Yesterday I posted the first of my entries based on Mark Bence-Jones’s Guide to Irish Country Houses [1] but today I have updated it with links to my relevant entries, about the places which are open to the public or which provide accommodation. I will make sure to include them in further entries. Do let me know if I need to update my site or include other accommodation etc. Here’s the updated page: https://irishhistorichouses.com/2025/09/26/a-guide-to-irish-county-houses-by-mark-bence-jones-contents-and-pictures-houses-beginning-with-a/

[1] Bence-Jones, Mark. A Guide to Irish Country Houses published by Constable and Company Limited, London, 1988, previously published by Burke’s Peerage Ltd as Burke’s Guide to Country Houses, vol. 1 Ireland, 1978.

Note that the majority of these are private houses, not open to the public. I discovered “my bible” of big houses by Mark Bence-Jones only after I began this project of visiting historic houses that have days that they are open to the public (Section 482 properties).

This is a project I have been working on for a while, collecting pictures of houses. Enjoy! Feel free to contact me to send me better photographs if you have them! I’ll be adding letters as I go…

[1] 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.

Abbeville, Malahide, Co Dublin

“A house built for Rt Hon John Beresford, Taster of the Wines in the Port of Dublin, brother of the 1^st Marquess of Waterford and one of the most powerful men in Ireland at the end of C18; its name commemorating the fact that Bereford’s first wife came from Abbeville in Northern France. Of two storeys over a basement; front of 7 bays between two wide curved bows prolonged by singe-storey 1 bay wings, each with a fanlighted triple window and an urn on a die. Pilastered entrance doorway. Good drawing room with alcove, ceiling of Adamesque plasterwork and husk decoration on walls, incorporating circular painted medallions.” [1]

Abbeylands, Whiteabbey, Co Antrim – burnt 1914

“A two storey Victorian house, vaguely Italianate, but with mullioned windows in the centre of its symmetrical front. Shallow curved bows on either side of front, single storey Ionic porch; narrow pedimented attic storey, with three narrow windows, in centre. Burnt 1914 by Suffragettes.” (!) [1]

Abbeyleix House, County Laois

Abbeyville, Ballymote, Co Sligo – lost

Abbotstown House (formerly also known as Sheephill), Castleknock, Co Dublin – sports centre 

Aberdelghy, Lambeg, Co Antrim

Aclare House,  Drumconrath, Co Meath

Adare Manor, County Limerick – hotel

See my entry https://irishhistorichouses.com/2023/07/21/places-to-visit-and-stay-in-county-limerick/

Adelphi, Corofin, Co Clare

Affane House, County Waterford

Aggard, Craughwell, County Galway

Aghaboe, Ballybrophy, County Laois

Aghada House, Aghada, Co Cork – gone

Aghade Lodge, Tullow, Co Carlow

Aghadoe House, Killarney, County Kerry

Aghamarta Castle, Carrigaline, Co Cork – house with ruined castle

Aghern, Conna, Co Cork – stud farm

Ahanesk or Ahanisk, Midleton, Co Cork

Aharney, County Laois

Aherlow Castle, Bansha, County Tipperary  – ruin restored, runs courses 

Allenton, Tallaght, Co Dublin – Demolished in 1984

Altamira, Liscarroll, Co Cork

Altamont, Kilbride, Co Carlow – gardens open to public /

See my entry https://irishhistorichouses.com/2022/02/21/office-of-public-works-properties-leinster-carlow-kildare-kilkenny/

Altavilla, Rathkeale, Co Limerick 

Altidore Castle, Kilpeddar, Greystones, Co Wicklow – section 482

See my entry https://irishhistorichouses.com/2020/06/25/altidore-castle-kilpeddar-greystones-county-wicklow/

Ampertain House, Upperlands, County Derry 

Anaverna, Dundalk, Co Louth 

Anketill Grove (or Ancketill’s Grove or Anketell Grove), Emyvale,  County Monaghan – gate lodge accommodation 

Anna Liffey House, Lucan, Co Dublin 

Annagh, Riverstown, Co Tipperary – ruin 

Annaghdown House, Carrandulla, Co Galway 

Annaghlee, Cootehill, Co Cavan – gone

Annaghmore, Tullamore, Offaly – recent sale 

Annaghmore, Collooney, Sligo  – accommodation, airbnb 

See my entry https://irishhistorichouses.com/2022/10/19/places-to-visit-and-stay-in-county-sligo-connaught/

Annaghs Castle, Glenmore, Co Kilkenny 

Annamakerrig (or Annaghmakerrig, Tyrone Guthrie Centre), Newbliss, Co Monaghan – artist residence 

Annemount, Glounthaune, Co Cork – Fire in 1948, destroyed 

Anner Castle (formerly Ballinahy), Clonmel, Co Tipperary  

“An impressive C19 castle of random ashlar, built in 1860s by Rev. N.H. Mandeville to the design of a Cork architect, William Atkins; incorporating an old square castle of the Mandeville family which had up to then been known as Ballinahy, but which was renamed Anner Castle after being enlarged and transformed. Impressive entrance front with two octagonal battlemented and machicolated towers. Burnt 1926 and only front part rebuilt.” [1]

Annerville, Clonmel, Co Tipperary  

Annes Grove (formerly Ballyhemock or Ballyhimmock), Castletownroche, Co Cork – gardens open to public; gate lodge accommodation

See my entry https://irishhistorichouses.com/2022/01/19/office-of-public-works-properties-munster/

Annesbrook, Duleek, Co Meath 

Annestown House, County Waterford – B&B 

See my entry https://irishhistorichouses.com/2022/05/26/places-to-visit-and-stay-in-munster-county-waterford/

Anngrove (formerly Ballinsperrig), Carrigtwohill, Co Cork – demolished by ca. 1965

Antrim Castle, County Antrim – open to the public 

See my entry https://irishhistorichouses.com/2022/03/21/places-to-visit-and-stay-in-ulster-county-antrim/

Antrim Castle gardens and Clotworthy House, County Antrim – estate and gardens open to the public, the Castle was destroyed by fire. The stable block, built in the 1840s and now known as Clotworthy House, is used as an arts centre.

Aras an Uachturain, (formerly Vicegreal Lodge and before that, Phoenix Lodge), Phoenix Park, Dublin  

See my entry https://irishhistorichouses.com/2023/10/17/office-of-public-works-dublin-aras-an-uachtarain-phoenix-park/

Arbutus Lodge, Montenotte, Co. Cork  – apartments  

Arch Hall, Co Meath  – lost 

Archbishop’s Palace (or Armagh Palace), County Armagh 

Archerstown, Thurles, Co Tipperary  – ruin 

Ardagh House, County Longford

Ardamine, Gorey, Co Wexford – Destroyed by IRA in 1921  

Ardavilling, Cloyne, Co Cork  – burned 2017, being rebuilt  

Ardbraccan House, Navan, Co Meath 

Ardbrack House, Kinsale, Co Cork 

Ardcandrisk House, County Wexford 

Ardee House, Co Louth – hospital 

Ardfert Abbey, County Kerry   – Destroyed by IRA by fire in 1922. 

Ardfinnan Castle, Ardfinnan, Co. Tipperary 

Ardfry, County Galway  – ruins 

Ardgillan Castle, Balbriggan, County Dublin  – open to public

See my entry https://irishhistorichouses.com/2022/10/15/places-to-visit-in-dublin-ardgillan-castle-balbriggan-county-dublin/

Ardglass Castle (also known as The Newark), County Down

Ardigon, Killyleagh, County Down

Ardkeen, Waterford, Co Waterford – hospital 

Ardmore, Passage West, Co Cork

Ardmore Place, Bray, Co Wicklow – film studio 

Ardmulchan, Beauparc, Co. Meath 

Ardnalee, Carrigrohane, Co Cork 

Ardnargle, Limavady, County Derry 

Ardo (also known as Ardogena), Ardmore, Co Waterford

Ardowen House, Co Sligo 

Ardoyne House, Edenderry, County Antrim 

Ardress House, Charlemont, County Armagh (National Trust), open to public 

See my entry https://irishhistorichouses.com/2023/10/05/places-to-visit-and-stay-in-county-armagh-northern-ireland/

Ardrum, Inniscarra, Co Cork – demolished  

Ardrumman House, Ramelton, County Donegal (supplement)

Ards, Sheephaven, Donegal - demolished ca 1965  

Ardsallagh, Navan, Co Meath 

Ardsallagh, Fethard, Co Tipperary 

Ardtully, Co Kerry  – burnt in 1921, ruin 

The Argory, Charlemont, County Armagh (National Trust) – open to the public

See my entry https://irishhistorichouses.com/2023/10/05/places-to-visit-and-stay-in-county-armagh-northern-ireland/

Armagh Palace, County Armagh (see Archbishops’ Palace, County Armagh)

Artramon House, Castlebridge, Co Wexford – B&B 

See my entry https://irishhistorichouses.com/2023/11/15/places-to-visit-and-stay-in-county-wexford/

Ash Hill Towers, Kilmallock, Co Limerick  – hidden Ireland accommodation, was 482 

