Comeragh House, Lemybrien, Co. Waterford, courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald John Rohan August 2025
Comeragh House, Lemybrien, Co. Waterford, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald John Rohan August 2025.
X42FK71
€850,000
4 Bed437 m²
Comeragh House, Lemybrien, Co. Waterford, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald John Rohan August 2025.
Comeragh House Comeragh House is a prominent period estate occupying an elevated position in the heart of County Waterford. Set within approximately 40 acres (16.2 hectares) of mixed grounds, the property comprises mostly grazing land with areas of mature woodland, offering both practical agricultural value and natural beauty. Surrounded by rolling farmland and commanding views of the Comeragh Mountains, the estate includes a substantial main residence, a collection of original stone outbuildings, and partially landscaped gardens presenting a rare opportunity for thoughtful, conservation-led restoration in a spectacular rural setting. Originally constructed in the 19th century, the house has undergone several phases of alteration, most notably following two fires in the 20th century. These events led to the loss of some significant architectural elements, a large eastern wing, which once framed the main entrance and was fronted by a limestone portico. The portico has been preserved but now stands isolated on the present front elevation, contributing to the property’s unique historic layering. The house retains many features of architectural interest despite the loss of some original internal fabric. The rear elevation reveals the varying levels and construction phases, while internally, a traditional scullery with stone flags and a rustic-style kitchen provide a link to the estate’s historic domestic life. Most window openings have been refitted with timber casement units, and the roof has been recovered with artificial slate. The structure and proportions of the original house are still evident, offering excellent scope for a conservation-led restoration project that honours the property’s architectural and historical significance.
Comeragh House, Lemybrien, Co. Waterford, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald John Rohan August 2025.Comeragh House, Lemybrien, Co. Waterford, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald John Rohan August 2025.Comeragh House, Lemybrien, Co. Waterford, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald John Rohan August 2025.Comeragh House, Lemybrien, Co. Waterford, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald John Rohan August 2025.Comeragh House, Lemybrien, Co. Waterford, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald John Rohan August 2025.Comeragh House, Lemybrien, Co. Waterford, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald John Rohan August 2025.Comeragh House, Lemybrien, Co. Waterford, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald John Rohan August 2025.Comeragh House, Lemybrien, Co. Waterford, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald John Rohan August 2025.Comeragh House, Lemybrien, Co. Waterford, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald John Rohan August 2025.Comeragh House, Lemybrien, Co. Waterford, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald John Rohan August 2025.Comeragh House, Lemybrien, Co. Waterford, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald John Rohan August 2025.Comeragh House, Lemybrien, Co. Waterford, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald John Rohan August 2025.Comeragh House, Lemybrien, Co. Waterford, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald John Rohan August 2025.Comeragh House, Lemybrien, Co. Waterford, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald John Rohan August 2025.Comeragh House, Lemybrien, Co. Waterford, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald John Rohan August 2025.Comeragh House, Lemybrien, Co. Waterford, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald John Rohan August 2025.Comeragh House, Lemybrien, Co. Waterford, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald John Rohan August 2025.Comeragh House, Lemybrien, Co. Waterford, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald John Rohan August 2025.
A key feature of Comeragh House is its collection of historic outbuildings, which have survived in considerably better condition than the main house. The Stewart’s House forms the centrepiece of the stable yard and retains its original gabled carriage arch, lending strong architectural character to the ensemble. The surrounding stable buildings remain largely intact, with many original details preserved. These structures are well-suited for adaptive reuse and present significant potential for ancillary accommodation, creative studios, workshops, or hospitality use all within the framework of a protected historic setting. The presence of a clock face on one of the original gables further enhances the estate’s period charm.
Comeragh House, Lemybrien, Co. Waterford, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald John Rohan August 2025.Comeragh House, Lemybrien, Co. Waterford, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald John Rohan August 2025.Comeragh House, Lemybrien, Co. Waterford, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald John Rohan August 2025.Comeragh House, Lemybrien, Co. Waterford, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald John Rohan August 2025.Comeragh House, Lemybrien, Co. Waterford, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald John Rohan August 2025.Comeragh House, Lemybrien, Co. Waterford, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald John Rohan August 2025.Comeragh House, Lemybrien, Co. Waterford, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald John Rohan August 2025.Comeragh House, Lemybrien, Co. Waterford, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald John Rohan August 2025.Comeragh House, Lemybrien, Co. Waterford, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald John Rohan August 2025.Comeragh House, Lemybrien, Co. Waterford, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald John Rohan August 2025.Comeragh House, Lemybrien, Co. Waterford, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald John Rohan August 2025.Comeragh House, Lemybrien, Co. Waterford, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald John Rohan August 2025.Comeragh House, Lemybrien, Co. Waterford, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald John Rohan August 2025.Comeragh House, Lemybrien, Co. Waterford, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald John Rohan August 2025.
