing features. The wide staircase, with twisted balusters and carved brackets, leads up to a classic Georgian galleried landing. There are panoramic views over the rolling Meath countryside from every window .
Leading off the main hall is the Library, which has large East and South-facing windows, original mid 18 th C leather wall-covering and a grey carved marble fireplace with brass inserts and a carpeted floor.
The small Dining room boasts a white marble fireplace with brass inserts,large South-facing window and a timber floor.
The Drawing Room has carpeted floors, magnificent gilded decorative plasterwork on the ceiling,a marble fireplace and a spectacular 3 bay window with double French doors out to steps leading down to the formal garden.
The Dining Room features an impressive corniced ceiling, two large South-facing Wyatt windows,a black Kilkenny marble fireplace,a recessed arch and magnificent mahogany carved doors.
To the right of the main hall is the study with corniced ceiling, carpeted floor and a marble fireplace. The back hall has hardwood timber floors and a back staircase to first floor level. Off this hall is the laundry room, linen room and butler`s pantry with built in shelving. Off the main Hall is the play room, which has timber floors, a marble fireplace and a large West -facing window and the large, bright, modern kitchen.Truly ergonomic and stylish,it is fully fitted with Scavolini units, a central island and polished granite worktops. A vintage 4 door Aga, integrated Neff appliances, window seats in the four kitchen windows and a large skylight. Off the Kitchen is the Pantry with storage and shelving and a cloakroom. First Floor Return The first floor return has 3 spacious bedrooms off a large, elegant landing with two windows facing the rolling parkland to the front of the house. Bedroom 1 has a grey marble fireplace and two South-facing windows over-looking the formal garden. Bedroom 2 has a grey marble fireplace and two windows facing East and South.Bedroom 3 has a large West -facing window and has an en-suite bathroom that can also be accessed from the hall. The large family bathroom has an elevated roll-top bath of huge proportions,a marble fire place and large East -facing window. First Floor wing At first floor level there are 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, which are all en-suite.The Master bedroom is above the drawing room and has huge South-facing bay windows over-looking the formal garden and large fitted cupboards.The en-suite bathroom houses a Siena marble surrounded jacuzzi bath. Attic – 2nd floor The 2nd floor houses three further bedrooms,a large sitting room , a panelled bathroom with roll-top bath and another separate wc. Each bedroom has grated fireplaces and the entire attic has carpeted floors. Basement level At basement level there are a number of large and useful rooms. These include a full-size billiard room,which was the original kitchen with Georgian cooking range and bread oven, a vaulted Servant`s hall complete with original servant`s bells, a music room, a West -facing Sitting room which leads through a French window onto the Sunken garden,a fully fitted kitchen,cloakroom, 2 wine cellars, two store rooms, a mirrored gym, boot room and cloakroom. The gardens Mountainstown has a wonderfully laid out formal garden with box hedging and gravel paths,centred by a sundial commissioned by John Pollock. To the rear of the house is a sunken patio garden with four raised beds and a rectangular pool.With the expanse of lawns dotted with mature trees,the whole effect is graceful and restrained,with low maintenance in mind.There is a vegetable bed and a glass-house. A Georgian Gothic cottage sits at the end of the lawn and was lived in by the Head Gardener and his family for a number of generations.This charming two storey house has recently been re -roofed and re-windowed and would be ideal for a number of uses. Formally the Pleasure gardens extended beyond the garden house and encompassed the area surrounding a huge walled garden. Today this section and the walled garden are overgrown but it is clear that there remain magnificent specimen trees and shrubs and the makings of a rewarding garden project.
The Estate Farm and Yards The estates boasts three separate yards, namely the stunning stable yard, the 19th century farm buildings and the farm yard. The stable yard has a range of 25 stables,an almost unique ,cobbled Carriage wash for cleaning horses legs and the wheels of carriages after a journey, coach houses,forge, tack rooms, large open span stone built barn and further potential for additional accommodation.The water source for the entire property is Spring -fed, with strikingly pure water which was until quite recently, successfully bottled commercially .and there remain,in working order,a Georgian double hexagonal stone well,with three steps down from which to draw the water in days gone by. Beyond the stable yard is an old stone yard with a cobbled barn,also the original kennels which housed the Clongill,then the Meath Fox Hounds. Beyond this is the farm yard with slatted sheds and barns. There is a traditional L-shaped stone farm yard which is a mix of two storey and single storey buildings all in need of restoration. The Lands The lands are a mix of mature woodland,young woodland and pasture,some of which is used to house the family`s horses in paddocks, it is high quality old permanent pasture. Services Private spring fed well; phone line; ESB; alarm system; security lights; broadband and a private sewage system Mountainstown House is located in the heart of ‘Royal Meath’, near the charming village of Castletown-Kilpatrick and just ten minutes from the bustling market town of Navan. Castletown-Kilpatrick is set in lush, green countryside and surrounded by rich farmland. County Meath is home to attractions such as Killeen Castle and the Hill of Tara which is the ancient home of the High kings of Ireland, and the world-famous megalithic burial tombs of Newgrange. For sporting and recreational enthusiasts the opportunities are marvellous. County Meath has a proud sporting history and can offer a huge array of quality sporting and recreational activities for even the most active of lifestyles. Golf The golf enthusiast is well catered for in the surrounding area with quality golf courses within the surrounding areas. The nearby golf courses are Royal Tara Golf Club, The famous Jack Nicklaus designed golf course at Killeen Castle, Headford Golf Club, Black Bush Golf Club near Fairyhouse and Carton House, home to the 2013 Irish Open. Racing Race-goers are well catered for with Navan Racecourse and Fairyhouse Race Course nearby. Both of these courses are very well renowned and host a multitude of events and point-to-points throughout the year. There is also the all-weather track at Dundalk which hosts a packed calendar of races all year round. Hunting There is excellent hunting in the area with a number of local packs including The Tara Harriers, The Meath Foxhounds, The Ward Union, The Louth Foxhounds and The Ballymacad Hunt. Shooting Meath plays host to many excellent high bird shoots and there are a number of private syndicates in the surrounding area. The adjoining lands to Mountainstown host a well renowned private shoot. Fishing The River Boyne and its tributaries hold extensive stocks of wild brown and rainbow trout, eel and salmon. There is also well managed trout fishing available on the lakes near Collinstown and Fore. Schools There are a variety of exceptional private and public schools in the area including Headfort Prep School, Castleknock College and Mount Sackville. Shopping Navan is only 13km from Mountainstown House and provides an extensive range of shops, restaurants and supermarkets. Dublin city is only 58 km away. Travel As well as offering all the joys of true country living, Mountainstown House is just 13 km from Navan, 58 km from Dublin City Centre and 55 km from Dublin Airport.
