Every once in a while a property is offered for sale which I think could become a Section 482 property. I can’t resist sharing this one, which is a joy. I have still to write of the other mill house, Millbrook, which we visited this year, and I have yet to visit Kilcarbry in Wexford, another corn mill, and Fancroft Mill in Tipperary.
The advertisement reads: “An attractive and exquisite residence sympathetically set within the fabric of an historic corn mill and magically situated within private grounds, which extend to the banks of the river Liffey and include the original cascading mill race canal. In all about 3 acres or 1.2 hectares and some 6,900 square feet or 641 square metres of accommodation.”
The ad tells us: “Historically and architecturally significant Yeomanstown Corn Mill has a rare magical quality and retaining much of the original industrial mill equipment makes a truly unique and enchanting residence. Milling activity on the grounds of Yeomanstown Corn Mill is thought to date back to the 14th-century. The current mill is largely late Georgian, circa 1810, in composition but likely incorporates earlier structures. A mill illustrated on maps back to 1654 in the mid-17th-century.“
The ad continues: “With the resplendent red brick exterior stretching up to four and five floors and abutting the cascading mill wheel canal Yeomanstown Corn Mill is enchanting and extremely picturesque. The restoration and conversion of the building into a home magically marries the rare original industrial charm with contemporary living requirements, to create an utterly enticing and fun home. The unashamedly industrial themed interior incorporates well thought out living spaces punctuated with original millstones, corn elevator shafts, massive ceiling beams, rustic timber staircases and ladders, white washed walls and varying ceiling heights to alluring effect.“
I love all the wood inside and the beautiful stone flooring.
“A flagged stone reception hall retains the original corn milling wheels behind a glass wall and features the rustic mill staircase to the upper floors and leads to a study, an office, a spacious bathroom with a large bath, a shower and a sauna and two bedrooms, one with a hobbit like door to an enclosed walled garden.“
“The first floor has a large open plan kitchen with a fully fitted kitchen, large breakfast counter worktop, industrial themed lighting and incorporating original mill fittings and equipment to great effect. It leads to a fine living room with a large cast iron stove and used as a dining and television space, off the kitchen there is a large pantry.“
“The second floor has an incredible double height studio space with an evocative mix of tall white washed walls and exposed timber beams and boards and, again, incorporating original mill components. A large cast iron stove ample warms the space and there are two stairs to an upper mezzanine library floor. Itself opening onto the third-floor landing, which leads to the marvellously generous master bedroom suite with a large bedroom and interconnecting shower room and dressing room. There are two further bedrooms (on the second floor) one with a shower room ensuite and the other served by a second shower room on the landing hall. The final fifth or attic floor was previously utilised as an art studio space and is currently used as a gym and store.“
“Bounding the river Liffey and including a fine riverbank stretch, one part opening into a natural river swimming hole or pool, the gardens are well-timbered and private. A striking cut-stone aqueduct bridge, Victoria Bridge, dates to 1837 and forms a great folly backdrop to the gardens. An original wrought iron bridge beside the impressive and large timber mill wheel leads to the gardens, abundant with wildlife and having an island like feel, being bounded by the canal and river. Although usefully also be accessed by vehicular gate. The mill wheel is thought capable of generating 3kw of electricity per hour, or more, in a recent appraisal.“
I always think we should use water power again! I thought years ago I read that a hotel on Charlemount Street was going to tap into the Poddle below to generate electricity, but I never heard more about it – let me know if you know about it!
“Yeomanstown is a highly fashionable area and links easily to Dublin city and airport. The nearby village of Caragh is quaint and includes a school, petrol station, grocery store, take-away restaurants and a hair salon. Naas town is just 7.7miles miles or 12.3km away and has a hospital and array of shopping, pubs, eateries and restaurants. Sallins village, just a 12 minutes drive away, provides train access with extensive commuter services into Dublin city.“
Forgive me for once again not publishing about a Section 482 property – I am on a prolonged hiatus, as we were so busy trying to buy ourselves a small country hideaway for writing and growing fruit and vegetables. We are finally nearly completed the process, I think! Unfortunately we can’t buy something like this, an absolute dream home, but I’m delighted with what we have found.