GARDENS & GROUNDS Comeragh House sits within a landscape rich in potential. Mature trees, sheltered courtyards, and partially enclosed garden spaces create a natural flow between the house and its surroundings. Among the highlights is a private garden space between the east and south wings, now overgrown but easily envisioned as a restored “secret garden.” The historic walled garden remains partially defined by its original stone boundaries, enclosing a significant portion of the estate’s approximately 40 acres (16.2 hectares). Though now in need of repair, the structure and layout are evident and could be sensitively reinstated as part of a wider landscaping plan. Elsewhere, natural features and elevation changes across the site contribute to a setting of seclusion and serenity. With considered design and clearing, the grounds offer abundant possibilities for formal gardens, kitchen gardens, or meadow-style planting in keeping with the house’s heritage.
Comeragh House, Lemybrien, Co. Waterford, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald John Rohan August 2025.Comeragh House, Lemybrien, Co. Waterford, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald John Rohan August 2025.Comeragh House, Lemybrien, Co. Waterford, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald John Rohan August 2025.Comeragh House, Lemybrien, Co. Waterford, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald John Rohan August 2025.
LOCATION Located near Lemybrien in County Waterford, Comeragh House enjoys a peaceful yet accessible setting within a highly scenic part of Ireland’s southeast. The nearby towns of Dungarvan and Kilmacthomas offer a full range of services and amenities, while Waterford City is within easy reach for further connectivity. The property is recognised in the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage as a site of regional importance. It reflects the changing fortunes and adaptation of Irish country houses across the 19th and 20th centuries. Though altered, Comeragh House retains the essential character and structure of a historic estate residence — one which, with the right vision and stewardship, could be sensitively revived to once again serve as a grand country home or retreat.
Comeragh House, Lemybrien, Co. Waterford, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald John Rohan August 2025.Comeragh House, Lemybrien, Co. Waterford, photograph courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald John Rohan August 2025.
Brentwood, Newtown , Waterford City, Waterford for sale May 2025 courtesy Palmers €1,250,000X91 W9EA 5 beds3 baths
Elegant landmark period residence finished in beautiful red brick and Wicklow granite. Brentwood is one of the finest residences to come onto the market in many years and stands on a private site extending to c. .45 acre. Located in the most prestigious residential neighbourhood of Waterford city; there are a host of primary and secondary schools in the immediate vicinity, not to mention the city centre and Waterfords historic Viking Triangle. Built in c. 1846 by Samuel Strangman, scion of a notable wealthy merchant family, the red brick was specially imported from Holland. This beautiful three bay two storey period residence has classically symmetrical proportions and retains many of its original period features. This lovingly maintained family home has been in the care of the present owners since 1977 and is presented in absolute turnkey condition. Properties of this calibre rarely come onto the market, and this is a once in a generation opportunity to acquire one of the finest residences in Waterford. Waterford is located approximately 2 hours from Dublin with excellent transport links by rail and road to via the M9 motorway.
Accommodation
Round-headed open internal porch approached by a flight of three cut granite steps. Airy entrance hall with original pitch pine flooring and stairs. Off the entrance hall is an elegant dual aspect Drawing Room with an original open fireplace with Kilkenny marble mantle and brass surround. The Drawing Room overlooks the verdant gardens and has a clever sash window which neatly converts into a French door, allowing direct access to the gardens. At the front is a lovely dual aspect Dining Room with original pitch pine flooring. A hallway with oak flooring and understairs storage leads to the Living room with garden views, stained oak flooring, and an open fireplace with antique pine mantle and brass surround.