Features
Historic estate in the heart of Co. Meath
6 reception rooms, 9 bedrooms, 6 bath
Superb courtyard and stable yard, farm buildings
Presented in wonderful condition
Further leisure rooms including playroom, music room, billiards room
All surrounded by parkland, paddocks, mature woodland, formal gardens
Garden cottage, keepers cottage
Navan 13 km, Dublin city 55 km, Dublin Airport 58 km
Mountainstown House, located north of Navan at Castletown is a wonderful Queen Anne house with a well maintained courtyard and estate. Home to the Pollock family,
Mountainstown House is not near any mountain or town and probably derives its name from a mounting post or halt, according to Rowan and Casey. Maurice Craig described Mountainstown as a somewhat naïve but charming building.
Samuel Gibbons lived at Mountainstown in the early eighteenth century. It appears that the house was originally built for Richard Gibbons about 1720. In the late eighteenth century his only surviving child, Anne Gibbons, sold it to John Pollock, whose family had been renting the estate for some time.
John Pollock was the third son of John Pollock, a Newry linen merchant. Pollock became a solicitor in Dublin and agent for the Duke of Devonshire, one of the largest landowners in Ireland and was a Dublin based solicitor. In 1813 the main block of the house was extended by a long two-storey gabled wing built on to the southwest corner and converting the house to an L-shaped plan. The Venetian doorcase bears the Pollock coat of arms.
Today the derelict remains of Kilshine church is situated opposite the main gates of Mountainstown House. John Pollock rebuilt the church in 1815 and presented the parish with a silver chalice. Kilshine Church was closed in 1958 and was de-consecrated and the furnishings removed. The Pollock memorial tablets were erected in Donaghpatrick Church.
The 1798 rebels passed through the Mountainstown and Georges Cross area. There are a great number of Croppie graves in Mountianstown estate. In 1998 a multi-denominational service was held to commemorate the hundreds of United Irishmen from Wexford who fought at the battle of Knightstown Bog on 14th July 1798. A stone plaque was erected to commemorate those who died. The Pollocks of Mountainstown took an active part in the commemoration ceremonies.
John Pollock died in December 1826 leaving an only son, Arthur, born 1785. Arthur Hill Cornwallis Pollock spent much of his early years travelling Europe. Arthur was High Sheriff of Meath in 1809 and died in 1846.
In 1835 Mountainstown House, the seat of Mr. A.H.C. Pollock was described as being surrounded by beautiful planting and ornament ground. North of the house was a small fishpond for ornament. In the farmyard there was a small pond and two fine spring wells. Situated in the northwest of the townland was a beautiful decoy, in which ducks, teel and widgeon were caught.
Arthur was succeeded by his son, John Osborne George Pollock, who was born in 1812. He was a justice of the peace and a deputy lieutenant of the county. He served as High Sheriff for the county in 1854. John died in 1871 and was succeeded by his sons, Arthur Henry Taylor and John Naper George. In 1876 Arthur Pollock held 848 acres in county Meath and Maria Pollock of Mountainstown held 1174 acres in county Meath.
John Naper George married Anna Josephine Barrington of Limerick. Dying in 1905 John was succeeded by his eldest son, also named John, born 1896. Anna Josephine lived on until 1947, surviving her husband by forty years. John Pollock served during World War I in the North Irish Horse and died in 1966.
There was also a large amount of material on the Irish Pollock families showing their descent from the main family, including written histories on the Pollocks of Newry, Balleyedmond, Balleymagregrechan and Mountainstown, and showing the descent of James Knox Polk, the 11th President of the United States of America from the Irish Pollocks. A house in Scotland, called Mountainstown, is home of a Pollock family but there is no clear relationship with the Meath Pollocks. President Polk may be related to the Pollocks of Scotland according to one source.
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.
“A house of ca 1810; two storeys over basement, three bays. The seat of the Hevey Langan family.”
Mount Hevey, County Meath, courtesy National Inventory.
Detached three-bay two-storey over basement house, built c.1850. Gabled projecting central bay with Ionic entrance portico, approached by flight of limestone steps. Single-storey over basement projecting bay to west elevation, and two-storey over basement return to rear. Hipped slate roof with dentils to eaves soffits, and a pair of rendered chimneystacks. Rock-faced ashlar to first floor, with limestone strings courses and quoins. Timber sash windows with limestone sills. Three-bay outbuilding with dormer windows to rear. Limestone ashlar entrance piers with cast-iron gates.
Appraisal
The architectural form of this house is enhanced by architectural detailing. Each floor of the house is articulated with varying treatment of masonry and render. The entrance level is of apparent significance, with the channelled render and quoins, and is clearly defined from the floors above and below by the string courses. Rock-faced quoins have been employed at basement level, with ashlar quoins at first floor level. The breakfront and recessed window surrounds are interesting architectural details. The entrance porch adds artistic interest to the house. The house forms a group with the related garden structures and outbuildings.
Mount Hevey, County Meath, courtesy National Inventory.Mount Hevey, County Meath, courtesy National Inventory.Mount Hevey, County Meath, courtesy National Inventory.
Roughly dressed rubble limestone walled garden, built c.1890. Cast-iron railings and gates, limestone arch and glasshouse to south wall. Remains of garden building to north wall. Shell house inscribed ‘1912’. Limestone steps to south of walled garden.
Appraisal
The former walled garden, glass house and shell house, though now in poor condition, form an interesting group of related structures with Mount Hevey House and outbuildings. The cast-iron gates and railings of the walled garden are particularly elaborate.
Mount Hevey, County Meath, courtesy National Inventory.Mount Hevey, County Meath, courtesy National Inventory.Mount Hevey, County Meath, courtesy National Inventory.Mount Hevey, County Meath, courtesy National Inventory.