I am republishing this as a separate entry. Sorry not to have a Section 482 property to write about this week – still one to write up, and we haven’t been visiting as we’ve been looking for our own house to buy in the countryside – it won’t be a Georgian house, unfortunately! I hope to get back to visiting Section 482 properties eventually….
Dunluce Castle Co Antrim by Robert French, Lawrence Collection National Library of Ireland, flickr constant commons.Dunluce Castle by Matthew Woodhouse 2015 for Tourism Ireland [1]
The website tells us:
“With evidence of settlement from the first millennium, the present castle ruins date mainly from the 16th and 17th centuries. It was inhabited by both the feuding MacQuillan and MacDonnell clans. Historical and archaeological exhibits are on display for public viewing.
Opening Hours: Please check before visiting as public access may be restricted.“
The storyboards tell us that Colla MacDonnell was head of the clan and overthrew the MacQuillans, and that when he died in 1558, Dunluce passed to his brother, Sorley Boy MacDonnell. The MacDonnells had more castles up along the coast. Sorley Boy had to spend much time in battle defending his territory. In 1565 he was captured by Shane O’Neill and held hostage for two years.
Sorley Boy married Mary O’Neill, daughter of Conn Baccach O’Neill (1484-1559), 1st Earl of Tyrone. Families intermarried to form alliances.
In 1563, an expedition of the Walter Devereux, 1st Earl of Essex, massacred Sorley Boy’s troops on Rathlin Island, across the bay from his castle, when they had fled there for safety.
Dunluce Castle was captured in 1584 by John Perrot, Lord Deputy of Ireland. Sorley Boy’s troops scaled the cliffs to attack and recapture the castle. Sorley Boy surrendered to Queen Elizabeth in order to be rewarded his lands again, under “Surrender and Regrant.” Sorley Boy died in 1589.
Sir John Perrot, (1527-1592) said to be a son of King Henry VIII, Soldier and Lord Deputy of Ireland, Date 1776 Engraver: Valentine Green (English, 1739 – 1813); Copyist: George Powle, (English, fl.1764-1771), courtesy of National Gallery of Ireland.Portrait of Elizabeth I, Queen of England (1503-1603) Date c.1560, courtesy of National Gallery of Ireland.
The sign boards tell us that after Sorley Boy’s death in 1589 he was succeeded by his third son, James. James died in 1601 and was succeeded by his brother, Randall Arranach MacDonnell (1556-1635). He fought against the English in the Battle of Kinsale in 1601, but later sought to regain favour with the crown and again surrendered and was regranted the lands of “the Route” and the Glens of Antrim, owning 330,000 acres. He was made Viscount Dunluce in 1618 and Earl of Antrim in 1620.
The story of Randal Arranach MacDonnell, d. 1636, 1st Earl of Antrim.His name “Arranach” refers to the fact that he was brought up by a foster family in the Scottish Isle of Arran. It was common for one family to foster the children of another, to solidify social and political bonds.
Mark Bence-Jones writes in his A Guide to Irish Country Houses:
“(McDonnell, Antrim, E/PB) The ancestral stronghold of the McDonnells, Earls of Antrim, dramatically situated at the end of a rocky promontory jutting out into the sea off the north Antrim coat. The castle, which was built at various periods from C14 to C17, eventually consisted of several round towers and a gatehouse with rather Scottish bartizans, joined by a curtain wall, with domestic buildings inside this enclosure. The latter included a mid-C16 loggia with sandstone columns, and a two storey Elizabethan or Jacobean house, with three large oriels. These two buildings were first of two courtyards into which the castle enclosure was divided; the other and lower yard containing offices and servants’ quarters. There were also buildings on the mainland, erected early C17. In 1639, part of the curtain wall of the castle collapsed into the sea, together with some of the servants’ quarters and a number of servants. After the Civil Wars, the castle was abandoned by the family in favour of Glenarm Castle, it is now a romantic ruin.” [2]
The structure consisted of the gatehouse and a curtain wall, with domestic buildings inside the enclosure. Signage tells us that Sorley Boy MacDonnell built the Scottish style gate house. About forty years later, Randal MacDonnell built a manor house, by 1620, inside the enclosure, of which we can see remnants. It was of two or three storeys and had three large oriel windows.