See my entry https://irishhistorichouses.com/2023/04/06/ash-hill-kilmallock-co-limerick/

Ash Park, Feeny, County Derry (glamping) 

Ashbourne House, Co Cork  – no longer a hotel 

Ashbrook, County Derry – whole house rental accommodation 

See my entry on https://irishhistorichouses.com/2023/10/05/places-to-visit-and-stay-in-county-derry-northern-ireland/

Ashburn, Limerick, County Limerick 

Ashfield, Rathfarnham, Co Dublin 

Ashfield Lodge, Cootehill, Co Cavan – gone  

Ashford Castle, Cong, County Galway/ County Mayo  – hotel 

See my entry in https://irishhistorichouses.com/2022/05/15/places-to-stay-and-visit-in-connacht-leitrim-mayo-and-sligo/

Ashgrove, Co Cavan

Ashgrove, Cobh, Co Cork – demolished  

Ashley Park, Nenagh, Co Tipperary  – accommodation 

See my entry: https://irishhistorichouses.com/2022/10/19/places-to-visit-and-stay-in-county-tipperary-munster/

Ashline, Ennis, Co Clare

Ashton House, Castleknock, Co Dublin 

Ashurst, Killiney, Co Dublin 

Askeaton Castle, Limerick  

See my entry https://irishhistorichouses.com/2022/11/17/office-of-public-works-properties-in-county-tipperary/

Assolas, Kanturk, Co Cork 

Athavallie, Castlebar, County Mayo 

Athcarne Castle, Duleek, Co Meath

Athclare Castle, Co Louth 

Athgoe Park, Hazelhatch, Co Dublin 

Attyflin, Patrickswell, Co Limerick  

Auburn, Athlone, Co Westmeath – Now in use as offices

Aughentaine Castle, Fivemiletown, County Tyrone

This is a private home and the gardens are not open to the public: https://aughentaine.com

Augher Castle, County Tyrone (see Spur Royal)

Aughrane Castle, also known as Castle Kelly, Ballygar, Co Galway  – demolished 1951 

Aughnagaddy House, Ramelton, County Donegal (supplement)

Avondale House, County Wicklow – open to public 

See my entry https://irishhistorichouses.com/2022/10/20/places-to-visit-and-stay-in-county-wicklow-leinster/

Avonmore, Annamoe, Co Wicklow 

Ayesha Castle, Victoria Road, Killiney, Dublin 

Just a reminder to my readers, https://openhousedublin.com/whats-on/

I love Heritage Week, people are so generous with their time. I will be writing about it in the next couple of weeks but here is a quick preview of our week.

We visited Counties Roscommon and Sligo and stayed in the beautiful Andresna House B&B on the shore of Lake Arrow. https://www.andresnahouse.com

Andresna House was probably built as a fishing or hunting lodge, and I will be adding it to my “Places to visit and stay in County Sligo.” Owners Andy and Myriam were unable to determine its precise age, but a nearby house with the same design was built in 1795. I like that the owners run the B&B with an emphasis on organic produce and bed linen – it is a haven of beauty, fine taste and tranquility.

Unfortunately we were only able to stay for one night as we had to get back to Dublin, but while in the area we visited Castlecoote in County Roscommon, Temple House in County Sligo and a property that is not on the Revenue Section 482 list but has been recently renovated and opened for B&B accommodation, Frybrook House in Boyle, County Roscommon https://frybrook.ie.

I was disappointed to learn that Temple House is no longer taking bookings for separate bedrooms for overnight guests, and is only available for group rental. I understand that it’s difficult to run a B&B (and they also served dinner) and I think Roderick and his family feel the need to step back from that end of hospitality. What a splendid house it is! The tour confirmed the Perceval links with Burton Park in County Cork, another Section 482 property https://irishhistorichouses.com/2024/02/08/burton-park-churchtown-mallow-county-cork-p51-vn8h/

At Temple House I met a historian who had worked in the Jacobean Kiplin Hall in Yorkshire, built in the 1620s for George Calvert, founder of Maryland in the United States. I was thrilled when she told me she is familiar with my website. It was great to receive a vote of confidence. She shared with me photographs of a visit she had made earlier in the week to the beautiful Raford House in Galway, a member of Historic Houses of Ireland which is not normally open to the public. This year the Historic Houses of Ireland participated in the Open Doors initiative, giving visitors an opportunity to explore homes that are not normally open to the public. https://www.ihh.ie I learned of the initiative too late to make plans, unfortunately – I do hope they do it again next year! I would have loved to avail of the opportunity to visit Ballydarton in County Carlow, Lohort Castle and Laurentinum House in Cork, Richmond House in Fermoy, Roundwood and Ballykilcalvan in Laois, Castlegarde in Limerick and Castlecor in Longford.

On Tuesday Stephen and I returned to Birr Castle for another tour – it’s so rich with living history, antiques, portraits, Gothic vaulting, brocades, enormous pelmets, crests and tapestries, I would need hours to take in its splendour and stories.

We had a little wander on the grounds to the formal gardens but didn’t have long until our tour at Bellefield House and Gardens nearby. Architect and landscape architect Angela Jupe left her beloved house, renovated outbuildings and nearly two acre walled gardens to the Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland, and the head gardener led tours during Heritage Week. The gardens are often open to the public during the year – check their website for details https://rhsi.ie/rhsi-bellefield/. I was excited that we were allowed to see inside the house as well as the garden on this Heritage Week tour. I love Angela Jupe’s taste in decor and furnishing, and her fondness for architectural salvage. Note that the coach house, renovated by Angela, can be rented as accommodation too. The website tells us that it has an accessible downstairs double bedroom and shower room and an upstairs mezzanine room with a double bed. There’s a fully equipped kitchen and an open plan living room and stove with access directly out onto the lower walled garden. For enquiries for both events in the large open space or accommodation, check the website.

Angela previously owned Fancroft Mill in County Tipperary, another Section 482 property which I look forward to visiting.

We enjoyed the tour of the garden and learned that good garden hygeine should help to cure our apple trees of their black spot infection. For the third time that week we sampled apples – or in the case of Castlecoote, delicious sweet apple juice.

Due to the heatwave we had to take a break from house visits in order to drive down to Wexford to water my vegetable garden. I was disappointed to realise that Ballyhack Castle, a tower house owned by the Office of Public Works but closed most of the time, was open for most of Heritage Week this year but closed on the days we were in Wexford!

However, we returned to Dublin to visit Howth Castle on Friday. Historian Daniel Eglington-Carey, who currently lives in the castle and gives tours, explained how the forecourt displays the different dates when parts of the castle were built. The St. Lawrence family settled in the location nearly 800 years ago and only moved out recently. None of the original structure remains, but the gate tower dates from 1450. My friend Gary and I really enjoyed the tour, and look forward to returning as a longer tour brings visitors to the Lutyens garden behind the castle. https://howthcastle.ie I’ll be updating my page soon with more about our visit.

I am preparing for my busiest week of the year: Heritage Week! All of the section 482 houses are open for a visit (except those listed as Tourist Accommodation). See my home page for opening times: https://irishhistorichouses.com

This year we were lucky enough to secure a place on a tour of Temple House in County Sligo, which is normally not open as it is on the section 482 list as accommodation, but this year they are giving tours on Sunday 17th – you have to book in advance but maybe there are still places left.

I can’t wait to identify the people in the portraits! I do hope we have time to do so, as it’s only a 45 minute tour.

We are staying in what looks like a historic farm house, Andresna House, on the border of Roscommon and Sligo. I look forward to finding out more about its history. https://www.andresnahouse.com

We’ll also be visiting Castlecoote in County Roscommon. It was always booked for accommodation in previous years when I asked to visit so I am happy to have this opportunity.

We may get to Frybrook house in Boyle as well.

We’re mainly based in Dublin and Wexford this year since we can’t afford to stay away from home – and I need to water my veggies in Wexford at some point during this heatwave!

We’re off to Birr again, where we spent time last year during Heritage week to see Crotty Church. This time we have booked a tour of the Castle. While in the area, we will also visit Bellefield house and gardens.

I’m excited that we also managed to book a place on the tour of Howth Castle. I was in it once before, for the book sale when it was sold after over 800 years of ownership. We only saw the impressive front hall and library so I can’t wait to see some more, although unfortunately it will probably be empty since contents were also sold.

I have also booked a tour of Rokeby in County Louth, which we visited years ago but I’d love to see again, to have our dose of Francis Johnston, also visiting Townley Hall.

Let us know if you have Heritage Week plans – you can share in the Comments section.

In previous years, we have been very busy during Heritage Week, and we visited houses before I embarked upon this project. In 2019 I read an article in the Irish Times about the Section 482 scheme and I decided to visit them and to blog about it.

There are generally about 180 properties on the Revenue Section 482 list every year and the properties stay on the list for at least five years in order to obtain state aid by subtracting a percentage of maintenance costs from income tax.