Roughly dressed rubble limestone farmyard complex, built c.1850. Comprising a multiple-bay range running east-west to south, a three-bay range running east-west to north, and three ranges running north-west between the east-west ranges. Former farm labourer’s house to north-east corner. Weight machine to site. Roughly dressed rubble stone pier and cobbles to entrance.
Appraisal
This farmyard complex forms a group of related structures with the house and garden structures. The survival of many original features and materials, such as the slate roofs, stone dressings and timber sash windows enhance the form of these modest buildings.
Mount Hevey, County Meath, courtesy National Inventory.Mount Hevey, County Meath, courtesy National Inventory.
Record of protected structures:
Mount Hevey, townland: Kilnagallagh, town: Kinnegad
Detached three-bay two-storey over basement house, built c.1850. Three-bay outbuilding with dormer windows to rear. Limestone ashlar entrance piers with cast-iron gates.
Mount Hevey is located at Hill of Down, Clonard, Kinnegad. The name of the townland is Kilnagallagh. Casey and Rowan describe Mount Hevey as a square Italianite villa of a type popularised by William Caldbeck in the 1850s. The house consists of two storeys over a basement. The house dates to about 1860 but there was an earlier house which was incorporated into the farmyard. The farmyard complex dates from about 1860, the same time as the house was erected. A walled garden dates from about 1890. There is a shell house bearing the date “1912”.
There is a record of a John Hevey, merchant, in Kinnegad in 1746. In 1805 there is a record of Garrett Hevey of Mount Hevey. Patrick Langan married Mary Hevey of Mount Hevey. Their son, Frederick Hevey Langan, inherited Mount Hevey from John Hevey, Mary’s father.
In 1835 it was leased to Mr. Heavy of Mount Heavy by the owner Mr. McManus. In 1854 the townland was in the ownership of James McManus and Frederick H. Langan was renting the major part of the townland and he in turn was renting a house offices and land to Michael Hevey. The major house was the residence of Frederick H. Langan.
Frederick Hevey Langan was born in 1825. He was a magistrate. In 1876 Frederick H. Langan of Mount Hevey held 929 acres in County Meath and 2051 acres in County Galway. He died in 1890. In 1901 John H. Langan and his wife were residing at Mount Hevey. The house had nineteen rooms, twenty two windows to the front and twenty eight outbuildings. John Francis Hevey Langan was the only son of Frederick Hevey Langan and was born in 1871. In 1900 he married Rowena Martin of Dublin and they had three children, two daughters and a son, Frederick. John was High Sheriff of Meath in 1913. The family also had property in Dublin. John died in 1955. His eldest son, Frederick Hevey Langan, married Myrrha Jepson about 1940. Frederick Hevey Langan was involved in the R.D.S. and was nominated as a candidate in a Senate election in 1970. Frederick died in 1978, a year after Mount Hevey was sold. His only son, Peter St. John Hevey Langan, became a barrister and was called to the English Bar in 1967. Princess Margaret attended the ceremony.
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.
“(Mathews/LGI1937 supp) A three storey house probably dating from the first half of C18. Windows with thick glazing bars; fanlighted doorway at the end of a flight of steps with railings of particularly good ironwork. Sold recently by Mathews family.”
Not in national inventory
Casey, Christine and Alistair Rowan. The Buildings of Ireland: North Leinster. Penguin Books, London, 1993.
Mount Hanover, County Meath is believed to date from the start of the 18th century: its name suggests some time around the accession of George I in 1714. Of three storeys over basement, this tall and slender house has a handsome but relatively modest appearance until one steps into the dining room where the ceiling displays an unexpected riot of rococo plasterwork. Scrolls and curlicues abound and in the area occupied by a canted bay are clusters of flowers and fruit, and swooping birds. Although stylistically it shows a lighter touch, given the house’s location not many miles from Drogheda, might this be another example of the handiwork of the stuccodore of St Peter’s, or at least of someone working with him?
Presented in wonderful condition and boasting 109 acres of prime agricultural lands. Positioned in a peaceful country setting yet within 25 minutes of Dublin Airport and 40 minutes of Dublin City.
Further Information Mount Hanover House dates back to the Battle of the Boyne era when building commenced in 1690 and it is believed was probably completed in 1710.
It was the home to the Mathews family for over 150 years until the mid-1980’s when the current owners purchased the property.
They immediately set about a restoration project, investing considerable time and expenditure meticulously restoring the house to its former glory.
Their efforts went far beyond the residence and the house is now surrounded by wonderful formal gardens, while the lands also benefited from drainage and continued maintenance.
Today they present as top quality agricultural lands suitable for any farming enterprise, including stud farming.
Presented in excellent condition the house makes a superb family home, conveniently laid out and although it impresses by its grandeur, it very much feels like a home.
The rooms are bright, well-proportioned and are a showcase of early Georgian architecture.
Throughout the house there are exquisite features, such as ornate cornicing and decorative ceiling plaster work, grand antique marble chimney pieces, Doric columns in the hall, sash windows with shutters, large bay windows throwing light into the rooms.
A major feature of the house is the wonderful views with many different aspects such as the rolling fertile farmland, Bellewstown Hill, the gardens and woodland.
Mount Hanover is located between Julianstown and Duleek, near Kilsharvan. Maurice Craig said the Mount Hanover was an early 18th century house, noted for its fine ironwork. Craig said it probably dated to the first half of the eighteenth century. Casey and Rowan described Mount Hanover as a very tall gabled Georgian house with long fifteen pane sash windows with thick glazing bars. Mulligan dated the house to the early part of the eighteenth century possibly 1720. The ground floor rooms have plasterworks representing birds, fruit and foliage.
John Curtis of Mount Hanover married Martha Towers in 1744. He died in 1775. His second son, Richard, succeeded him at Mount Hanover. John’s daughter Sophia married John Forbes of Newstone, Drumconrath. John Forbes was M.P. for Drogheda and Lord Mayor of Dublin. He later served as governor of the Bahamas. He died in 1797. Rev. Richard Curtis lived at Mount Hanover. In 1786 Arthur Forbes was resident at Mount Hanover.
In 1801 George Ball was noted as resident. Mount Hanover was occupied by Gustavus Hamilton in 1814. The house then passed to the Matthews family.
In 1835 Mount Hanover was the residence of James Mathews and was a good house with offices. In 1837 James Mathews was one of the shareholder sin the Drogheda and Kells Railway company. The Mathews family were involved in the formation of the Drogheda Steampacket Company (1826-1902). In 1854 James Mathews held Mount Hanover.