As Mark Bence-Jones writes: “The castle, which was built at various periods from C14 to C17, eventually consisted of several round towers and a gatehouse with rather Scottish bartizans, joined by a curtain wall, with domestic buildings inside this enclosure. The latter included a mid-C16 loggia with sandstone columns, and a two storey Elizabethan or Jacobean house, with three large oriels. These two buildings were first of two courtyards into which the castle enclosure was divided; the other and lower yard containing offices and servants’ quarters.“
Signage tells us that it was not just a castle that was located on the cliff but a whole town, established by Randal MacDonnell (1556-1635), 1st Earl of Antrim, in 1608.
Archaeologists have recently unearthed remains of merchants’ houses and a forge, cobbled streets 11 metres wide, and an array of personal artefacts.
In 1642 Dunluce was burned to the ground. At that time, the next generation, Randal Macdonnell (1610-1682) 1st Marquess of Antrim and 2nd Earl of Antrim inhabited the castle, with his wife Katherine Manners, who was the widow of George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham.
The town as well as the castle was devastated in the 1641 Rebellion.Randal Macdonnell, 2nd Earl of Antrim.Katherine was painted by Rubens.
Before walking across to the Castle, you pass remains of ancilliary buildings.
[2] p. 116. Bence-Jones, Mark. A Guide to Irish Country Houses (originally published as Burke’s Guide to Country Houses volume 1 Ireland by Burke’s Peerage Ltd. 1978); Revised edition 1988 Constable and Company Ltd, London.
Colonel Rt. Hon. John Eyre (1623-1685) was the son of Giles Eyre. John married Mary Bigoe, daughter of Phillip Bigoe. John Eyre accompanied General Ludlow to Ireland. He acquired large estates in counties Galway, Tipperary, Clare and King’s County, and he built Eyrecourt Castle in County Galway. He was appointed Privy Counsellor (P.C.), and he held the office of Member of Parliament (M.P.) for Galway. He held the office of High Sheriff of County Galway in 1681.
John and Mary née Bigoe had a son John (1659-1709) and Samuel (1663-1728). John “Proud” Eyre (1659-1709) inherited Eyre Court. He married, first, Margery Preston, daughter of George Baronet Preston, of Craigmillar in Scotland. Her sister Elizabeth Preston married William Parsons 2nd Baronet of Birr Castle, County Offaly. Margery and “Proud” John had several children. After his first wife died, “Proud” John married Anne Hamilton, daughter of William Hamilton of Liscloony County Offaly.
Eyre Family Portrait of Lady Anne née Hamilton (daughter of William Hamilton of Liscloony County Offaly), wife of John Eyre (1659-1709) the 2nd of Eyrecourt , courtesy Purcells Auctioneer Feb 2016. She had been previously married to Matthew Plunkett, 7th Baron of Louth.
Children of John Eyre and Margery Preston
Elizabeth Eyre m. Frederick Richard Trench (1681-1752)
Very Rev. Giles Eyre d. 17 Jan 1750, married Mary Cox. They had a son Richard Eyre (d. 1780) who married firstly, Emily Trench, daughter of Frederick Richard Trench and Elizabeth Eyre, on 21 June 1752. He married, secondly, Anchoretta Eyre, daughter of Colonel Samuel Eyre and Charity Dancer, on 13 January 1764. He held the office of High Sheriff of County Galway in 1749. He lived at Eyrecourt, County Galway, Ireland.
John Eyre d. Oct 1745. Married first Rose Plunkett, daughter of Matthew Plunkett 7th Baron Louth, and second, Jane Waller, daughter of Robert.
Emilia Eyre d. 23 Aug 1770, m. John Rochfort (1690-1771)
Jane Eyre, died unmarried.