See the entry that I wrote at the end of 2022 summarising our travels thus far, https://irishhistorichouses.com/2022/12/09/a-summary-of-2022-and-previous-years/

Heritage Week visits in previous years:

Old Glebe in Newcastle Lyons, County Dublin, during Heritage Week 2012:

Primrose Hill, County Dublin, 17th August 2013:

Huntington Castle, County Carlow, in August 2016:

In 2019 we visited Swainstown House in County Meath, Marlay Park house in Rathfarnham (we’ll be visiting again next month when it is open during Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown Heritage), Beaulieu in County Louth, and Harristown House and Blackhall Castle in County Kildare. Not all are on the Section 482 property list.

Swainstown House, County Meath, 19th August 2019

Harristown, County Kildare, 22nd August 2019

Blackhall Castle, County Kildare, 22nd August 2019

In 2020 during Heritage Week we went to Counties Cork and Waterford:

Kilshannig House, Rathcormac, Co. Cork – 14th Aug 2020
Cappoquin House & Gardens, Co. Waterford – 15 Aug 2020
Dromana House, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford – 5th May 2019 and 15th Aug 2020
Drishane House, Castletownshend, Co. Cork – 20th Aug 2020

Kilshannig, County Cork, 14th August 2020

Dromana House, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford – 15th Aug 2020

Cappoquin, County Waterford, 15th August 2020

Drishane House, County Cork, 20th August 2020

Baltimore Castle, County Cork, 20th August 2020

In 2021 we headed to County Sligo and Mayo for Heritage Week then over to Counties Westmeath, Kilkenny and Carlow.

Markree Castle, Collooney, Co. Sligo – 16th Aug 2021
Newpark House and Demesne, Co. Sligo – 16th Aug 2021
Enniscoe House & Gardens, Ballina, Co. Mayo (accommodation) – 17th Aug 2021
Coopershill House, Riverstown, Co. Sligo (accommodation) – 18th Aug 2021
Tullynally Castle & Gardens, Co. Westmeath – 4th Aug 2019 and 21st Aug 2021
Kilfane Glen & Waterfall, Co. Kilkenny (garden) – 23rd Aug 2021
The Old Rectory Killedmond, Borris, Co. Carlow – 1st July 2020 and 23rd Aug 2021

Markree Castle, County Sligo, 16th August 2021

Newpark, County Sligo, 16th August 2021

Enniscoe, County Mayo, 17th August 2021

Coopershill, County Sligo, 18th August 2021

The Old Rectory Killedmond, Borris, Co. Carlow – 1st July 2020 and 23rd Aug 2021, where we stayed in a shepherd’s hut.

Kilfane, County Kilkenny, 23rd August 2021

In 2022 during Heritage Week we travelled to Counties Limerick, Galway and on up to Roscommon, Sligo and Leitrim and home via County Monaghan! We treated ourselves to a stay in Ash Hill in County Limerick.

Ash Hill, Kilmallock, Co. Limerick (accommodation) – 12-15 Aug 2022
Beechwood House, Co. Tipperary – 13 Aug 2022
The Turret, Rylanes, Ballingarry, Co. Limerick – 13th Aug 2022
Glenville House, Glenville, Ardagh, Co. Limerick – 14th Aug 2022
Mount Trenchard House and Garden, Co. Limerick – 14th Aug 2022
Claregalway Castle, Claregalway, Co. Galway (accommodation) – 15th Aug 2022
Oranmore Castle, Oranmore, Co. Galway – 15th Aug 2022
Strokestown Park House, Co. Roscommon – 16 and 17th Aug 2022
King House, Boyle, Co. Roscommon – 18th Aug 2022
Lissadell House & Gardens, Co. Sligo – 19th Aug 2022
Manorhamilton Castle (Ruin), Co. Leitrim – 20th Aug 2022
Hilton Park House, Co. Monaghan (accommodation) – 21st Aug 2022

Beechwood, County Tipperary, 13th August 2022

Glenview, County Limerick, 14th August 2022

Mount Trenchard, County Limerick, 14th August 2022

Oranmore Castle, County Galway, 15th August 2022

Claregalway Castle, County Galway, 15th August 2022

King House, County Roscommon, 18th August 2022

Strokestown Park, County Roscommon, August 2022

Lissadell, County Sligo, 19th August 2022

Manorhamilton, County Leitrim, 20th August 2022

Hilton Park, County Monaghan, 21st August 2022

In 2023 during Heritage Week we visited Counties Waterford, Tipperary, and Cork:

Cappagh House (Old and New), Dungarvan, Co. Waterford – 14th Aug 2023

Ballynatray Estate, Co. Waterford (garden) – 19th Aug 2023

Kilcascan Castle, County Cork – 15th Aug 2023

Bantry House, County Cork – 15 and 16th Aug 2023

Dún Na Séad Castle, Baltimore, Co. Cork – 16th Aug 2023

Drishane Castle & Gardens, Co. Cork – 17th Aug 2023

Burton Park, Churchtown, Mallow, Co. Cork – 17th Aug 2023

Clashleigh House, Clogheen, Co. Tipperary – 19th Aug 2023

Grenane House, Tipperary, Co. Tipperary – 19th Aug 2023

That year we made a circle from around Clogheen County Tipperary, driving through it to our first airbnb in County Waterford and ending up nearby at our last airbnb in Ardfinnan in County Tipperary. We visited ten Section 482 properties!

Our last day in Heritage Week 2023, we visited Clashleigh House in Clogheen, County Tipperary. A beautiful house, it was used for some years as a rectory. We visited in the morning, so had time to drive down to Lismore in the afternoon to see the idyllic Lismore Castle gardens.

In 2024 during Heritage Week we went to the wonderful Charleville Woods Castle in County Offaly (which is not Section 482). 

On the Monday we went to see Tullynisk house. We were given a wonderful tour by its resident Alicia Clements, daughter of the Earl of Rosse, who married a descendant of Nathaniel Clements who built the Áras an Uachtaráin in the Phoenix Park.

Emo Park finally opened its doors albeit for just a few days during the week last year. 

We found ourselves with spare time after Emo Park as it was too rainy to wander the lush grounds, so we headed to Roscrea for more OPW properties: Damer House and Roscrea Castle. Unfortunately we weren’t allowed to take photographs inside Damer House except in the exhibition rooms. After a tour of Damer House we went across the bawn to tour Roscrea Castle. It is a treasure for the beautiful ancient town of Roscrea.

We went to Birr last year to attend a talk about the Crotty Schism which took place in the Catholic church in the mid 1800s.

On the Saturday we visited Ballybrittan Castle, which we were lucky to see before it changes hands to a new owner. Rosemarie warmly welcomed her visitors, sharing the home she lived in and loved for 27 years along with her late husband Jerry Healy, who served on the boards of the Irish Georgian Society and the Alfred Beit Foundation, which manages Russborough House, Co Wicklow.

Today I do not have a Section 482 property to write about because I find visiting difficult. My regular readers will have noticed that over the past couple of years I have been writing more often about properties that are publicly owned. I do intend to continue visiting and writing. But I realise my blog puts me in a difficult position. Most owners, understandably, do not want their private property written about on a website.

I have mixed feelings about the Revenue Section 482 scheme. The public are deprived of the amount of income tax that Section 482 owners save. Is it value for money? Should the government be urged to consider doing away with the scheme?

It’s not that I disagree about the value of historic houses. I love historic houses! I love to visit them, I love their history, their architecture, their gardens. I love to stay in them when I can. However, inclusion is too broad. I don’t think every property is actually worth visiting.

When I began visiting the properties, I had no idea that Ireland had so many wonderful houses. So I assumed that the few we have are worth saving. When I discovered Mark Bence-Jones’s landmark  A Guide to Irish Country Houses I learned that there are at least 3000 such houses. Perhaps the ones still standing are worth saving, I thought.

After more than five years pursuing my project, I have learned that Mark Bence-Jones only touches the surface. The National Inventory of Architectural Heritage lists thousands more properties. Nearly every week a gorgeous historic property is advertised for sale. Each one could be a Section 482 property. Could every rectory and old farmhouse be included on the Section 482 scheme?

Criteria for inclusion is that the property is of horticultural, scientific, historical, architectural or aesthetic significance. Application of the criteria is sometimes tenuous.

Ostensibly, the scheme helps owners to maintain their historic property because it is worth maintaining. It seems that thousands more properties could be included at little inconvenience to owners (more on this later). With the housing crisis and the ecological impact of building, every building is worth maintaining. If one owner has their income tax reduced by spending on house repairs while another owner does not, there should be a very good reason.

The Scheme requires that the historic properties must be either open to the public for specified periods, or provide tourist accommodation. I have criticised the latter before as there is no limit on what can be charged. I wonder why more B&Bs and hotels don’t apply for section 482 status. Why don’t all castle hotels apply, for example? Is it to do with what sort of ownership meets criteria? The government should definitely do away with the part of the scheme that allows a property to fulfil its obligations by providing tourist accommodation. Most are too expensive for the majority of Irish people. The public does not benefit at all. I suspect this was not originally part of the scheme.

Worst are the houses that only do “whole house” rental. In those cases, we can be grateful that someone is maintaining a wonderful piece of history, but since we will never get to see it, we should not be expected to fund it.