Fr. Matthews from Mount Hanover was parish priest of St. Mary’s Drogheda. Fr. Mathews had been suspended for seven years for supporting his niece in a case against her superiors in a convent in England. His niece was Susan Saurin of Garballagh House, Duleek. In 1876 James Mathews of Mount Hanover House held 968 acres in County Meath. At Christmas the Matthews family put on a pantomime and tea party for the children of Mount Hanover School. Patrick, son of James Mathews died in 1895. In 1901 Elizabeth Mathews, widow, aged 41 was living at Mount Hanover. The house had twenty rooms, seventeen windows to the front and seventeen outbuildings. James Stanley Mathews, elder son of Patrick and Elizabeth Mathews of Mount Hanover, was educated at Oxford College and was called to the Irish Bar in 1911. He married Phillis Mary Lentaigne in 1914. He served with the South Irish Horse from 1915 to 1919.
According to ‘The parish of Duleek and over the ditches’ one of the Matthews family was caught in the 1916 ambush at Ashbourne. The car in which they were driving, a Rover, received a few bullet holes. There was a cricket club at Mount Hanover between 1949 and 1956. The house was sold in 1985.
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.
“(Ball/IFR) A pleasant three bay C18 house, with steps up to the hall door, enlarged by taking in what had formerly been a separate building at the back in which there is now a library at a lower level, linked to the main house by a long corridor running back from the staircase.”
Moorside House, near Clonalvy, on the borders of north County Dublin, was home to the Ball family. The name of the town land is Mooresides. Bence–Jones described Moorside as a ‘pleasant eighteenth century house”. The house was enlarged by taking in what had formerly been a separate building at the back. The Balls held lands at Reynoldstown, Naul, Co. Dublin and at Mooreside, Clonalvey, Co. Meath. Members of the family lived at both places.
Laurence Ball was born in 1776. He acquired full title to Moorside, Clonalvey, in a deed of release in 1811. Mooreside went to his fourth son, Richard. Richard Ball, the son of Laurence Ball and Catherine Jordan, was born in 1812. He married Mary Agnes Shannon in 1853. He succeeded his father in the lands at Mooreside while his brother Patrick succeeded to lands at Lunderstown, Duleek. The second son, Richard Oliver Ball, born in 1859, married Mary Tench in 1896.In 1876 Richard Ball of Moorside, Naul, held 187 acres in Co. Dublin. He was a senior partner in the solicitor firm of Tench and Reynolds. Richard Ball bred Reynoldstown, the winner of the English Grand Nation in 1935 and 1936. Reynoldstown was bred by Richard Ball, who had bred his dam and grandam. Ball’s son, also Richard, broke Reynoldstown at age three, and at age four he was sent hunting and was schooled over “made” fences. Richard Ball died in 1941.
His son, Richard Ball, was born in 1898. He married Mavis Norah Worrall in 1948. He was Director of the National Stud between 1956 and 1959 and President of the Irish Bloodstock Breeders’ Association from 1959 to 1962. His son, Charles Richard, was educated at Stonyhurst College and the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester.
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.
“(Thunder/LGI1958) A single-storey house of five bays, with projecting end bays.”
Not in national inventory
Record of Protected Structures: Lagore Lodge
A very attractive small 3 bay single storey house. Dated from 1705 but would appear to be nearer 1800.
Lagore is located just east of Dunshaughlin, not far from Ratoath. Lagore House was described as a fine modern house in the 1830s. The gatelodge at Lagore is attributed to the renowned architect, Francis Johnson.
The Boltons family held the position of rector of Ratoath for nearly a hundred years. Henry Bolton was appointed in 1677 and he was succeeded in 1688 by Dr. John Bolton, who resigned in 1720 and was succeeded by Richard Bolton, who held the position until his death in 1761. A close relative, Thomas Lee Norman, then became rector.
John Bolton was appointed Dean of Derry in 1699. Swift hoped for the position but it is said he would not pay the bribe involved in securing the position. John Bolton died in 1724.
Robert Norman, M.P. for Derry 1733 married Sarah, daughter of Very Rev. John Bolton of Lagore. Their son, Thomas, was born in 1715 succeeded to Lagore. The daughter of Thomas, Florinda, married Charles Gardiner and they became the parents of Luke Gardiner, who developed much of Dublin’s Georgian north-side. Thomas was succeeded by his son Robert, who died without an heir in 1771.
In 1799 the lands were transferred to the Thunder family. The Thunder family were a merchant family in Dublin before acquiring lands at Balleally, Lusk, Co. Dublin. When Lagore was acquired Ballaly was retained as a dower house. Michael Thunder of Ballaly, Co. Dublin was the father of Patrick Thunder of Lagore. In 1798 Patrick married Elizabeth Taaffe of Smarmore Castle. Dr. Plunkett, Bishop of Meath, stayed with Patrick Thunder at Lagore when he visited Ratoath on his visitation of the diocese in 1800 and again in 1819. There was a private oratory in the house.
Patrick Thunder died about 1827 and was succeeded by his eldest son, Michael. Michael Thunder born in 1802, was High Sheriff of Meath in 1850. He married Charlotte Mary D’Alton in 1834. Their eldest son, Patrick, succeeded opt the estates and the second son, Michael settled at Sencehelstown. Michael served in the Rutland Regiment and retired from the army in 1864 as a Lieutenant. In 1837 Lagore House was described as a handsome residence in a richly wooded demesne, abounding with stately timber.
In 1839 William Wilde and George Petrie visited Lagore House to see the artefacts which had been dug out at the site of the crannog in Lagore bog.
Michael’s eldest son, also Michael succeeded him on his death in 1875 but only lived for four years longer and so the estate went to Patrick Thunder. In 1876 Michael Thunder of Lagore held 1,065 acres in Meath but the family also held lands in Westmeath, Kildare and Dublin amounting to a total estate of 2,002 acres.
Patrick Thunder of Lagore and Ballaly, Co. Dublin, was born in 1838. In 1871 he married Mary Anne de Penthony O’Kelly. Their son, Michael was born in 1874. In 1870 there was a family vault erected in the grounds of Ratoath Church. Patrick Thunder died in December 1912. 1n 1901 Patrick Thunder owned Lagore but it was resided in by Higgin Holmes Chippindall. Patrick and his family were residing at Balleally.