Mary Eyre b. a 1677, married Thomas Baldwin of Corolanty, County Offaly (see my entry)
George Eyre b. 1680, d. 1710, married Barbara, daughter of Thomas Coningsby, the 1st Earl of Coningsby.
Margery Eyre b. c 1690, d. b 1743, married Lt.-Col. Shuckburgh Whitney.
John and Mary née Bigoe’s second son was Samuel Eyre (1663-1728). He married, firstly, Jane Eyre, daughter of Edward Eyre. He married, secondly, Anne Stratford, daughter of Robert Stratford and Mary Walsh, in November 1696.
Samuel gained the rank of Colonel in 1690 in the the Army, before Limerick. He held the office of High Sheriff of County Galway in 1696 and the office of Governor of County Galway and then served as Member of Parliament (M.P.) for Galway in 1715. He lived also lived at Eyreville, County Galway, Ireland.
Child of Samuel Eyre and Jane Eyre
John Eyre d. c Sep 1741, of Woodfield, County Galway. He married Mary Willington.
Children of Samuel Eyre and Anne Stratford
George Stratford Eyre. He married, firstly, Mary D’artiquenave, and married, secondly, Mary Ann (?) on 6 August 1762. He held the office of High Sheriff of County Galway in 1731, and the office of Governor of Galway in 1740. He also held the office of Vice-Admiral of Munster.
(George) Stratford Eyre of Eyreville, Governor of Galway, son of Colonel Samuel Eyre, 2nd son of the Founder of Eyrecourt courtesy Purcells Auctioneer Feb 2016.Eyre Family Portrait of Mary D’Artiquernave, First Wife of George Stratford Eyre (1697-1767), courtesy of Purcells Auctioneer Feb 2016.
Anne Eyre m. Robert Powell
Mary Eyre married Colonel Thomas Croasdaile
Frances Eyre married Willington Driffield
Barbara Eyre married John Hawkes
Colonel Thomas Eyre b. 1720, d. 1772, married Anne Cooke.
Colonel Thomas Eyre (c.1720-1772), son of Col Samuel of Eyreville, in the uniform of the 49th Foot; and Anne Eyre née Cook, courtesy of Christie’s Irish Sale 2001.
Colonel Samuel Eyre (d. 1789) was the son of John Eyre (d. circa 1741) of Woodfield, County Galway, and Mary Willington. Samuel married Charity Dancer, daughter of Thomas, 4th Baronet Dancer, of Modreeny, Co. Tipperary.
Eyre Family Portrait of Colonel Samuel Eyre (d. 1789) of Eyreville courtesy Purcells Auctioneers Feb 2016.Charity Dancer (baptised 1718), married Samuel Eyre in 1741, mother of Thomas Dancer Eyre, Elizabeth Eyre, Chichester Eyre, Anchorette Eyre and Mary Eyre. Courtesy Purcell Auctioneer Feb 2016. She was the daughter of Thomas, 4th Baronet Dancer, of Modreeny, Co. Tipperary.Thomas Dancer Eyre courtesy Purcells Auctioneer Feb 2016.Captain Thomas Dancer Eyre (1742-1799) of 4th Dragoon Guards, m. Letitia Cole in 1788, courtesy Purcell Auctioneers 2016.Eyre Family Portrait of Robert Hedges Eyre, son of Richard Hedges Eyre of Macroom Castle, Co. Cork , courtesy Purcell Auctioneers Feb 2016.Helena Hedges Eyre, daughter of Richard Hedges Eyre of Macroom Castle, Co. Cork, and Frances Browne, married to Reverend George Maunsell Dean of Leighlin courtesy of Purcells Auctioneer Feb 2016.
John Barry (1725-1784), who added the name Smith to his surname after his marriage to a wealthy heiress, was the son of James Barry, 4th Earl of Barrymore, of Castlelyons, County Cork, and Barry’s third wife, Anne Chichester, daughter of Arthur Chichester, 3rd Earl of Donegall (it was spelled with two ‘l’s in the title, unlike the county). He married Dorothy Smith, daughter of Hugh Smith of Weald Hall, Essex, and John added Smith to his surname.