That leaves us with the houses that are open to the public for specified periods. I am sure I am not the only person who arrived to a locked gate, or was told that the open day was not convenient. It’s hard for owners, I understand! I know I couldn’t do it, showing people around my home, having it tidy, being there to open the door, not knowing who would arrive. Fortunately, I think only people who are genuinely interested go to see the properties.

And so, I would hope, only people genuinely interested look at my website. I do have owners who have asked me not to write about their property at all. I understand. But that’s when I return to the value of the scheme. Is it because we value these houses, their beauty, their history? Aren’t owners receiving tax benefits because they are acknowledging the value of their property to the larger public? And if so, can they really ask me not to write about them? By highlighting their aesthetic and historical significance, my website encourages people to believe historic houses are worth maintaining.

I am not saying I am convinced of this, and therein lies my problem. Which is why I have only visited one private section 482 property in the past year or more. I completely understand that an owner does not want me to write about their property. I understand that an owner wishes nobody would visit. So I find it hard to make myself visit. I would love to know others’ experience.

And if you are an owner, please let me know if I am welcome to visit! Because I find it hard to ask.

Oops, I just published about Dunsany, County Meath, by mistake. I see that my photographs did not upload properly, and only captions were published. I will fix it soon. I won’t have many photographs, as requested by the owner. Sorry about my mistake.

About

Revenue Section 482 list for 2025 is published! I have put the full listing on my home page https://irishhistorichouses.com

Unfortunately there are no new properties, but sometimes properties are added during the year. A few properties have dropped off last years’ list.

We did not visit many houses in 2024 as we were busy trying to buy our own place in the countryside. Now that we have settled into Wexford, I hope to start visiting houses again this year. I am going to list here the places we have still left to visit, and try to make a sort of rough schedule for potential visits. I’ll never make it to them all, but it’s a good outline – you can see how difficult it is to fit in visits! It takes very careful planning to try to get to houses on open dates!

Mon	Tues	Wed	Thurs	Fri	Sat	Sun
10th March	11	12	13	14	15	16
17	18	19	20	21	The Odeon, Dublin
24					81 N.King St
31	1				Doheny & Nesbitt	Knockanree garden
7 April					10 S.Frederick St
14					Lough Park, Westmeath
21					Steam Museum
28					Tibradden, Dublin
5 May					Templemills, Kildare
12					Griesemount, Kildare
19					Charleville, Wicklow
26					Meander
2 June					Woodville Walled Garden Galway	Grammar School Galway + Aran
9: Castle Ellen Galway	Newtown Castle Clare				Leixlip Castle
16					Burtown, Kildare
23					Clonalis, Castlecoote?	Strokestown
30					Corke Lodge
7 July					Tybroughney
14					Farmersvale
21					Knocknagin
28					Kingston House
4 Aug					Birr Castle
11					Ashton Grove, Cork	Ballyvolane
18: Brideweir	Garrettstown, Cork	Killinure Castle	Redwood Castle/ Fancroft Mill	Shannonbridge?	Moorehill, or Moyglare House?	Kiltimon, Wicklow
25				Stay in Keel House, Kerry	Tarbert House	Old Rectory Rathkeale
1 Sept					Moyglare Glebe, Kildare	11 North Great George’s Street
8					Aylwardstown
15					Rockfield Eco Westmeath
22					Ballybur Castle	Castle Howard, Wicklow
29					Barmeath
6 Oct					Farm Complex Dublin
13					Ballaghmore Castle, Laois
20
27
3 Nov
10
17
24
1 Dec
8
1					27th: Kilcarbry, Wexford

Places I haven’t been to, or want to return to (returns in red):

Borris House, Borris, County Carlow – Sat June 28?

See my entry: https://irishhistorichouses.com/2020/10/04/borris-house-county-carlow/

www.borrishouse.com
Open dates in 2025: Apr 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, 23-24, 29-30, May 1, 7-22, 27-29, June 17-19, 24-26, 28-29, July 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, 22-24, 29-31, Aug 16-24, 12pm-4pm

Fee: adult/OAP €12, child under 12 free, group rate on request

Loughnane’s, Main Street, Feakle, Co. Clare – stay Fri June 6th-Wed 11?
www.clareecolodge.ie
Open dates in 2025: June 1-August 31, Wed-Sun, Aug 16-24, 2pm-6pm Fee: Free

Newtown Castle, Newtown, Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare Tues June 10th?
www.newtowncastle.com 
Open dates in 2025: Jan 6-Dec 19 Mon-Fri, National Heritage Week 16-24, 10am-5pm
Fee: Free

Ashton Grove, Ballingohig, Knockraha, County Cork – Sat Aug 16?

https://irishhistorichouses.com/2022/11/04/ashton-grove-ballingohig-knockraha-co-cork/
Open dates in 2025: Jan 7-10, 14-17, 21-24, Feb 10-14, 18, 25, Mar 4, May 1-5, 8-11, 13, 15-16, 20,

22-23, June 3-8, 10-15, 17-20, Aug 16-24, 8am-12 noon

Fee: adult €6, child €3, student/OAP free

Ballyvolane House, Castlelyons, County Cork P61 FP70 – Sun Aug 17?
Tourist Accommodation Facility

www.ballyvolanehouse.ie

Open dates in 2025: April 1-Sept 30, Jan, Feb Mar, Nov, Dec 3-20 Wed-Sat, Oct Tue-Sat

Fee: adult €7, family €18-2 adults and 3 children
Although listed under Accommodation Facility they have a fee on this listing so if you contact them in advance perhaps they will give you a tour.

Brideweir House, Aghern, Conna, County Cork P51 FD36 – Mon Aug 18?
www.brideweir.ie
Open dates in 2025: May 3-4, 10-11, Aug 1-31, Sept 1-30, Nov 1-7, 9am-1pm

Fee: adult €10, child/student €5, OAP free

Check before visiting!

Garrettstown House, Garrettstown, Kinsale, County Cork – Tues Aug 19?
www.garrettstownhouse.com
Open dates in 2025: May 12-Sept 12, 12 noon-5pm

Fee: adult €10, OAP/student €7, child €5, groups (10 or more) €5 per person

Woodford Bourne Warehouse, Sheares Street, Cork City
www.woodfordbournewarehouse.com
Open: all year except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, 12 noon-10pm
Fee: Free

Cavanacor House, Ballindrait, Lifford, Co. Donegal F93 F573
www.cavanacorgallery.ie
Open dates in 2025: Feb 1-20, Aug 16-25, Sept 1-30, 1pm-5pm

Fee: adult €8, OAP/student/child €6

Doheny & Nesbitt, 4/5 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2 – Sat 5th April?

www.dohenyandnesbitts.ie

Open dates in 2025: all year, except Christmas Day, Mon-Wed, 9am-12 midnight, Thurs-Sat, 9am-1.30am, Sun, 9am-12 midnight
Fee: Free

11 North Great George’s Street, Dublin 1 – Sun 7th Sept?

see my entry: https://irishhistorichouses.com/2019/12/31/11-north-great-georges-street-dublin-1/

www.number11dublin.ie
Open dates in 2025: April  7th – 11th, 21st – 25th, May 6-10, June 2-7, July 7-12, Aug 4-9, 16-25, Sept 1-7, Oct 6-10, 20-24,

12 noon-4pm

Fee: adult €7, students/OAP €5, child up to 12 years, free. all takings at door are donated to Merchants Quay Ireland

81 North King Street, Smithfield, Dublin 7 – Sat 29th March?
Open dates in 2025: Apr 1-5, 7-12, 14-19, 21-26, 28-30, June 2-7, 9-14, 16-21, 23-28, 30, Aug 1-2, 5-9, 11-30, 12 noon-4pm

Fee: Free

The Odeon (formerly the Old Harcourt Street Railway Station), 57 Harcourt Street, Dublin 2 – Sat 22nd March?
www.odeon.ie
Open in 2025: all year Tue-Sat, National Heritage Week, Aug 16-24, 12 noon-12 midnight

Fee: Free

10 South Frederick Street, Dublin 2, D02 YT54 – Sat 12th April?
Open dates in 2025: all year, 2pm-6pm

Fee: Free

Corke Lodge Garden, Shankill, Co. Dublin A98 X264 – garden only – Sat 5th July?
Postal address Woodbrook, Bray, Co. Wicklow
www.corkelodge.com
Open dates in 2025: June 2-27, Mon-Fri, July 1-26, Tue-Sat, Aug 4-24, 10am-2pm

Fee: adult €10, entrance fee is a voluntary donation in honesty box at door

Farm Complex, Toberburr Road, Killeek, St Margaret’s, Co. Dublin – Sat Oct 11th?
Open dates in 2025: Jan 10-12, 24-26, Mon-Fri, 9.30pm-1.30pm, Sat-Sun, 1pm-5pm, May 2-5, 9-12, 16-19, 23-26, 30-31, Aug 16-24, Sept 5-8, 12-13, 19-21, 26-29, Oct 10-12, 17-19, 24-27, Mon- Fri 9.30am-1.30pm, Sat-Sun 2pm-6pm, Nov 8-9, 22-23, Mon-Fri, 9.30-1.30, Sat-Sun, 1pm-5pm

Fee: adult €6, student/OAP/child €5

Knocknagin House, Coney Hill, Ballbriggan, Co Dublin, K32 YEC0 – Sat 26th July?
Open dates in 2025: June 22-28, July 1-5, 8-12, 15-19, 22-26, 29-31, Aug 16-24, Sept 2-6, 9-13, 16-20, 29-30, Oct 1-4, 9.30am-1.30pm

Fee: adult €10, students, OAP/groups €5

Lambay Castle, Lambay Island, Malahide, Co. Dublin R36 XH75
www.lambayisland.ie
Tourist Accommodation Facility – not open to the public

Open for accommodation: April 1- September 30 2025

They do give tours if booked in advance – see the website.