Michael Thunder
Michael Thunder, son of George Thunder of Lagore, was killed during World War I. a member of the Royal Flying Corps he died as a result of an accident in 1916. Wing commander Michael Dalton Thunder of Lagore in the RAF was the first man to fly non-stop from Ceylon to Perth in 1943.
In 1926 the untenanted lands of Patrick Thunder were acquired by the Land Commission. The house and surrounding lands were held by the family until November 1941 and they held onto a lodge which they still owned in the 1960s.
Mrs. Claudia Burgoyne and her son Major Mark Teeling Watters purchased Lagore House and lands from the Thunders in 1941. Major Watters had returned from WWII. The estate had a dairy and a modern bottling plant. Mrs. Burgoyne moved to St. Mary’s Abbey, Trim. Mr. Clements purchased Lagore. In August 1952 a fire destroyed the building. A modern house was erected on the site by the Walsh family. In 1956 the O’Hare family purchased Lagore.
Killyon Manor, County Meath, courtesy of website, photograph by Fellipe Lopes.
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.
“(Loftus, sub Magan/LG1868; Magan/IFR; Carw, Bt/PB) A three storey gable-ended house, or mid-C18 house, to which a new façade, with a parapet and cornice, framing bands and a small single-storey Ionic portico, was added ca 1800. Unusual fenestration, the two upper storys being four bay, the ground floor having two windows rather close together on either side of the portico. The house is flanked by screen walls of brick, with blind arches. Ballroom at rear.”
Killyon Manor, County Meath, courtesy of website, photograph by Shantanu Starick.
Record of Protected structures:
Townland: Killyon, town: Longwood.
Detached four-bay three-storey house built mid 18thC. With 19thC ballroom, and attached yard buildings.
The Loftus family were resident on the Killyon Manor estate at the far western edge of County Meath from the 16th century, possibly in a tower house within the house that ‘Loftus the Magnificent’ built in the mid-18th century. Rather unusually the house remains one room deep, although a ballroom was added at the rear sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century; there is also a perpendicular wing – the oldest part of the Georgian building. The façade was redone c. 1800 and a small Ionic portico added as well as long flanking screen walls with blind arches. It passed to the Magan family in the 1850s when William Henry Magan of Clonearl in County Offaly married the heiress Elizabeth Georgina Loftus. Their combined fortunes included 20,000 acres in Westmeath, Offaly and Shankill, Co. Dublin in addition to a house on St Stephen’s Green, where their daughter Augusta, jilted as an unsuitable match, is said to have left her wedding breakfast uncleared for 30 years (and as such was possibly the inspiration for Miss Haversham in Great Expectations). Over her lifetime, she became a hoarder and by the time of her death had filled the ballroom to waist-height with her impulsive, largely unopened purchases. A protracted decade-long legal battle over Augusta’s bizarre will ultimately led to the loss of much of the fortune. It was sold out of the family in the 1960s by Brigadier Bill Magan, who in retirement published a well-regarded memoir called ‘Umma-More’, which tells the story of the various houses owned by the family. Currently owned by the Purcell family, the estate, on a tributary of the River Boyne, is being rewilded and has become an important biodiversity zone.
THE MAGANS OWNED 5,604 ACRES OF LAND IN COUNTY WESTMEATH
The family of MAGAN claims descent from the ancient Irish sept of MacCEAN or MacGEAN, latterly written MacGAN and MAGAN, a collateral branch of the sept of MacDermot Roe. Six successive generations of the MAGANS resided in the townland of Umma More or Emoe, about two and a half miles in distance from Ballymore, County Westmeath.MORGAN MAGAN, of Clonearl, County Westmeath, brother of Richard Magan, of Emoe, had issue,
THOMAS, his heir; MORGAN, successor to his brother; Susannah.
The elder son,
THOMAS MAGAN, of Togherstown, County Westmeath, a commissioner in the years 1695, 1697 and 1698 for raising a supply in County Westmeath for WILLIAM III, married Sarah Morgan, and dsp 1710, when he was succeeded by his brother,
MORGAN MAGAN, of Togherstown, who wedded Elizabeth ________, and had issue,
ARTHUR MAGAN (1721-77), of Clonearl, Philipstown, King’s County (Offaly), High Sheriff of County Westmeath, 1759, MP for Newtown Limavady, 1765, espoused, in 1754, Anne, daughter of Hugh Henry, of Straffan, County Kildare, and had issue,
Edward, dsp 1779; Hugh Henry; ARTHUR, who carried on the line; Anne; Harriet.
The youngest son,
ARTHUR MAGAN (1756-1808), of Clonearl and Togherstown, married Hannah Georgina, daughter and co-heir (with her sister, Elizabeth Anne, wife of Charles, 2nd Baron Castle Coote) of the Rev Dr Henry Tilson, of Eagle Hill, County Kildare, and had issue,
Edward, died young; WILLIAM HENRY, his heir; Arthur, Captain RN; Thomas Tilson, Captain in the army; GEORGE PERCY, ancestor of GEORGE, cr BARON MAGAN OF CASTLETOWN; Henry (Rev), dsp; Charlotte; Eliza; Harriett; Louisa; Emily; Henrietta.
Mr Magan was succeeded by his eldest surviving son,
WILLIAM HENRY MAGAN (1790-1840), of Clonearl, High Sheriff of County Westmeath, 1827, who wedded, in 1817, Elizabeth Georgina, widow of Colonel Thomas Lowther Allen, and second daughter and co-heir of Dudley Loftus, of Killyon, head of the ancient and distinguished house of LOFTUS, and had issue,
WILLIAM HENRY, his heir; Dudley, died unmarried; AUGUSTA ELIZABETH, of whom hereafter.
The elder son,
WILLIAM HENRY MAGAN (1819-60), of Clonearl, Captain, 4th Light Dragoons, MP for Westmeath, 1847-57, espoused, in 1849, the Lady Georgiana Charlotte Keppel, youngest daughter of WILLIAM CHARLES, 4TH EARL OF ALBEMARLE; though dsp 1860, and was succeeded eventually by his sister,
Her estates included 5,604 acres in County Westmeath, 4,418 acres in County Meath, 2,374 in County Kildare, 1,023 in the King’s County, and 165 acres of land in County Dublin.