John Smith-Barry (1783-1837), son of James Hugh Smith-Barry (1746-1801) settled in Fota, County Cork, after his marriage to Eliza Courtenay of Ballyedmond, Midleton, County Cork.
James Hugh Smith-Barry (1816-1856) inherited Fota and also Marbury Hall in Cheshire. He served as Deputy Lieutenant, Justice of the Peace and High Sheriff of County Cork. He married Elizabeth Jacson of Cheshire. After her husband died, she married George Fleming Warren, 2nd Baron de Tabley of Tabley House, County Chester.
James Hugh Smith-Barry by William Orpen 1904, courtesy of Fonsie Mealy auction 2022.
Arthur Hugh Smith-Barry (1843-1925), the oldest son of James and Elizabeth, inherited Fota and also Marbury Hall. He too served as Deputy Lieutenant, Justice of the Peace and High Sheriff of County Cork as well as Member of Parliament (M.P.) (Conservative) for County Cork between 1867 and 1874. He held the office of Member of Parliament (M.P.) (Conservative) for South Huntingdonshire in England between 1886 and 1900. In 1902 he was created 1st (and last) Baron Barrymore of County Cork.
Alexander Stewart (1699/1700-1781) and his wife, Mary Cowan, bought a large area of land in County Down in 1744, part of which became Mount Stewart demesne.
Burke’s Landed Gentry of Ireland tells us that Francis Swifte, son of Henry of Sheffield, County York, was knighted in 1616 and died in 1642. Henry of Sheffield’s other son was Thomas, who was buried in Canterbury Cathedral, who married Margaret, daughter and heir of the Right Rev. Thomas Godwin, Bishop of Bath & Wells. Many generations of Swift after him had the forename “Godwin.” Thomas and Margaret had a son William, born in 1566, who was Rector of Herbaldown and who married Mary Philpott.
17th Century English School “Portrait of a Gentleman in Armour, Sir Francis Swifte,” courtesy Fonsie Mealy Fortgranite auction.Probably Francis Swifte, son of Henry of Sheffield, County York, was knighted in 1616 and died in 1642.Reverend Thomas Swifte, 17th Century Irish School. He was born in Canterbury in 1561, and married Margaret, daughter and heir of the Right Rev. Thomas Godwin, Bishop of Bath & Wells. He was the son of Henry Swifte; courtesy of Fonsie Mealy’s Fortgranite auction.Many generations of Swift after him had the forename “Godwin.”Late 16th / early 17th Century English School, “Right Reverend Thomas Godwin, courtesy Fonsie Mealy Fortgranite auction.
Thomas and Mary’s son Reverend Thomas (1595-1658) of Goodrich, Herefordshire, England, and Bristow, was ancestor of the Irish Swift family of Swiftsheath and Lionsden. He was devoted to King Charles I and the son of Charles I who was to become King Charles II.
Thomas married Elizabeth Dryden (c. 1605-1658). They had many children, many of whom lived in Ireland. His son Jonathan (d. 1667) was a solicitor in Dublin, who married Abigail Erick of County Leicester, and they had a son, born after his death in Hoey’s Court, Dublin, right next to Dublin Castle, in 1667, also named Jonathan, the famed writer, Dean of St Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin. He wrote many anecdotes about his grandfather in his manuscript The Family of Swift which is preserved in the library at Trinity College, Dublin (I must go to see it!). He died in 1745.
Jonathan Swift (1667-1745) by Charles Jervas circa 1718, National Portrait Gallery in London, 278.Portrait of Dean Swift attributed to Rupert Barber (1719-1772), courtesy of Adam’s auction 12 May 2013.This must be Jonathan Swift who died in 1745, Dean of St. Patrick’s Cathedral.Portrait of Stella courtesy of Adam’s auction 12 May 2013, attributed to Rupert Barber (1719-1772).“Portrait of Esther Johnson (Stella),” Late 18th / Early 19th Century after James Latham (1696 – 1747) courtesy of Fonsie Mealy Fortgranite sale.