Dual aspect Study / Home Office and a tiled Shower room / Guest WC with power shower, wash hand basin and WC. Off the hallway is a bright kitchen / diner with cherry units, ample storage and integrated appliances with granite worktops and splashback. The flooring is Amtico LVF (Luxury vinal flooring) and French doors open onto the patio and garden. There is a Utility with ample built in storage, Amtico LVF, a large walk-in cloakroom and a door to side. On the first floor is a generous landing and five bedrooms. The large master bedroom overlooks the gardens and has built in wardrobes and a tiled ensuite bathroom. There are two large dual aspect double bedrooms as well as a fourth double bedroom with pitch pine flooring and built in wardrobes. The fifth bedroom is a cosy single bedroom which overlooks the gravel forecourt. Off the landing is a small hall which leads to a tiled bathroom with bath, wash basin and WC To the rear is an exquisite walled garden with a southerly aspect which backs onto the playing fields of Newtown School. The gardens are beautifully planted with a mix of flowering plants shrubs and mature trees. To the rear is the original stone Coach House with enormous potential and endless possibilities for conversion. To the side is a block-built boiler house and a “Tack Room” plumbed with sink and storage. To the front is a gravel forecourt fronted by red brick piers with Wicklow granite capping, beautiful decorative wrought iron double gates, with flanking railings on a red brick plinth with granite coping. Side door with pedestrian access.
Features
Gas fired central heating, timber sash windows with original shutters, BER exempt. Original pitch pine flooring, doors and 11’ ceilings throughout.
Detached three-bay two-storey red brick house, c.1870, retaining original aspect with round-headed open internal porch to centre, and three-bay two-storey side elevations to north-west and to south-east having single-bay single-storey flat-roofed end bay to south-east with single-bay two-storey flat-roofed lower bay to rear (south-west). Hipped slate roof with rolled lead ridge tiles, red brick Common bond (fifth course headers) chimney stacks, and profiled cast-iron rainwater goods on overhanging timber eaves. Flat felt roofs to end bays with timber eaves. Red brick Common bond (fifth course headers) wall to front (north-east) elevation with cut-granite quoins, and unpainted rendered walls to remainder. Square-headed window openings (one in tripartite arrangement to side (south-east) elevation) with cut-stone sills, and 1/1 timber sash windows (4/4 timber sash windows to tripartite opening having 2/2 sidelights). Round-headed open internal porch with three cut-stone steps, cut-granite Doric colonettes on panelled plinths with flanking pilasters having frieze, cornice over, and paired moulded archivolts with keystone. Square-headed door opening with timber panelled door having entablature over of consoles, sidelights, and overlight. Set back from road in own grounds with tarmacadam forecourt. (ii) Gateway, c.1870, to site comprising pair of red brick piers with moulded cut-granite capping, wrought iron double gates, and sections of wrought iron flanking railings forming boundary on red brick plinth having cut-granite coping.
Appraisal
An elegant, substantial house of balanced proportions and fine detailing, which has been very well maintained to present an original aspect, and which is distinguished by the construction in red brick with granite dressings, producing a somewhat polychromatic visual effect in the
Springhill House, Old Waterford Road, Tramore, Co. Waterford for sale May 2025 courtesy Palmer Estate Agent
X91T262
€849,000
7 Bed
4 Bath
372 m²
Detached three storey seven bay period residence constructed c. 1820 centrally located off the Old Waterford Road on a large, elevated site extending to c. .5 acre with extensive outbuildings to the rear. Oil fired central heating, uPVC double glazed windows, F BER, fibre high speed broadband. Original doors and coving throughout. Tiled cast iron porch. Entrance hall with original tiling. Dual aspect drawing room with feature central open fireplace in cut stone surround. Living room with oak flooring and stove in original marble fireplace. Tiled dual aspect study / home office. Large kitchen with quarry tiling and ample built in teal units with granite worktop and integrated double oven and hob. Off the kitchen is a large utility with built in storage and quarry tiling with door to rear. Back hall with cloakroom. Tiled shower room with electric shower, wash basin and WC. Bathroom on first floor return with bath, electric shower, wash basin and WC. Landing with two large double bedrooms to the front of the property with views of Tramore Bay. Both bedrooms have pine flooring and built in wardrobes, the larger of the two has a very spacious ensuite shower room off with pine flooring, electric shower, wash basin and WC. There are an additional three double bedrooms on the first floor with a WC. On the second floor is a landing with two double bedrooms with lovely overland views and two large storage rooms. The rear courtyard has a boiler house and storeroom as well as a very attractive garage / storage space with red brick detailing and a three-phase electricity supply. Gravel drive to front with ample parking. Lawns and gardens to the side with ornamental planting and mature trees.