Miss Magan’s paternal uncle,
GEORGE PERCY MAGAN (1799-1857), of County Carlow, married, in 1824, Ellen, daughter of Valentine O’Connor, and had issue,
PERCY TILSON, his heir; Thomas Tilson; Henry; Henry Augusta; Edward William; Hugh Tilson; Albert Edward; Valentine John; Arthur; Georgina; Mary Monica; Ellen; Charlotte Elizabeth; Henrietta; Flora Emily; Harriet Honoria.
Mr Magan was succeeded by his eldest son,
PERCY TILSON MAGAN JP (1828-1903), of Correal, County Roscommon, Marlfield House, County Wexford, and Kilcleagh Park, County Meath, who wedded, in 1865, Anne Catherine, daughter of the Rev Edward Richards, and had issue,
Percy Tilson (1867-1947); ARTHUR TILSON SHAEN, of whom we treat; Emily Georgina; Muriel Rozel; Rachel Evelyn; Violet Augusta.
The younger son,
ARTHUR TILSON SHAEN MAGAN CMG (1880-1965), of Killyon Manor, Hill of Down, County Meath, Lieutenant-Colonel, Royal Army Service Corps, married, in 1906, Kathleen Jane, daughter of Assheton Biddulph, and had issue,
WILLIAM MORGAN TILSON, his heir; Francis Shaen; Annie Sheelagh; Violet Mary; Maureen.
Thomas Kenneth Shaen Biddulph (1941-3); GEORGE MORGAN, of whom hereafter; Hugh William; James Henry.
The eldest surviving son,
GEORGE MORGAN MAGAN (1945-), married, in 1972, Wendy Anne, daughter of Major Chilton, and has issue,
Patrick G B; Edward William Morgan.
Mr Magan, formerly of CASTLETOWN COX, County Kilkenny, was created a life peer, in 2011, as BARON MAGAN OF CASTLETOWN, of Kensington in the Royal Borough of Chelsea.
In 1876, Mrs Elizabeth Georgina Loftus Magan, of Killyon Manor (above), owned 4,418 acres in County Meath, 5,604 acres in County Westmeath, 2,374 acres in County Kildare, 1,023 acres in County Offaly, and 165 acres in County Dublin, totalling 13,584 acres.
Mrs Magan managed the estates until she died, in 1880, designating her only surviving child Elizabeth Augusta Magan as her heir.
When the Magan family’s main residence, Clonearl, was destroyed by fire in 1846, Killyon Manor became their seat.
Killyon was sold about 1970 to Sir Rivers Verain Carew Bt, who lived there for a time until it was purchased by the Purcell family, who have restored the house and gardens.
First published in April, 2018.
Killyon Manor, County Meath, photograph courtesy of Killyon websiteKillyon Manor, County Meath, photograph courtesy of Killyon website
Kilmessan Rectory (I think this is Kilcarty, or Kilcarthy), County Meath for sale August 2022 courtesy Savills.
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.
“A delightful “hobby” farm of ca 1770-80. Built for Dr. George Cleghorn, Prof of Anatomy, to the design of Thomas Ivory. The two storey five bay gable-ended dwelling house and the farm buildings are all part of one composition, in true Palladian manner. The front of the house, which has a round-headed doorway with blocking, in prolonged by single-storey two bay wings; linking it to gable-ends of the farm buildings, which are treated as pediments, with oculi; they stand a little back, rising above curved sweeps. The two farm buildings extend back, forming two sides of a large courtyard behind the house, which is balanced on fourth side by a centrally placed barn. In 1814, the residence of Ross Fox, recently, of Peter Harper.”
Not in National Inventory
Record of Protected Structures:
Kilcarty
Detached five-bay two-storey gabled farmhouse, with low lean-to wings and curtain walls and courtyard behind, to designs of Thomas Ivory.
Kilmessan Rectory (I think this is Kilcarty, or Kilcarthy), County Meath for sale August 2022 courtesy Savills.
Kilcarty House, Kilmessan, is described as a ‘hobby-farm’ designed by Thomas Ivory for Dr. George Cleghorn, professor of anatomy at Trinity College. It consists of a detached two-storey gabled farmhouse, with low lean-to wings and curtain walls. The two farm buildings extend back forming the sides of a courtyard behind the house. Constructed in the 1770s Casey and Rowan state that modesty and simplicity are the qualities of this handsome building and further describe it as a compact and practical house. Maurice Craig said ‘the total effect is one of bland serenity’. Craig wrote that Kilcarty occupies a pivotal frontier between farmhouse and the mansion. A hobby farm, the owner only had to look out the back windows to see the farmyard. “The everyday dress and vernacular affinities of Kilcarty cloak a design of exceptional subtlety and refinement, Craig wrote, even after thirty years of looking at the building he noticed new aspects to it. “When real thought has gone into the making of a building, there is no limit to the times one can, and should, look at it.” Mulligan described Kilcarty as ‘one of the finest examples of a vernacular Palladian design’
George Cleghorn, was born near Edinburgh in 1716. He was involved in the establishment of the Royal Medical Society of Edinburgh. Appointed surgeon to the 22nd regiment of foot at the age of nineteen, he was stationed at Minocra, where he spent thirteen years. He wrote a book entitled ‘Observations on the Epidemical Diseases in Minorca from the Year 1744 to 1749”. In 1749 he went with the regiment to Ireland. Dr Cleghorn settled in practice in Dublin in 1751. In September 1753 Cleghorn was elected as Anatomist at Trinity College. In 1756 he published in Dublin a pamphlet, entitled “Index of an Annual Course of Lectures by George Cleghorn, Anatomist to Trinity College, and Surgeon in Dublin”. This was really a syllabus of his lectures, and is the first anatomical work published in connexion with the School of Anatomy at Trinity College.