Reverend Thomas Swift (1595-1658) had another son, Godwin Swift (d. 1695), who was Attorney-General to the Duke of Ormonde, and married four times. Geoffrey Marescaux tells us that Godwin Swift paid the famous Jonathan Swift’s school fees. His heir was child of his second wife, Katherine Webster, Godwin Swift (1672-1739), later of Dunbrow, County Dublin and Swiftsheath, County Kilkenny. For information on Swiftsheath, see https://kilkennyarchaeologicalsociety.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/OKR1978-356-Geoffrey-Marescaux-Swiftes-Heath.pdf
Godwin Swift (1672-1739) married his cousin, Elizabeth, who was daughter of another son of Reverend Thomas Swift Vicar at Goodrich and Elizabeth née Dryden, William, who had land in Carlow, Kilkenny, Leitrim and Roscommon.
Godwin Swift (1672-1739) and Elizabeth had a son Godwin who inherited Swiftsheath and also owned Tidenton, County Kilkenny. He married a cousin, Elizabeth Swift, who was daughter of Deane Swift (c. 1674-1714) of Castle Rickard, County Westmeath. Deane Swift (c. 1674-1714) was another son of Godwin Swift Attorney-General to the Duke of Ormonde, by his 3rd wife, Hannah Deane.
Their son Godwin Swift (c. 1734-1815) lived in Swiftsheath and Lionsden, County Meath. He also married a cousin, Maria Swift, daughter of Deane Swift (c. 1707-1783) and Mary née Harrison, daughter of Theophilus Harrison. To add confusion to the family tree, Theophilus Harrison, Reverend of Clonmacnois, married twice, and one of his wives, Eleanor Meade, daughter of William Meade Lt Col of Ballintober, County Cork, had been previously married to Godwin Swift Attorney-General to the Duke of Ormonde as his fourth wife! Mary Harrison’s mother was Theophilus Harrison’s second wife, Martha Swift – yes, another Swift! She was the daughter of Adam Swift of Greencastle, County Down, who was another son of Thomas Swift Vicar at Goodrich and Elizabeth née Dryden.
Reverend Deane Swifte, 17th Century Irish School, cousin and biographer of Dean Jonathan Swift. This is be Deane Swift (1703-1783), son of Deane Swift of Castle Rickard, County Westmeath. His great grandfather was a Regicide, ie. signed the death warrant of King Charles I, but fortunately died before Charles II was restored to the throne, according to Jonathan Swift!Admiral Richard Deane (Regicide) 17th Century English School courtesy Fonsie Mealy Fortgranite auction.The Fonsie Mealy site adds: “Note: Major Joseph Deane (Inistiogue, 1661-66), of Crumlin, County Dublin, and Ballicocksoust, County Kilkenny (formerly the estate of Richard Strange), was the youngest son of Edward Deane, of Pinnock, Gloucestershire, by his 2nd wife, Anne Wase, and was born at Pinnock, 2nd February, 1624. His elder brother, Colonel Richard Deane, a leading member of the Republican party, was one of the Judges who sat on the trial of Charles I, and signed the death warrant of the King. Colonel Richard Deane was entrusted with the settlement of Scotland, which he speedily effected by his temperance and sagacity. He was next appointed one of the “Generals at Sea”, having for his colleague the famous Robert Blake, but was killed in action against the Dutch on 2nd June, 1653. He was honoured with a public funeral and buried in Henry VII’s Chapel at Westminster, but in 1661 his body (being that of a Regicide) was exhumed and cast out of the Abbey. Joseph Deane was educated at Winchester School, and entered the Parliamentary Army as Cornet in Rainsborough’s Horse. He volunteered for service in Ireland under Oliver Cromwell, in whose army he held the rank of Major. Under the Act of Settlement he had two grants of land (16th January, 1666, and 22nd June, 1669), comprising 9,324 statute acres, situated in the counties of Meath, Down, and Kilkenny, 3,859 acres being in Kilkenny. He purchased from Richard Talbot (afterwards Earl and Duke of Tyrconnell) the Manor of Terenure, in county Dublin, for 4,000. He was named on some important committees of the House of Commons, but was fined 10 for absence on 31st January 1665. In 1664 he paid 4s. hearth money for “Ballicagbsust”. In 1677 he served as High Sheriff of county Dublin. He died 21st December, 1699, having been twice married. By his 1st wife Anne —-, he had one son and two daughters – Joseph, of Crumlin, whose son, Joseph, became Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer, and died without male issue. (1) Anne, married in May, 1673 (as his 3rd wife), Godwin Swift, Attorney-General to the Duke of Ormonde. (2) Elizabeth, married 1st in May, 1672, Captain Henry Grey; 2nd in July, 1677, Donogh O’Brien, of Lemenagh, County Clare. Major Deane married, 2ndly, in 1659, Elizabeth, daughter of Maurice Cuffe, and sister of Captain Joseph Cuffe, of Castle Inch, elected M.P. for Knocktopher in 1665, and by her, who died 3rd April, 1698, had a son and a daughter – Edward whom hereafter M.P. for Inistiogue; and Dorothy, married Maurice Berkeley, of Glasnevin county Dublin.THE MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT FOR THE COUNTY, CITY AND BOROUGHS OF KILKENNYBY G.D. BURTCHAELL, M.A., LL.B [Written for the KILKENNY MODERATOR]Mrs Godwin Swifte of Swifte’s Heath, courtesy of Fonsie Mealy’s Fortgranite sale.
Godwin Swift (c. 1734-1815) of Swiftsheath and Lionsden and his cousin, Maria Swift had another son called Godwin Swift (c. 1779-1814), of Lionsden. This Godwin Swift married yet another cousin, Jane Sophia Swift (1785-1851), in 1803. She was the daughter of Richard Swift (1750-1796) who was the son of John L’Estrange Swift (1709-1793) of Lynn, County Westmeath, who was the son of Meade Swift (1682-1739) of Lynn, County Westmeath, who was the son of Godwin Swift Attorney-General to the Duke of Ormonde and Eleanor née Meade!
Jane Sophia Swift (1785-1851) married secondly, in 1818, Louis Auguste Alexander, Comte Lepelletier de Molende.
Countess Molende née Swift and her granddaughter Luigina de Sadre, Gifted by the artist to W.R. Swifte as a token, as his predecessor Jonathan Swifte served as Rector at Agher Church from 1699 – 1745, courtesy Fonsie Mealy Fortgranite auction.
Godwin Swift (c. 1779-1814), of Lionsden and Jane Sophia Swift (1785-1851) had a son Godwin Meade Pratt Swift (1805-1864) of Swiftsheath and Lionsden.
Identified as “Godwin Pratt Meade Swifte Lord Carlingford (m. MJ Clarke), Leahy, Dixon & Mulvanney, 19th Century Irish School, standing in a landscape by a grey horse with Foulksrath Castle, Co. Kilkenny in the distance”, courtesy of Fonsie Mealy Fortgranite. Godwin Meade Pratt Swift (1805-1864) of Swiftsheath and Lionsdenmarried Mary Jane Clarke of Bansha Castle, County Tipperary.He took the title Viscount Carlingford.Jane Christina Swifte (1810-1854), the wife of “Chevalier Sergio Demacdo, Minister Plenipotentiary of HM Emperor of Brazil,” Early 19th Century Irish School, courtesy Fonsie Mealy Fortgranite. She was the daughter of Godwin Swift of Lionsden and Jane Sophia.
Godwin called himself Viscount Carlingford, reviving a title created in 1627 for another branch of the Swift family. Godwin also added the “e” back to the end of the name Swift. He married first, Maria Theresa Plankenstern, Baroness de Wetzlar of Austria at Paris in 1830 after the birth of their son Ferdinando. [see https://www.youwho.ie/swifte.html ].