See my entry https://irishhistorichouses.com/2025/01/03/lambay-castle-lambay-island-malahide-co-dublin-section-482-tourist-accommodation/

Meander, Westminister Road, Foxrock, Dublin 18, D18 E2T9 – Sat May 31st?
Open dates in 2025: Jan 6-10, 13-17, 20-24, 27-31, May 1-3, 6-10, 26-31, June 3-7, 9-14, 16-21, 23, Aug 16-24, 9am-1pm

Fee: adult €5, OAP/child/student €2

Primrose Hill, Very Top of Primrose Lane, Lucan, Co. Dublin K78C1W9
Open dates in 2025: Feb 1-28, June 1-30, July 1-7, Aug 16-24, 2pm-6pm

Fee: adult/OAP/student €6, child free

See my entry https://irishhistorichouses.com/2019/12/31/primrose-hill-primrose-lane-lucan-county-dublin/

Tibradden House, Mutton Lane, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16 D16 XV97 – Sat 3rd May?
Open dates in 2025: Jan 7-17, 24, Feb 3, 10, 17, 24, Mar 3, 10, 21, 24, Apr 4, May 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 23, 29-30, June 13-15, 19-22, 25-28, Aug 15-24, Sept 3-6, 12-13, 19-20, 26-27, Jan-Apr, May-June, Aug, 2pm-6pm, Feb and Sept, 10am-2pm

Fee: adult €8, student/OAP/group €5  

Castle Ellen House, Athenry, Co. Galway – Mon June 9th?
http://www.castleellen.ie/
Open dates in 2025: Apr 6-9, 13-16, 20-23, 27-30, May 4-7, 11-14, 18-21, 25-28, June 1-4, 8-11, 15-18, 22-25, 29-30, July 1-2, Aug 16-24, 12 noon-4pm

Fee: adult €5, child/OAP/student free

Lisdonagh House, Caherlistrane, Co. Galway H91 PFW6
Tourist Accommodation Facility – not open to the public
www.lisdonagh.com
Open for accommodation: May 1-Oct 31 2025

The Grammar School, College Road, Galway – Sun June 8th?
www.yeatscollege.ie
Open dates in 2025: May 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 24-25, June 7-8, July 1-31, Aug 1-12, 16-24, 9am-5pm

Fee: adult/OAP/student €5, child under 12 free

Signal Tower & Lighthouse, Eochaill, Inis Mór, Aran Islands, Co. Galway – Sun June 8th?
www.aranislands.ie
Open in 2025: April 1-October 31, 9am-5pm

Fee: adult €2.50, child €1.50, OAP/student free, family €5, group rates depending on numbers

Woodville House Dovecote & Walls of Walled Garden – garden only – Sat June 7th?
Craughwell, Co. Galway

www.woodvillewalledgarden.com
Open dates in 2025: Feb 1-3, 7-10, 14-17, 21-24, 28, Mar 1-3, 7-10, 14-17, Apr 18-21, May 16-19, June 1-2, 6-9, 13-16, 20-23, 27-30, Aug 1-4, 8-11, 15-25, Feb-May, 12 noon-4pm, June and August, 11am-5pm, last entry 4.30pm

Fee: adult €10, OAP €9, student, €6, child €4 must be accompanied by adult, family €25 (2 adults and 2 children)

Keel House, Keel, Castlemaine, Co. Kerry V93 A6 Y3 – stay Fri/Sat/Sun Aug 29/30/31?
(Tourist Accommodation Facility)
Open for accommodation in 2025: April 1- Sept 30

https://www.airbnb.ie/rooms/763099850152850482?source_impression_id=p3_1741194866_P3bysbQjjoOVpVMf

Tarbert House, Tarbert, Co. Kerry – Sat Aug 30?
Open dates in 2025: Jan 1-4, 6-11, 13-18, 20-25, 27-31, May 1-3, 5-10, 12-17, 19-24, 26-31, July 1-

5, 7-12, 14-19, 21-26, 28-30, Aug 1-2, 4-9, 11-31, 10am-12 noon, 2pm-4pm

Fee: adult/OAP/student €5, child free

Burtown House and Garden, Athy, Co. Kildare R14 AE67 – Sat 20th June?
www.burtownhouse.ie
Open dates in 2025: June 4-7, 11-14, 18-21, 25-28, July 2-5, 9-12, 16-19, 23-26, 30-31, August 1-2, 6-9, 13-24, 27-30, Sept 3-6, 10am-2pm

Fee: adult €10, OAP/student/child €5

Farmersvale House, Badgerhill, Kill, Co. Kildare W91 PP99 – Sat 19th July?
Open dates in 2025: Jan 6-21, Mar 3-6, July 18-31, Aug 1-26, 9.30am-1.30pm

Fee: adult €5, student/child/OAP €3, (Irish Georgian Society members free)

Griesemount House, Ballitore, Co Kildare R14 WF64 – Sat 17th May?
www.griesemounthouse.ie
Open dates in 2025: Feb 9-28, May 11-30, June 23-30, July 1-4, Aug 16-24, 2pm-6pm

Fee: adult €6, OAP/child/student €5

Leixlip Castle, Leixlip, Co. Kildare W23 N8X6 – Sat June 14th?

See my entry: https://irishhistorichouses.com/2020/09/04/leixlip-castle-county-kildare-desmond-guinnesss-jewelbox-of-treasures/
Open dates in 2025: Feb 17-21, 24-28, Mar 3-7, 10-14, May 12-23, June 9-20, Aug 16-24, Sept 1-7,

Fee: adult €8, OAP/student/child €4, no charge for local school visits/tours

Moyglare Glebe, Moyglare, Maynooth, Co. Kildare W23K285 – Sat Sept 6?
Open dates in 2025: Jan 13-17, 20-24, 27-31, Feb 4-7, 10, May 1-2, 6-18, 26-30, July 1-11, Aug 16-24, 8am-12 noon

Fee: adult €6, OAP/student/child €3

Steam Museum Lodge Park Heritage Centre, Lodge Park, Straffan, Co. Kildare – Sat 26th April?
www.steam-museum.com
Open dates in 2025: Apr 19-21, 26-27, May 3-5, 10-11, 17-18, 24-25, 31, June 12, 14-15, 18, 21-22, 28-29, July 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 26-27, Aug 2-4, 9-10, 16-24, 30-31, Sept 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, 27-28, Oct 5,12, 19, 26-27, 1pm-5pm

Fee: Garden and Museum, adult/OAP €15, €20 with steam, student/child free

Templemills House, Newtown Road, Celbridge, Co. Kildare W23 YK26 – Sat 10th May?
Open dates in 2025: Jan 6-18, Feb 10-19, May 1-31, Aug 16-24, 9am-1pm

Fee: adult €12, child/student/OAP €8

Aylwardstown, Glenmore, Co Kilkenny – Sat sept 13?
Open dates in 2025: Aug 1-31, Sept 1-30, 10am-5pm

Fee: adult €5, OAP/student €3, child free

Ballybur Castle – Sat 27th Sept?
Ballybur Upper, Cuffesgrange, Co. Kilkenny
www.ballyburcastle.com
Open dates in 2025: Aug 1-31, Sept 1-30, 2pm-6pm
Fee: Free

See my entry: https://irishhistorichouses.com/2024/12/19/ballybur-castle-ballybur-upper-cuffesgrange-co-kilkenny/

Kilkenny Design Centre, Castle Yard, Kilkenny
www.kilkennydesign.com
Open dates in 2025: Jan 1 new year’s day 12 noon-5.30pm, Jan 2-Dec 23, 27-31, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov, Dec, Sun, 11am-6pm, Mon-Sat, 10am-6pm, May, 10am-6pm, June, July, Aug, Sept, Sun, 10am-6pm, Mon- Sat, 9am-6pm,
Fee: Free

Tybroughney Castle, Piltown, Co Kilkenny – Sat July 12?
https://www.tybroughneycastle.com/

Open dates in 2025: May 21-31, June 1-30, Mon-Sat, July1-15, Aug 16-24, 11am-3pm

Fee: adult €5, student €3, child/OAP free

Ballaghmore Castle, Borris in Ossory, Co. Laois – Sat Oct 18th?
www.castleballaghmore.com
Open dates in 2025: all year except Christmas Day, 11am-5pm

Fee: adult €15 with Guide, child over 7 years /OAP/student €8, family of 4 €30

Glebe House, Holycross, Bruff, Co. Limerick
Open dates in 2025: Jan 6-10, 13-17, 20-24, 27-31, May 9-13, Aug 16-24, Sept 1-26, Mon-Fri, 2.30pm-6.30pm, Sat-Sun, 9am-1pm, National Heritage Week, Aug 16-24, 9am-1pm

Fee: Free

Kilpeacon House, Crecora, Co. Limerick
Open dates in 2025: May 1-June 30, Mon-Sat, Aug 16-24, 10am-2pm

Fee: adult/child/OAP/student €8

Odellville House, Ballingarry, Co. Limerick
www.odellville.simplesite.com
Open dates in 2025: May 1-31, June 1-30, Aug 16-24, 10am-2pm

Fee: adult €8, student/OAP/child €4

The Old Rectory, Rathkeale, Co. Limerick – Sun Aug 31st?
Open dates in 2025: May 3-Nov 30, Saturday and Sundays, National Heritage Week, Aug 16-24,

10am-2pm

Fee: adult €8, child/OAP/student €3

Moorhill House, Castlenugent, Lisryan, Co. Longford – Sat 23 Aug?
Open dates in 2025: Aug 1-31, Sept 1-29, 9.30am-1.30pm
Fee: adult/OAP/student/child €8

Barmeath Castle, Dunleer, Drogheda, Co. Louth A92 P973 – Sat Oct 4th?