In 1761 George Cleghorn was appointed Lecturer in Anatomy. He is credited with the first description of infectious hepatitis. From this period till his death in 1789, Dr Cleghorn enjoyed a lucrative practice. Due to declining health he spent more and more time away from the city, finding the pleasures of the outdoor life more rewarding. In 1784 Cleghorn was elected a member of the College of Physicians of Ireland; he was also one of the original members of the Royal Irish Academy. Cleghorn was married but had no children of his own, About 1774 Cleghorn’s only brother, John, died in Scotland, leaving his widow, Barbara, and nine children, and Cleghorn brought this family to Dublin in order to oversee their education. Three of this family, William, James, and Thomas, were educated for the medical profession and studied with their uncle in the Trinity College School, and subsequently in Edinburgh. One of these, William Cleghorn, took the degree of MD at Edinburgh in 1779. In 1786 Cleghorn was still delivering anatomical lectures at Dublin. He was unwilling to retire from the professorship until one of his nephews was in a strong position to apply for the vacant chair. Cleghorn died in Dublin three years later, in December 1789. His nephew, James, took over the Anatomical School. George died at Kilcarty on Tuesday, December 22, 1789, and in his will he left to his nephew George his estates in County Meath, and to his nephews, James and Thomas, to be equally divided between them, his library.
George Cleghorn acquired a considerable estate in the county of Meath, of which his nephew, George Cleghorn of Kilcarty, was High Sheriff in the year 1794.
William Cleghorn was born in 1751. His father died young, so he and eight siblings were raised by his uncle, George Cleghorn of Kilcarty. After studying at Trinity College, in 1779, he finished a doctoral dissertation at the University of Edinburgh. He died just four years later, but in that time had developed the concept of a caloric, a subtle invisible fluid used to explain heat. Cleghorn’s caloric was used for the next sixty years. In 1818 Bishop Plunket thanked Surgeon Cleghorn for his donation towards the new chapel at Kilmessan.
In 1814 Kilcarthy was the residence of Ross Fox and in 1835 it was described as a good house with a demesne of 150 acres, well laid out and wooded. The demesne was leased by Mr. Rourke from the proprietor, Rev. N. Preston of Swainstown. In 1854 the land was held by the representatives of James Cleghorn MD so the family seem to have held onto the leases on the land. Hugh Geraghty occupied the house from 1854 until his death in 1878 and his widow remained in the house until 1900. Hugh’s son, William, purchased the house in 1903. Dying in 1909 the property passed to his sister Mary. The house was sold in 1939 to the O’Beirne family.
Detached three-bay two-storey house over semi-basement, built c.1800, with central breakfront, and flanking single-storey wings. Hipped slate roof with rendered chimneystack. Roughcast rendered walls. Timber sash windows with stone sills. Segmental-arched doorcase with pairs of engaged Ionic columns flanking timber panelled door, with fanlight and side lights. Stone steps with cast-iron railings. Three-bay two-storey rubble limestone former coach house and cast-iron gates to the site.
Appraisal
This modest house is enlivened by subtle architectural details, such as the central breakfront, recessed blind arch with inset window, and imposing doorcase. The building is enhanced by the retention of many interesting features and materials, such as the timber sash windows and limestone steps. The related outbuildings and cast-iron gates contribute to the setting of the house.
For sale 3/8/22:C15 FD85
€1,300,000
4 bedroom, three baths
Kilmessan Rectory (I think this is Kilcarty, or Kilcarthy), County Meath for sale August 2022 courtesy Savills.Kilmessan Rectory (I think this is Kilcarty, or Kilcarthy), County Meath for sale August 2022 courtesy Savills.Kilmessan Rectory (I think this is Kilcarty, or Kilcarthy), County Meath for sale August 2022 courtesy Savills.
Charming period property with a private setting on the village fringe History The Old Rectory dates from the early years of the 19th century. Architectural historians believe that it may have been designed by Francis Johnston, the architect whose most famous work is the GPO on Dublin’s O’Connell Street. The house originally comprised a central block with just the two storeys over basement. An east wing was added in the 1890s, while a symmetrical west wing was added in the 1980s. The house was occupied by the local Church of Ireland Rector from the time it was first built until the middle of the last century. For most of that period it would not only have provided a home for the Rector and his family, but also their servants, who would have included a dairyman/gardener, a cook, a maid and, depending on the age of the children, a governess. Because of the dwindling congregation, Kilmessan parish was merged with the much larger parish of Trim in the late 1950s and the Rectory was sold by the Church of Ireland in 1958. Description The Old Rectory is a magnificent Georgian house, set on stunning mature grounds and extending to about 10 acres. Situated on the fringe of the popular village of Kilmessan, the property enjoys all of the amenities that the village has to offer. Being surrounded by beautiful mature trees offers a sense of privacy and security. The house is approached through stone wall piers and iron gates which open to an attractive sweeping driveway, lined by stud railing and fabulous mature trees to the front of the property with ample parking. The Old Rectory is a three-bay, two-storey, over semi-basement house, beneath a hipped slated roof. The front entrance faces north, while the garden entrance faces south. The exterior of the house includes prominent features such as roughcast rendered walls, timber sash windows with stone sills, a segmental arched doorcase and stone steps with cast-iron railings. The light-filled accommodation is of generous and elegant proportions, as shown on the accompanying plans. Extending to about 4,789 sq ft (445 sq m), it is well laid out for family living and entertaining. The present owners have undertaken a programme of renovation and redecoration to create a family home with period features but suitable for modern-day living standards. Notable internal features include shutters, cornicing, vaulted ceilings, architraves, decorated fireplaces and ceiling roses. The kitchen is also fitted with an Aga cooker. A magnificent conservatory was added by the present owners and connects with an open plan sitting/drawing room which is the hub of the house. Outbuildings Situated to the side of the house is a former coach house of traditional construction. Extending to about 2,045 sq ft (190 sq m), planning permission was previously granted to develop a dwelling house. This permission has since lapsed, however, the footprint of the coach house is zoned residential. Grounds The house sits amidst wonderful mature gardens with many fine specimen trees and shrubs including a stunning mature copper beech tree which is a notable feature. The gardens are mainly laid to lawn and include magnificent flower beds, well-tended hedges, a fruit garden and pond. Two paddocks are situated either side of the driveway which are fenced off by post and rail. Both paddocks can be accessed through gates off the driveway and provide