Property Features
Lawns and gardens to the side with ornamental planting and mature trees
Detached three storey seven bay period residence in central location
Woodhouse, County Waterford – private house, tourist accommodation in gate lodge and cottages
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We visited Woodhouse on a day trip with the Cork Chapter of the Irish Georgian Society on a gloriously sunny day on May 24th, 2023. The home owners Jim and Sally Thompson welcomed us into their home, and historian Marianna Lorenc delivered a wonderful talk about the history of the house and the family who lived there.
“The original house was built in the early part of the 17th century by the Fitzgerald family (a branch of the MacThomas Geraldines of the Decies).
An old estate map of Woodhouse.An information board in the museum.
“While in the ownership of the Uniacke family it was passed by inheritance to the Beresford family and subsequently sold by Lord William Beresford in ca 1970. The House has since been extended over the years to become an impressive six bay window residence with bright and spacious rooms overlooking this private estate with the River Tay flowing through.”
The website gives us a detailed description of the history of the house so I will quote it here:
“The house of Woodhouse as we see it at present was built in at least three stages.
“The first one dates back to early 1600’s and the Munster Plantation, when the Messenger for Court of Wards and Liveries, an English Protestant and Undertaker (in other words Planter), James Wallis Esq., rented the lands of Woodhouse, Carrigcrokie, Stradballymore, Ballykerogue and others from the fellow Elizabethan settler and land distributor Richard Beacon. The latter gentleman was awarded the lands of the Catholic FitzGerald family in Co. Limerick and Co. Waterford (Woodhouse) by the Queen in appreciation for having performed his duties as her majesty’s attorney for the province of Munster. After leasing the land James Wallis had built a fine stone house, a mill, a walled garden accompanied by a numerous outbuildings and weirs (river dams) in the river Tay. The original house was built in an Elizabethan style on a rectangular plan.“
James Wallis (ca. 1570-1661).
“During the 1641 Rebellion in Ireland, James Wallis Esq. was forced out of Woodhouse by rebels and despite his detailed Deposition made in 1642 describing the damage to his house and the loss of his goods, as well as the favourable court ruling in his favour in 1653, he never returned to the property.“
At Woodhouse, County Waterford.
“The 1654 Civil Survey states that the owner of Woodhouse was then Thomas FitzGerald. Two generations later his grandson Major Richard MacThomas FitzGerald (then of Prospect House in Kinsalebeg, Co. Waterford) was facing large debts and had no way of paying them back so he had to sell the house and lands in 1724. Richard MacThomas Fitzgerald received over £8000 for this property but could only retain £840 while the rest was required to cover his debts.
“The new owner of Woodhouse was Richard MacThomas Fitzgerald’s distant relative and close neighbour Thomas Uniacke Esq. of Ballyvergin, Barnageehy and Youghal. It was then that the second phase of development for Woodhouse started. Thomas’ sons, Borr and Maurice Uniacke, invested heavily into renovating the dilapidated house and completely changed its character by developing it into a Georgian structure. There is no evidence to confirm who the architect of the changes was so it’s quite possible that the wealthy Uniacke family used the “Pattern Books” and hired traveling stonemasons to introduce the changes. The house was substantially enlarged and its functionality vastly changed. At this time the Woodhouse estate was is thought to have consisted of about 2500 acres in total.
“What the house looked like, may be seen at one of Borr Uniacke’s granddaughter’s amateur painting which was likely done in the first half of 1800s.“
Colonel Robert Uniacke (1756-1802).
“Woodhouse remained with the Uniacke family for about 130 years but in 1853 the Estate changed hands again. It did not entirely leave the Uniacke family inasmuch as the last heiress of this branch of the family, Frances Constantia Uniacke, having inherited Woodhouse from her older brother, Robert Borr Uniacke in 1844, married George John Beresford the grandnephew of the 1st Marquess of Waterford. Frances and George John took on the responsibility for the house and had the house and the outbuildings further extended. Owing to his sufferings caused by severe gout, at the back of the main house he had built a Turkish bath. We also know that construction of the boat house in nearby Stradbally Cove (which in contemporary nautical charts was called the Blind Cove) was done at this time.“
George John Beresford (1807-1864).