See my entry: https://irishhistorichouses.com/2020/10/23/barmeath-castle-dunleer-drogheda-county-louth/
Open dates in 2025: May 1-31, June 1-10, Aug 16-24, Oct 1-20, 9am-1pm

Fee: house, adult/OAP/student €5, garden, adult/OAP/student €5, child free

Rokeby Hall, Grangebellew, Co. Louth A92 HX52

See my entry: https://irishhistorichouses.com/2020/08/17/rokeby-hall-grangebellew-county-louth/
www.rokeby.ie
Open dates in 2025: June 1-30, Aug 1-31, 10am-2pm

Fee: adult/OAP €10, child/student €5

Brookhill House, Brookhill, Claremorris, Co. Mayo
Open dates in 2025: Mar 13-26, Apr 17-25, June 12-26, July 8-24, Aug 15-26, 2pm-6pm

Fee: adult €8, OAP/student €4, National Heritage Week free

Old Coastguard Station, Rosmoney, Westport, Co. Mayo
www.jamescahill.com/coastguardstation.html
Open dates in 2025: July 1-5, 7-12, 14-19, 21-26, 28-31, Aug 1-2, 4-9,11-30, Sept 1-6, 11am-4pm

Fee: adult €1, child/OAP/student free

Owenmore, Garranard, Ballina, Co. Mayo

Tourist Accommodation Facility

https://owenbeag.ie

Open in 2025: all year except Jan, Feb, June 15- July 10, Dec

Prison House
Prison North, Balla, Co. Mayo
(Tourist Accommodation Facility)
Open in 2025: April, May, June, July, Aug, Sept

https://www.discoverireland.ie/accommodation/prison-house-self-catering

Cillghrian Glebe now known as Boyne House Slane, Chapel Street, Slane, Co. Meath C15 P657 (hotel)
www.boynehouseslane.ie

(Tourists Accommodation Facility)
Open: all year, National Heritage Week, Aug 16-24, 9am-1pm

Killeen Mill, Clavinstown, Drumree, Co. Meath

www.killeenmill.ie
Tourists Accommodation Facility – not open to the public

Open for accommodation: April 1- Sept 30

See my entry https://irishhistorichouses.com/2024/12/26/killeen-mill-clavinstown-drumree-co-meath-section-482-tourist-accommodation/

Moyglare House, Moyglare, Co. Meath

Postal address Maynooth Co. Kildare

See my entry: https://irishhistorichouses.com/2021/02/15/moyglare-house-county-meath/
https://moyglaremanor.ie/
Open dates in 2025: Jan 1-3, 6-10, 13-17, 20-24, 27-28, May 26-31, June 1-20, 23-27, Aug 16-24,

9am-1pm

Fee: adult/OAP €12, child/student €6

Slane Castle, Slane, Co. Meath C15 XP83
(Tourist Accommodation Facility)
Open in 2025: January, February, May, June, July, August, (Mar-Apr, Sept-Dec, Mon-Thurs)

Fee: adult €14, OAP/student €12.50, child €8.40 under 5 years free

See my entry https://irishhistorichouses.com/2019/07/19/slane-castle-county-meath/

Mullan Village and Mill, Mullan, Emyvale, Co. Monaghan
www.mullanvillage.com
Open dates in 2025: Aug 1-31, Sept 1-30, 2pm-6.30pm

Fee: €6

Birr Castle, Birr, Co. Offaly – Sat Aug 9?

www.birrcastle.com

Open dates in 2025: May 16-17, 19-24, 26-31, June 2-7, 9-14, 16-21, 23-28, 30, July 1-5, 7-12, 14-19, 21-26, 28-31, Aug 1-2, 4-9, 11-30, Sept 1-6, 11am-3pm

Fee: adult €12.50, OAP/student €11, child 7, family 2 adults and 2 children €34, guided castle tour €22

High Street House, 6 High Street, Tullamore, Co. Offaly R35 T189

www.no6highstreet.com

Open dates in 2025: Jan 6-31, Mon -Fri, May 2-19, Aug 16-24, Sept 1-24, 9.30am-1.30pm

Fee: adult/student €10, OAP €5, child under 12 years free

Castlecoote House, Castlecoote, Co. Roscommon F42 H288 – 22nd Aug? or June 28?
www.castlecootehouse.com
Open in 2025: May 14-18, 21-25, 28-31, June 1, 4-8, 11-15, 18-22, 25-29, July 2-6, 9-13, 16-20, 23-27, 30-31, Aug 16-24, 2pm-6pm

Fee: adult €12, OAP/student €10, children under 5 years €5

Clonalis House, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon F45 H265 – Sat June 28th?

See my entry: https://irishhistorichouses.com/2020/10/16/clonalis-castlerea-county-roscommon/

www.clonalishouse.com

Listed Open dates in 2025: Jun 21-30, July 1-5, 7-12, 14-19, 21-26, 28-31, Aug 1-2, 4-9, 11-30, 11am-

3.45pm

Fee: adult €15, OAP/student €12.50, child €5

Edmondstown House, Edmondstown, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon F45 NX04 – stay weekend June 28th?

(Tourist Accommodation Facility)

Open in 2025: April 1-Sept 30

Shannonbridge Fortifications, Shannonbridge, Athlone, Co. Roscommon

www.shannonbridgefortifications.ie 

Open in 2025: May 1-Sept 30, noon-4pm

Fee: Free

Strokestown Park House, Strokestown Park House, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon – Sun June 29th

See my entry https://irishhistorichouses.com/2023/03/09/strokestown-park-house-strokestown-co-roscommon/
www.strokestownpark.ie www.irishheritagetrust.ie
Open in 2025: Jan 10-Dec 24, Jan-Feb, Nov-Dec 10.30am-4pm, Mar-May, Sept-Oct, 10am-5pm, June-Aug, 10am-6pm

Fee: adult house €14.50, tour of house €18.50, child €7, tour of house €10, OAP/student €12, tour of house €14.50, family €31, tour of house €39

Rathcarrick House, Rathcarrick, Strandhill Road, Co. Sligo F91 PK58
Open dates in 2025: June, July, Aug, Tue-Sat, National Heritage Week, Aug 16-24, 2pm-6pm

Fee: adult €5, child/OAP/student free

Temple House, Ballymote, Co. Sligo F56 NN50

Tourist Accommodation Facility – not open to the public

www.templehouse.ie

Open for accommodation in 2025: January, April-December

Fancroft Mill, Fancroft, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary – 21st Aug

www.fancroft.ie

Open dates in 2025: Feb 3-15, Mar 24-30, May 13-28, June 10-20, Aug 15-27, 10am-2pm

Fee: adult €8, OAP/student €6, child free under 5 years, one to one adult supervision essential, group rates available

Killenure Castle, Dundrum, Co Tipperary – 20th Aug?
www.killenure.com
Open in 2025: Feb 1-20, May 1-31, Aug 16-24, 10.30am-2.30pm

Fee: adult €10, child /OAP €8

Lismacue House, Bansha, Co. Tipperary
www.lismacue.com
Tourist Accommodation Facility – not open to the public

Open for accommodation: Mar 1-Oct 31 2025

See my entry https://irishhistorichouses.com/2025/02/10/lismacue-house-bansha-co-tipperary-section-482-accommodation/

Redwood Castle, Redwood, Lorrha, Nenagh, North Tipperary E45 HT38 – 21st Aug?