grazing for livestock. There are also two smaller paddocks towards the back of the house and a number of wooded areas with a mixture of mature deciduous and coniferous trees. Viewing Strictly by appointment by Savills Country Agency. Fixtures & Fittings All fixtures and fittings are excluded from the sale including garden statuary, light fittings, and other removable fittings, although some items may be available by separate negotiation. Services Mains drainage, mains water, mains electricity, oil-fired heating, high-speed broadband. Please be advised that the selling agents have not checked the services and any purchaser should satisfy themselves with the availability and adequacy of all services. Entry & Possession Entry is by agreement with vacant possession. Historic Listening: The Old Rectory is listed on the record of protected structures, National Inventory of Architectural Heritage Reg No: 14329014. Offers Offers may be submitted to the selling agents, Savills, 33 Molesworth St, Dublin 2. Email address: country@savills.ie. Best Offers Date A date for best offers may be fixed and prospective purchasers are asked to register their interest with the selling agents following inspection. The sellers reserve the right to exchange a Contract for the sale of any part of the subjects of sale ahead of a notified closing date and will not be obliged to accept the highest or any offer. The Old Rectory is located in the heart of Royal Meath, in the charming village of Kilmessan which provides facilities such as a supermarket, pub, credit union, restaurant and primary school. Dunshaughlin and Trim (both 10km) are two bustling neighbouring towns just a short drive away with an abundance of quality restaurants, hotels, pubs, and a variety of boutiques and retail stores. Kilmessan is set in lush, green countryside and surrounded by rich farmland. It is close to attractions such as Bective Abbey, Killeen Castle and the hill of Tara which is the ancient home of the High Kings of Ireland, and the world-tombs of Newgrange. As well as offering all the joys of true country living, The Old Rectory is just 39 km from Dublin City Centre and 42 km from Dublin Airport. A park and ride train service is available from the M3 Parkway (21 km), serving Dublin City hourly from early morning to late night. There is also a regular bus service to Dublin from the village operated by Bus Eireann. County Meath has a proud sporting history and can offer a wide variety of quality sporting and recreational activities for even themost active of lifestyles. The golf enthusiast is well catered for in the surrounding area with quality golf courses within a few minutes’ drive. The nearby golf courses are Royal Tara Golf Club (5 km), the famous Jack Nicklaus designed golf course at Killeen Castle (7 km), and Knightsbrook Golf Club (10 km). The championship course at Carton House is only 29 km away and played host to the 2013 Irish Open, as well as the 2018 World Amateur Team Championships. Race-goers are well catered for with Navan Racecourse (17 km) and Fairyhouse Race Course (17 km) nearby. Both of these courses are renowned and host a multitude of events throughout the year. There are a number of primary schools in the locality, with secondary education available in Trim, Dunshaughlin and Navan.
Features
Charming period property
About 10 acres
Coach house offering further potential (S.P.P)
Private rural setting in an accessible location
Formal gardens and wonderful grounds
Kilmessan Rectory (I think this is Kilcarty, or Kilcarthy), County Meath for sale August 2022 courtesy Savills.Kilmessan Rectory (I think this is Kilcarty, or Kilcarthy), County Meath for sale August 2022 courtesy Savills.Kilmessan Rectory (I think this is Kilcarty, or Kilcarthy), County Meath for sale August 2022 courtesy Savills.Kilmessan Rectory (I think this is Kilcarty, or Kilcarthy), County Meath for sale August 2022 courtesy Savills.Kilmessan Rectory (I think this is Kilcarty, or Kilcarthy), County Meath for sale August 2022 courtesy Savills.Kilmessan Rectory (I think this is Kilcarty, or Kilcarthy), County Meath for sale August 2022 courtesy Savills.
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. 113. “(Bomford/IFR) A two storey double gable-ended house, probably early C18 but with C19 windows and a C19 two storey gabled projecting porch. Owned by the Bomford family until ca 1850.
Drumlargan House was previously known as Bloom Field House and is located outside Summerhill, just off the Kilcock Road.
Drumlargan is a two storey double gable-ended house, probably early eighteenth century according to Bence-Jones but with nineteenth century widows and a nineteenth century projecting porch. One of the reception rooms is octagonal. The original house at Drumlargan was called Bloom Field and consisted of a central block with wings each side. In the early 1700s the wings were removed and the central block enlarged to form the present house. This reconstruction took place about 1724 as there is a plaque bearing this date over the front door. Drumlargan is the site of the battle of Dungan’s Hill which was fought in 1647.
The Bomfords were settled at Rahinstown. Stephen Bomford’s eldest son, Robert George, succeeded him at Rahinstown. His second son, George, married Arabella Winter of Agher in 1809. George Bomford leased Drumlargan parish from Dixie Coddington in 1787, purchasing the property in 1795. As in all articles relating to Bomford houses much of the information on this house is obtained from Peter Bamford’s excellent website.
Lynch’s Wood in Drumlargan was obtained by Lynch from Baron Hussey of Galtrim by a trick. Lynch asked Hussey to rent it to him for the rotation of three crops. Hussey thought these would be oats or wheat but Lynch chose oak, beech and elm. It is said that the lease has not run out yet and that the Forestry Department has only just set the third crop. George Bomford probably set the second crop.
George’s son also George succeeded to his father’s estates at Oakley Park. George married Arabella Pratt Winter of Agher in 1832. Their eldest son, George Winter Bomford, succeeded to Oakley Park.
In the 1830s Bloomfield was described as a tolerably good house but becoming ruinous. In the early 1830s it was occupied by a Mr. Purdon and later in the decade by a herd. About 1860 the house was improved by George Bomford for his younger son, John Francis. John was the only Bomford to live at Drumlargan House as it was then called. The porch was added at this time. John married Eleanor Bolton and they had ten children. John Stephen served with the Indian Police and died in Burma in 1891 aged 21. Samuel Richard Bomford fought in the Boer War gaining the rank of Captain in the service of the Cape Mounted Rifles. Trevor Broughton Bomford gained the rank of officer in the service of the Surma Valley Light Horse Mounted Infantry Regiment, Indian Army and emigrated to Canada in 1908. Their youngest son, William Harold, became a surgeon and served as District Medical Officer in the Fiji Colonial Service. In 1900 John Francis and his family moved to Oakley Park. Drumlargan was sold to George Wilson of Tara for a little over £3000. John Francis died in 1911 aged 73. In 1901 and 1911 William R. Orme, a retired army Captain, and his sister lived at Drumlargan. In 1876 William R. Orme held 1521 acres in County Mayo.
In the 1920s the Bomford lands at Drumlargan was acquired by the Land Commission.
Mount Hanover 
Michael Thunder 
Irish Historic Houses 