“For almost a century after that Woodhouse did not see any major changes and once again it became in need of extensive work to save it. Most of the eight Beresford children of George John and Frances Beresford married but none of them had children of their own. In 1933, the last surviving daughter of the couple, Lady Emily Frances Louisa (Beresford) Hodson bequeathed Woodhouse (the main house, 550 acres of land and the village of Stradbally) to her distant cousin Lt. Lord Hugh Tristram de la Poer Beresford Royal Navy, the sixth child of the 6th Marquess of Waterford. At the time of Lady Hodson’s death Lord Hugh was Aide De Camp to the Governor General of South Africa, yet he still managed to order renovation works including the installation of electricity and running water to the house. There is an extensive written evidence of his endeavours, which describes the works undertaken.“
Emily Frances Louisa (née Beresford) Hodson(1861-1934).At Woodhouse, County Waterford.
“In 1936 Lord Hugh Beresford made his last will and testament and bequeathed Woodhouse to his older brother Major Lord William Mostyn de la Poer Beresford. When in 1941 Lt. Cmdr. Lord Hugh Beresford was killed in action during the Battle of Crete, the will and testament were probated and when in 1944 Major Lord William Beresford returned from the war he took on Woodhouse, its lands and the village of Stradbally. Hence the third stage of structural development for Woodhouse began. Until his return however, the Estate was looked after by Arthur Hunt Esq. who had been the agent for the Beresford family since the late 1800s.
“Upon his return from the war, Lord William Beresford moved into Woodhouse. He found the Estate to be quite run down and badly in need of repairs.
“Lord William introduced considerable changes not only to the structure of the main house, but he also developed the land and garden in such a way that they yielded large crops. Every week he transported the rich surplus of vegetables, fruits and dairy products to Waterford where they were sold in the first Co-Op in town.“
“Lord William and his wife Rachel are remembered as a good and kind people who successfully ran Woodhouse as a working farm and they put all their energy into making it a self-sufficient establishment.”Lord William and his wife Rachel are remembered as a good and kind people who successfully ran Woodhouse as a working farm and they put all their energy into making it a self-sufficient establishment.
“The year 1971 was the year when everything had changed for Woodhouse. It was the first time in 250 years that it was sold outside of the Fitzgerald/Uniacke/Beresford Anglo-Irish family. In that year Lord William sold the Estate to Mr. John McCoubrey who farmed and bred his cattle here and, thanks to the auspicious nature, he succeeded in that enterprise. However only one year later Mr. McCoubrey decided to move on and he, too, sold Woodhouse.
“In 1972 Mr. John Rohan bought the house and all the lands. The new owner began extensive renovations to the main house and, being the Master of the Waterford Hunt, built stables for his horses and kennels for his dogs in the walled garden. He also purchased and installed the beautiful black gate at the main entrance to the Estate.“
“Ten years later, in 1983 Woodhouse changed hands again and was purchased as an investment by a company owned by Mr. Mahmoud Fustok and his associates from the Middle East. Mr. Fustok never occupied Woodhouse but chose to make it available to Dr John O’Connell, an Irish parliamentarian, and his friends. The house was adjusted to their style, but no major renovations took place between 1983 and 2006.
“After 23 years under Mr. Fustok’s ownership Woodhouse was purchased by two Irish business partners – Mr. Aidan Farrell and Mr. Charles O’Reilly-Hyland. After their purchase these two owners sold some land parcels of Woodhouse to interested parties and made some improvements to the Estate but did not make it their residence. Eventually in 2012 they decided to sell the entire estate.“
“The new purchasers, Jim Thompson and his wife Sally, took on the task of renovating and modernizing the vastly run-down house, cottages, outbuildings and lands. Their initiative involved an enormous amount of effort and patience but ultimately was successful. The works extended into every part of the large Estate (500 acres) and was achieved over a period of six years with the support and encouragement of the people of Stradbally.“
“After many years of being forgotten and with no sufficient means to sustain itself, Woodhouse was brought back to life by various experts – architectural, building, landscape, and farm – who guided the Thompsons through the long renovation process. This commitment to bring Woodhouse back to its former glory proved very successful and as of 2019 – 400 years after the house was originally built – Woodhouse is a vibrant estate once more.“
We gathered at the ancilliary buildings for coffee and a chat before Marianna’s introduction to the house’s history. She has published a book that was for sale, along with Julian Walton.