Redwood is off the Birr/Portumna Rd

www.redwoodcastleireland.com

Open dates in 2025: May 10-11, 17-18, 24-25, June 9-12, 14-19, 21-26, 28-29, July 7-10, 12-17, 19-24, 26-27, Aug 11-31, Sept 1-4, 2.30pm-6.30pm,

Fee: adult €15, OAP/student €10, child €5, 4 adults €50, 2 adults and 2 children €35

The Rectory, Cashel Road, Cahir, Co. Tipperary

https://www.discoverireland.ie/accommodation/the-rectory

Tourist Accommodation Facility – not open to the public

Open for accommodation: April 1-Sept 30 2025

Silversprings House, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary E91 NT32
Open dates in 2025: May 1-31, June 1-30, Aug 16-24, 12 noon-4pm

Fee: adult €5, OAP €4, student €3, child free

The Presentation Convent, Waterford Healthpark, Slievekeel Road, Waterford
Open dates in 2025: Jan 2- Dec 23, 29-30, Mon-Fri, National Heritage Week Aug 16-24, closed Bank Holidays, 8.30am-5.30pm

Fee: Free

Lough Park House, Castlepollard, Co. Westmeath – Sat April 19?
Open dates in 2025: Mar 15-21, 28-31, Apr 18-21, May 1-7, June 1-9, July 12-25, Aug 1-7, 16-24,

2pm-6pm

Fee: adult €6

Rockfield Ecological Estate, Rathaspic, Rathowen, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath – Sat 20th Sept?
Open dates in 2025: May 20-30, June 15-30, July 20-30, Aug 15-30, Sept 1-20, 2pm-6pm

Fee: Free

St. John’s Church, Loughstown, Drumcree, Collinstown, Co. Westmeath
Open in 2025: July 1-31, Aug 1-30, 2pm-6pm

Fee: adult €10, OAP/student/child €5

Clougheast Cottage, Carne, Co. Wexford

Open dates in 2025: Jan 12-31, May 1-31, August 16-24, 9am-1pm

Fee: adult €5, child/OAP/student €2.50

Kilcarbry Mill Engine House, Sweetfarm, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford Sat Dec 27?
Open dates in 2025: Jan 1-4, 29-31, Feb 3-5, Mar 5-7, 10-11, Apr 3-4, 11-13, May 10-12, 19-23,

July 5-7, Aug 2-31, Dec 19-23, 27-30, 12 noon-4pm

Fee: adult €10, student/OAP €5, child free

Woodbrook House, Killanne, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford Y21 TP 92
Tourist Accommodation Facility – not open to the public
www.woodbrookhouse.ie
Open for accommodation: all year 2025

Castle Howard, Avoca, Co. Wicklow – Sun Sept 28th?

see my entry: https://irishhistorichouses.com/2020/11/13/castle-howard-avoca-county-wicklow/
Open dates in 2025: Jan 6-8, Feb 10-14, Mar 3-5, 18-20, June 4-7, 9-11, 23-28, July 7-12, 21-24,

Aug 16-24, Sept 1-6, 13, 20, 28-30, Oct 1, 6-8, 9am-1pm

Fee: adult €8.50, OAP/student €6.50, child €5

Charleville, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow A98 V293 – Sat May 24?

See my entry: https://irishhistorichouses.com/2020/09/18/charleville-county-wicklow/
Open dates in 2025: Feb 4-7, 10-14, 17-21, 24-28, May 1-2, 6-30, June 3-6, 9, Aug 16-24, Mon-Fri, 1pm-5pm, May and Aug, Sat-Sun, 9am-1pm

Fee: house €10, gardens €6

Greenan More, Ballintombay, Rathdrum, Co Wicklow – Sat Aug 9th?
www.greenanmore.ie
Open dates in 2025: May 31, June 1, 4-8, 11-15, 18-22, 25-29, July 2-6, 9-13, 16-20, 23-27, 30-31,

Aug 1-3, 6-10, 13-24, 10am-3pm

Fee: adult €6, OAP €5, child €3, student free

Kiltimon House, Newcastle, Co. Wicklow – Sun Aug 24?
Open dates in 2025: Jan 6- 8, 10, 13-15, 17, 20-22, 24, 27-29, 31, Feb 4, 7, 11, 14, May 6, 9, 13, 16-17, 20, 23-24, 27, June 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, Aug 16-24, Sept 2, 5-6, 8-9, 12-13, 15, 19-20, 22-23, 26-27, 30, 9am-1pm, Jan 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29, Sept 8, 15, 22,

2pm-6pm

Fee: adult €10, OAP/student/child €5

Kingston House, Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow A67 DV25 – Sat Aug 2?
Open dates in 2025: Aug 1-31, Sept 1-30, 10am-2pm
Fee: adult €3, OAP/student/child €2, concession-locals are free of charge

Knockanree Garden – Sun April 6th?
Avoca, Co. Wicklow Y14 DY89
https://knockanree-gardens.business.site/?m=true
Open dates in 2025: Apr 6-10, 13-17, 20-24, June 1-5, 8-12, 15-19, July 6-10, 13-17, 20-24, Aug 10-24, 9.30am-1.30pm

Fee: Free

architectural definitions

As with last week’s entry, Stephen and I have not visited Ballindoolin. However, I have photographs from when it was for sale in 2021, courtesy of Sherry Fitzgerald Estate Agents.

The name of the townland comes from the Irish Baile Duib Linn or ‘town of the black pool’ while the River Boyne rises nearby. [1]

The current house was built in 1822 but an earlier house existed from 1730. The Bor family were originally Dutch bankers.

Ronald Conolly writes in the Irish Independent published August 8 2023 that Ballindoolin House was built in 1822 by Edward J. Bor, whose family originally settled in nearby Clonard, Co Meath, in the early 1600s. The Abstract of Title contained in the Land Commission files indicates that they acquired the rights to the lands at Ballindoolin by way of a lease in perpetuity dated 1739. The Bor family ceased residing in the house in 1896, thus becoming absentee landlords. However, that same year, their agent William J.H. Tyrrell, a native of Carbury, a staunch unionist and firm opponent of Home Rule, took up residency. He was an uncompromising land agent who actively opposed all local agitation for rent reductions and land legislative reform. However, Conolly adds that, ironically, his leasing of the Bor house and surrounding lands placed him firmly within the legal definition of a tenant who was entitled to purchase his holding. The Bor family continued to own the property, however, until 1925.

Before the property was sold in 2017, the gardens used to be open to the public, and there was also a museum. One could take a tour of the house and of the gardens with their two acre walled garden and forest nature trail.

I wish I had been able to visit when there was a museum telling more about the history of the house. I would love to know more about the Bor family. Christopher Bor of Ballindoolin married Anne Loftus in 1777, listed in sources as “of Annesbrook” although Annesbrook in County Meath was owned by Hamiltons. Anne is daughter of Edward Loftus “of Grange and Clara,” from the Loftuses of Killyon in County Meath. They had a son Humprey (1777-1836). Humphrey Bor married Jane Briscoe of Riverdale, County Westmeath. Their son Edward (1819-1871) may have inherited Ballindoolin. [2]

The house, of three storey over basement, is made of local limeston, and has seven bedrooms.

Robert Moloney inherited the house in 1993, and he and his wife Esther began a huge project of renovation and restoration, including reroofing. [3] Roseanne de Vere Hunt of Sherry Fitzgerald writes that the house was modelled on Grange More in Westmeath, which belonged to another branch of the Bor family. Grange More is now a ruin, but Ballindoolin has been fully and painstakingly restored, right down to the recreation of the original drawing room wallpaper.

Robert and Esther used documents and diaries to aid the restoration, then donated forty boxes of account books, ledgers and records from the Bor and Tyrell families to the archives at NUI Maynooth. [3] Roseanne de Vere Hunt tells us that Dr. Ciaran Reilly is studying the archival papers of the property.

The Tyrrell family sold the property in 2017. An Austrian businessman purchased the house. He invested more to continue upgrading the property. Four years of extensive works include rewiring, replumbing, and renovation of the sash windows and shutters. All the flooring on the ground floor was replaced and underfloor heating added, all the chimneys were relined. A new conservatory added off the newly fitted kitchen. The original coving was in good order and a specialist was brought in to work on any parts that required attention. A new back stairwell was added, as the original was in poor condition. In the photographs the house looks splendid.

The stone fireplace in the front hall is original to the house. The fireplaces in the two reception rooms to the left and right of the hall are also original.

The first floor has four en suite bedrooms, and the top floor a further three bedrooms with two bathrooms, and a library. The utility room is also on the third storey.

There’s a vaulted basement, unfortunately not photographed. The basement contains hallway, former kitchen, former laundry room, servants’ room, dairy and meat room, storerooms, cellar, wine cellars, fuel room and plant room.

The Gate Lodge was also restored. Robert O’Byrne writes: “Note behind the Tuscan columns how the recessed porch has two doors facing each other on the diagonal to left and right. The lodge suggests the hand of Francis Johnston at his most rigorous.” [4] Roseanne de Vere Hunt claims it is designed by William Morrison, originally for the Duke of Abercorn, and has a living room, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom.

Outside, Gemma Tipton tells us, there are stable yards, cattle yards, and curiosities, both elegant and quirky, such as a melon pit (which used horse manure to warm the soil to grow these once-exotic fruit), a shamrock-shaped dovecote possibly built as a folly, lime kiln, Iron Age mound, and a nature trail. The gardens contain a rose garden and parterre. The Tyrrells ran a restaurant in the former coach yard.

A Great Gardens Restoration grant aided restoration of the walled garden.