After our talk, we visited the house and then the walled garden. The website tell us:
“When Woodhouse changed hands in 2012 a project was undertaken to bring the walled garden back to its former glory. Today the Walled Garden and Orchard have a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs and many types of flowers and, thanks to Paddy Kiely and his excellent team of skilled workmen, has developed in a place of beauty in tune with nature as it was planned when originally built.An oasis of calm and tranquility situated right in the centre of the Estate, the beautifully restored Walled Garden is a perfect venue for small intimate weddings and gatherings. Completely enclosed and surrounded by high stone walls the walled garden has flowers beds, beautiful green lawns, a raised pergola overlooking the entire garden and a soothing water feature. As well as providing a beautiful backdrop for weddings the Walled Garden is also an ideal venue for a variety of special events. Whether you are looking to toast a birthday or anniversary or hold a charity event the Walled Garden adds a special atmosphere to any occasion. For more information please get in touch1woodhouseestate@gmail.com “
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. 91. “(Sanders/IFR) A three storey C18 block…Formerly the seat of a branch of the Wall family. It is said that one of the families who owned it in the past lived very extravagantly; and when, as a result, they went bankrupt, they committed mass suicide by driving their coach over the cliff at Tramore. In the present century, the main block became derelict; a house was made in the wing, which in recent years was the home of Mr C.C. Sanders. The house has now been demolished.”
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. 140.
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. 19. “(Power/IFR; Gallwey/IFR) A C18 house built onto an old castle. Doorway with broken pediment and engaged Doric columns, not centrally placed. The seat of the Bolton family, before they built the nearby Faithlegg house; bought, together with Faithlegg, by the Power family 1819 and eventually inherited by Mrs H.W.D. Gallwey (nee Power). Afterwards demolished; the doorway is now at Georgetown 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.
Ardo (also known as Ardogena), Ardmore, Co Waterford – lost
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. 10. “(McKenna/LGI1912) A gingerbread Carcassonne on a bare clifftop overlooking the Atlantic, consisting of a plain two storey house to which a tall battlemented square tower and numerous round turrets, with pointed windows, hood mouldings and quatrefoil openings, were added in the late-Georgain period; the turrets continuing far beyond the house itself, joined by straight and curving castellated walls, to form a line of brittle fortifications….In the latter part of C18 and early C19, the home of Jeremiah Coghlan, a gentleman of slender means whose wife, known as “Madam”, maintained a recklessly grandiose and extravagant way of life here which she supported by helping the smugglers who frequented the coast. Two fo her four children were idiots, but she also had two beautiful daughters, one of whom she married off to “Cripplegate,” 8th and last Earl of Barrymore and the other to 9th Duc de Castries. The Coghlans, like the Barrymores – ended with a financial crash, but the Duc de Castries was rich and Ardo, though leased, remained in his family. It eventually passed to his grandson by his first marriage, the great Mashall Macmahon, victor ofMagenta and President of France in the early years of the Third Republic, who sold it 1874 to Sir Joseph McKenna of the National Bank, uncle of the politician Reginald McKenna. Ardo was abandoned ca 1918, it eventually became roofless and is now a crazy ruin.”
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. 140. A late 18C house to which castellated towers were added in the early 19C. Good classical plasterwork in the stair hall. Built by Jeremiah Coghlan. Now a ruin.