[1] http://www.askaboutireland.ie/reading-room/culturenet/landscape-heritage/offaly/ballindoolin-house-and-ga/

[2] https://kirkpatrickaustralian.com/getperson.php?personID=I17850&tree=No1

[3] https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/homes-and-property/new-to-market/georgian-grandeur-in-co-kildare-for-3-25-million-1.1730905

[4] https://theirishaesthete.com/2015/04/29/watchful-at-the-gate/

Desmond Banqueting Hall, Newcastlewest, County Limerick:

General information: 069 77408, desmondhall@opw.ie

For the season that’s in it, at this beginning of December 2024, I feel it is appropriate to publish this post about a Banqueting Hall! I also would like to remind my readers that I have a few 2025 calendars left, and I am discounting them as the printing did not turn out so well and the images are unfortunately a bit dark. If you prefer one of better quality, I will have to charge the higher price of €30.

From the OPW website https://heritageireland.ie/visit/places-to-visit/desmond-castle-newcastlewest/:

“Many of Ireland’s surviving medieval halls are in west Limerick. The Desmond Banqueting Hall in Newcastle West is one of the most impressive among them.

“It was begun in the thirteenth century by Thomas ‘the Ape’ FitzGerald, so named because of the story that an ape took him from his cradle to the top of Tralee Castle – and delivered him safely back again.

“However, most of the spacious, imposing structure was created in the fifteenth century, at the height of the Desmond earls’ power, and used as a venue for frequent and lavish banquets.

“The oak gallery, from which musicians would provide a raucous soundtrack for the revelry below, has been fully restored.“

The prefix “Fitz” is taken from the Norman-French “fiz” son of. Early members of the family were known by their father’s name, ie. Fitzmaurice or Fitzthomas, but eventually the name settled to be Fitzgerald.

The Fitzgeralds were Anglo-Norman and came to Ireland at the time of King Henry II in 1169. After the initial colonisation of Ireland in the southwest and east, the Fitzgeralds and some others pushed into the southwest, the information boards tell us. It was only after the death of Donal Mór Ó Brien, King of Thomond, in 1194 that the Fitzgeralds and other Normans took over most of Limerick. By 1215 they held the towns of Cork, Limerick and Waterford and had built a castle in Dungarvan.

An inquisition of lands in 1298 describes the manor of Newcastle as containing the “New Castle with buildings inside and outside the walls” and the mill of Newcastle.

The surviving buildings are Desmond Hall and Halla Mór. This is possibly the site of the earliest castle foundations, and remnants of the early walls are found underground today. The Desmond hall shows more than one phase of development. Embedded in the exterior of the south wall are vestiges of four early thirteenth century sandstone lancet windows. The fifteenth century development of the hall by the 7th Earl of Desmond introduced many changes including the addition of a projecting tower with small chambers and a stairwell to the Northwest corner.

The lower level of the banqueting hall has an excellent display of boards telling us more about the history of the Fitzgerald Earls of Desmond. An old fireplace is set in one wall, it seems to be from 1638.

The visitor centre lies in a building across the courtyard, and another building is being refurbished.

The first claim to the land of Desmond was obtained by the Fitzgeralds when John Fitzthomas married the co-heiress Margery FitzAnthony and was granted in 1251 a share in her father’s lands described as “all the lands of Decies and Desmond and custody of the castle of Dungarvan.” This land was added to the Fitzgerald landholdings in Limerick and North Kerry. In 1292 King Edward I (d. 1307) granted Thomas Fitzmorice (Fitzgerald) and his wife Margaret Berkeley, who was a cousin of the king, “joint custody of Decies and Desmond.” It’s interesting that the wife was given joint custody, and that daughters could be heirs, which as we know was not always the case.

A leaflet from the castle tells us that by 1298, a strong stone castle stood overlooking the Arra River in Newcastle West. Curtain walls with defensive towers surrounding the main buildings, a variety of simple thatched houses and byres for cattle as well as fishponds. The Normans immediately began to consolidate their position by negotiating with the local Gaelic families, while driving the poorer Gaelic peasants into the mountains. By the time of Maurice Fitzthomas Fitzgerald (abt. 1293-1356), the O’Briens to the north had become firm allies of the Fitzgeralds. In 1329, Maurice was created 1st Earl of Desmond, the term “Desmond” being derived from the Irish Deas mnumhain meaning south Munster. By this time the Fitzgeralds were using the Irish language in their daily lives and had taken on many of the values and habits of the Irish culture.

The 1st Earl plotted against the King of England, and allied himself with the Gaelic lords. They pillaged many settlements in the south of Ireland. He is said to have written to the Pope to say that King Edward III of England had no right to the lordship of Ireland. It is also claimed that he wrote to the kings of France and Scotland to form an alliance. During a campaign against him he lost his castles at Askeaton and Castleisland. However, the King pardoned him and made him Chief Justiciar of Ireland in 1355.

Gearóid Iarla (c. 1338-1398) became the 3rd Earl of Desmond in 1356. He was an expert mathematician and apparently, the leaflet tells us, a magician! He was also a poet and introduced the idea of courtly love into Gaelic poetry. He also served as Justiciar. He married Alianore, or Eleanor, Butler, daughter of James 2nd Earl of Ormond.

Despite the marriage alliance between the Desmonds and the Ormonds, they still battled. A fifteen day conference at Clonmel in 1384 led to a treaty between the families.

Thomas the 8th Earl of Desmond (c. 1426-1468) was made Lord Deputy of Ireland 1464-67. During his time the Desmonds fought again with the Ormonds, including during the War of the Roses when they took opposing sides. The Ormonds supported the victorious Lancasters.

The 8th Earl was however thought to side with the Irish still and was executed by the next Lord Deputy.

The information boards give us more history about Desmond family. The Earls of Desmond fell out of favour after the 8th Earl was executed in 1468.

After the execution of the 8th Earl of Desmond in 1468, the later Earls withdrew from contact with England. The leaflet from the site tells us that the arrival of new settlers in Munster as well as Catholic mistrust of the Protestant state set off risings by the Earls in 1567-73 and 1579-83. Earl Gerald (15th Earl) was declared an outlaw and Munster was laid waste by Crown forces. The rebellion was a failure and Gerald was captured and killed during a cattle raid. The Desmond lands were taken and distributed to English settlers.

This takes us up to the fifteenth century and the time when the Hall would have been used, as we see it today. The information board tells us that the Hall was where the Lord held court, and that this has two meanings: it was the court of judgement as well as the court of entertainment and dining.

The Banqueting Hall was restored in the early 19th century, the ruined battlements were taken down and a new pitch pine roof was put on. The original hooded stone fireplace had collapsed and a seventeenth century replacement, the one we now see in the lower vault, was installed, taken from a house in Kilmallock. The Banqueting Hall was used as a Masonic lodge and later as a general purpose hall for the community.

The leaflet tells us that when the 17th century fireplace was taken down for repair and cleaning, enough of the original hooded fireplace remained that it could be reconstructed with reasonable accuracy.

There was evidence for a timber screen at the west end of the hall, and this has been replaced by a musician’s gallery made of oak.

I was surprised to hear that the windows facing the village would have had glass in the fifteenth century. The other side, away from public view, would not have had this expensive luxury.

The later history of Desmond Hall is after the lands of Gerald the 15th Earl of Desmond were seized.

After the Earls of Desmond has lost their land, it was given to some prominent and wealthy Englishmen who would develop the Munster Plantation. These men, called “Undertakers,” would undertake to establish English families on the land they were given. Sir William Courtenay (or Courtney) (1553-1630), 3rd Earl of Devon, was granted 10,000 acres at Newcastle. He was originally from Devon in England, and he was given land on condition that eighty English colonists would be housed on his property.

Newcastle passed to William Courtenay’s son George Courtenay (d. 1644), who in 1621 became 1st Baronet Courtenay of Newcastle, County Limerick. The sign boards tell us that in 1641 English settlers crowded into the protection of the walled castle, but after a long seige it fell to General Purcell of the Confederate forces. The Confederates where an amalgamation of Gaelic Ulster families and Anglo-Norman families who were dissatisfied with assurances given to them by King Charles I about their freedom to practice their Catholic faith, and they feared the militant intolerance of the English Parliament.

The Courteneys built an mansion to replace the destroyed castle. George’s son Francis inherited, but as he had no offspring, Newcastle passed to his cousin, William Courtenay (1628-1702) 5th Earl of Devon and 1st Baronet Courtenay. The property remained in the family but they did not live there, and finally it was sold in 1910.

In 1777 William 2nd Viscount Courtenay (1742-1788) built a Church of Ireland church between the Banqueting Hall and the main square of the town. It was demolished in 1962 as it had fallen into disrepair. The 2nd Viscount was 8th Earl of Devon and 4th Baronet Courtenay.

In 1922 the main building, then known as Devon Castle, burnt, and was replaced by a house nearby. The Desmond Hall was sold to the Nash family, and finally the Land Commisson took over the land. Desmond Hall was used for town social events and the Halla Mór as a cinema. The Hall became a National Monument in 1981. Restoration began in 1989.