Remains of detached three-bay two-storey house, c.1775, with single-bay three-stage corner turrets on circular plans. Abandoned, 1918. Now in ruins. Roof now gone (original profile not discerned) with roofs to turrets not visible behind parapets. Unpainted rendered walls over random rubble stone construction. Square-headed window openings with no sills, red brick dressings, and fittings now gone. Elliptical-headed door opening with fittings now gone. Pointed-arch window openings to turrets with stone sills, red brick dressings, and fittings now gone. Set back from road in own grounds on elevated site overlooking Atlantic Ocean. (ii) Freestanding single-bay four-stage tower, built 1847, to south-east on a square plan originally attached. Roof not visible behind parapet. Random rubble stone walls (extending to first stage as remains of random rubble stone screen wall having battlemented parapet) with remains of unpainted render over having red brick quoins to corners, stringcourse to top stage, and battlemented parapet (stepped to one corner) having cut-stone coping. Pointed-arch window openings with cut-stone shallow sills, red brick dressings, and fittings now gone. (iii) Detached four-bay two-storey rubble stone coach house, c.1775, to south-east with series of elliptical-headed carriageways. Now in ruins. Pitched roof now gone with no remains of rainwater goods on squared rubble stone eaves. Random rubble stone walls. Square-headed window openings with no sills, stone lintels, and no fittings. Round-headed door opening with cut-stone voussoirs, and no fittings. Series of three elliptical-headed carriageways with cut-stone voussoirs, and no fittings. (iv) Detached three-bay two-storey rubble stone outbuilding, c.1775, to south-east. Now in ruins. Pitched roof now gone with no remains of rainwater goods on squared rubbles tone eaves. Random rubble stone walls. Camber-headed window openings to ground floor (square-headed window opening to centre first floor) with no sills, squared rubble stone voussoirs, and no fittings. Square-headed door opening with squared rubble stone voussoirs, and no fittings.
Appraisal
A late eighteenth-century Georgian Gothic house, now in ruins, the lofty towers of which contribute to a dramatic silhouette on an elevated site overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The house is of additional importance for its associations with the Coghlan, and McKenna families.
Ardoginna house was first mentioned in the Civil Survey 1654-1656, the proprietor’s name was James Fzt Gerald gent, Irish papist. The property consisted of 280 acres and was valued at £23.15.0.
The family name Costen was associated with the house in the 17th Century with several subsequent owners eventually leaving the house acquired by Sir France Prendergast. A story tells of the young heir of the house being falsely accused of stealing some valuable silver. The young man was pursued and fled across the cliff tops where he met his death at Croch an Oidhre (The Heir’s Gibbet) where his horse failed to make a jump and he ended up being hung in the reins of the horse.
Ardoginna house passed into the hands of the Coghlans – one of the principle families of Co. Waterford at the time, however the Coughlans must have fallen on evil days. There are several accounts of the Widow Coughlan and her smuggling activities, of her two handicapped children and her two beautiful daughters. One daughter became Lady Barrymore and her sister Eliza went to live with her in London, where she met the widowed Duc de Castries and married him and returned with him to France after the Revolution. The Ardo estate came into the de Castries family through the marriage and was later acquired by Marshal McMahon (President and Marshal of France in 1873) on his marriage to Elizabeth, daughter and heiress of the Duc de Castries.
It was Marshal McMahon who put the Ardoginna property up for sale in 1865 with Sir Joseph McKenna buying the property. Sir Joseph was a nationalist M.P. for Youghal 1865 to 1868 and from 1874 to 1885. He had been born in Dublin in 1819, was educated at Trinity College and called to the Bar in 1848. The McKennas brought about a period of refurbishment and prosperity at Ardoginna house. In 1895 the house was recorded “of scrupulously white washed walls, gleaming brilliantly in the sun”. Those years from the 1860s to the 1920s appear to have been the heyday for Ardoginna house.
Sir Joseph McKenna had ten children six girls and four boys from his first marriage. He died on 15th August 1906. He had re-married and the second Lady McKenna died in July 1907. Both were buried in a vault in an adjoining field with a large stone angel on guard, however the statue wasn’t enough to stop the grave-robbers who long ago desecrated the place.
Members of the McKenna family lived at Ardoginna for some years before moving to England.
During the period 1920-21 the house was let during the summer and after this time there was no caretaker and the place was looted, eventually sold and deprived of its roof and the final period of its desolation into ruin began.
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.
Larkfield House, Ferrybank, County Waterford X91X9F3 courtesy Lisneys Sotheby’s International Realty Cork
For sale May 2024, €1,300,000
€995,000 in July 2025.
5 Bed 4 Bath 465 m²
Larkfield House, Ferrybank, County Waterford, photograph courtesy Lisneys Sotheby’s International Realty Cork May 2024.
Nestled in picturesque countryside just over 3 miles (5.5 km) from Waterford City, lies this historic country home. Dating back to the early 1800s, this elegant late Georgian home is positioned within approximately 9 acres (3.64 hectares) of grounds. Extending to some 5005 square feet (approx. 465 square metres) of accommodation. Originally the residence of a John Snow, Mayor of Waterford in 1825, Larkfield House has been a cherished family home for its current owners since 1977.
Larkfield is approached via a post and railed driveway and flanked by paddocks either side to a welcoming gravel forecourt in front of the house. The driveway continues past the partly walled mature gardens to access the rear of the house, back courtyard, garages, and stables. Extensive refurbishments have been continually carried out by the current owners to ensure that the property maintains its timeless allure while offering all the comforts of contemporary living.
The House is entered through the impressive porch into an inner hall with original tile floor. To the left, a spacious drawing room beckons with stunning original marble surround and gas fire, high ceilings, a large bay window and French doors which allow access to the beautiful private grounds.
From the hallway a central staircase ascends to the first-floor bedrooms and landing.
Continuing into the heart of the home: a large country kitchen with adjoining breakfast room that boasts an aga, electric oven and natural stone floors.
A formal dining room is adjacent with beautiful period features, front facing bay window and fireplace and is a stunning room to entertain family or guests.
The ground floor continues a separate cosy family room with open fire and marble surround that has a back boiler which can be used in addition to the oil heating system to heat multiple radiators. An office, perfect for working from home, a WC and a spacious utility and boot rooms giving direct access to the back courtyard and storage options. Additionally, there is convenient second staircase to access the first floor from a back hallway.
Ascending the carpeted staircase to the upper level from the reception hall, one discovers a sanctuary of comfort and luxury in the form of five bedrooms, each adorned with high ceilings and beautiful period features.
Larkfield House, Ferrybank, County Waterford, photograph courtesy Lisneys Sotheby’s International Realty Cork May 2024.Larkfield House, Ferrybank, County Waterford, photograph courtesy Lisneys Sotheby’s International Realty Cork May 2024.Larkfield House, Ferrybank, County Waterford, photograph courtesy Lisneys Sotheby’s International Realty Cork May 2024.Larkfield House, Ferrybank, County Waterford, photograph courtesy Lisneys Sotheby’s International Realty Cork May 2024.Larkfield House, Ferrybank, County Waterford, photograph courtesy Lisneys Sotheby’s International Realty Cork May 2024.Larkfield House, Ferrybank, County Waterford, photograph courtesy Lisneys Sotheby’s International Realty Cork May 2024.Larkfield House, Ferrybank, County Waterford, photograph courtesy Lisneys Sotheby’s International Realty Cork May 2024.
There is a generous landing between the rooms and a large walk-in linin room for storage. Bedroom 1, the Master bedroom (23 x 17 ft). A delightful, elegant, bright room with views over the estuary and large ensuite with sunken bath. Bedroom 2 (23 x 11 ft). Beautiful, spacious bedroom with wooden window shutters, built in wardrobes and vanity sink. Bedroom 3 (18 x 14.5 ft). Accessed up 2 steps with a view to the front of the property also has built in wardrobes and vanity sink. The upper floor is completed with 2 bathrooms and additional Bedroom 4 (17 x 15ft) and Bedroom 5 (12 x 10.5ft)
The grounds of this special property unfolds like a private oasis. The mature manicured garden has multiple flower boarders, rose beds, a large lawn area, established vegetable potager with raised beds and many varieties fruit trees, a terrace for entertaining and for the golf enthusiast, the owners recently added a putting green.
The equestrian heritage of the property is seen in the seven horse riding stables, some of which were reroofed in the past year, tack room, 2 large paddocks and previous sand arena that could easily be repurposed. The paddocks are fully enclosed with post and railing with electric fencing and gates. The numerous outbuildings offer potential for a variety of uses, with most equipped with electric power and all stables have water supply. Two garages provide ample space for vehicles and equipment, ensuring that every aspect of country living is accounted for. In conclusion, this unique property in Ferrybank, Waterford, is more than just a home—it is a testament to the enduring allure of history, luxury and tranquillity. With its enchanting past and breathtaking surroundings, this period home stands as a timeless symbol of refined rural living while being close amenities and a must-see property. For full sale information, including floorplans, contact Eileen Neville.
Larkfield House, Ferrybank, County Waterford, photograph courtesy Lisneys Sotheby’s International Realty Cork May 2024.Larkfield House, Ferrybank, County Waterford, photograph courtesy Lisneys Sotheby’s International Realty Cork May 2024.Larkfield House, Ferrybank, County Waterford, photograph courtesy Lisneys Sotheby’s International Realty Cork May 2024.
Irish Historic Houses 