Godwin secondly married Jane Anne Hopkins on 18 Mar 1845 at Liverpool after an non legal ceremony some years earlier. Godwin returned with his family from the continent in 1845 to take up residence at Swiftesheath. Jane died at Lionsden, Castle Rickard in 1848 and was buried in the family vault. Godwin thirdly married Mary Jane Clarke on 4 Feb 1863 at Kilkenny and declared himself a widower. Mary was the daughter of Robert Hare Clarke. Godwin died 4 Jul 1864.
He created a flying machine which he hoisted to the top of Foulkesrathe Castle, which stood on the property of Swiftesheath, but it failed to fly and a butler who was piloting the plane broke a leg in his fall.
Identified as Pratt Swifte, Early 19th Century Irish School, courtesy of Fonsie Mealy Fortgranite sale.Mrs. Swifte, grandmother of Thomas Dennis courtesy Fonsie Mealy Fortgranite Auction.19th Century Irish School, Portrait of Mrs. Godwin Swifte courtesy Fonsie Mealy Fortgranite auction.There were so many Godwin Swifts it is hard to identify the sitter.Godwin Butler Meade Swifte (1864-1923) son of “Viscount Carlingford,” wearing uniform of the High Sheriff of Kilkenny, seated holding a sword, D.L. was the High Sheriff of Kilkenny and later Carlow, and resided at Swifte’s Heath, Co. Kilkenny, courtesy of Fonsie Mealy Fortgranite.Ernest Godwin Swifte K.C., with a companion painting of Lady Francis Swifte courtesy of Fonsie Mealy Fortgranite sale.He was the son of William Richard Swift (1807-1890), son of Godwin Swift of Lionsden and Jane Sophia.“Lady Francis Swifte,” with a companion painting of Ernest Godwin Swifte K.C., courtesy of Fonsie Mealy Fortgranite sale.Perhaps it is Ernest Godwin’s sister Julia Frances Swift, who did not marry.
“Castle Coole is one of the greatest neo-classical country houses in Ireland. Home to the Earls of Belmore, it was commissioned and built to impress by the first Earl of Belmore by Amar Lowry Corry, 1st Earl Belmore (1740-1802) and furnished largely by Somerset Lowry Corry, 2nd Earl (1774-1841).”
Armar Lowry-Corry (1740-1802) 1st Earl Belmore.
Mark Bence-Jones writes in his A Guide to Irish Country Houses (1988):
p. 64. “(Lowry-Corry, Belmore, E/PB) The most palatial late C18 house in Ireland, built 1790-98 by 1st Earl Belmore to the design of James Wyatt, who adapted earlier designs by Richard Johnston, and also showed himself to be much influenced by Stuart and Revett’s Antiquities of Athens, so that the house is an unusually perfect example of late C18 Hellenism, massive and unrestrained; yet keeping certain Palladian features such as Venetian windows and a balustraded roof parapet; and following the traditional Palladian plan of a centre block and wings.” [2]
James Wyatt (1746-1813) was an English architect who, despite living in England, had a flourishing country house practice in Ireland from the early 1770s until his appointment as Surveyor General of the King’s Works in England in 1796. [3] He designed Abbeyleix House in County Laois around 1772. We came across work by Wyatt at Slane Castle in County Meath and at Curraghmore in County Waterford.
The property came into ownership of the Lowry-Corry family in 1655 when it was purchased by John Corry, a merchant from Scotland, from one of the settlers who came to Ireland during the Ulster Plantation. He filled the office of High Sheriff of County Fermanagh.
His son James was a supporter of William of Orange, and a castle at Coole was burned down during the fighting between Williamites and Jacobites. James also acted as High Sheriff for County Fermanagh, as well as for County Monaghan, and was Member of Parliament (M.P.) for County Fermanagh between 1692 and 1718. He died in 1718.
James married Sarah Anketell, daughter of Oliver Anketell of Anketell Grove in County Monaghan. They had a son, John (1666-1726). He too served in the role of High Sheriff and of MP for County Fermanagh.
Colonel John Corry, MP (1666–1726), courtesy of National Trust Castle Coole.
The Castle Coole website tells us that a replacement habitation was built around 1707. This building was of brick, with sash windows and tall chimneys, which indicate that the inhabitants did not expect an attack as the building was not fortified.
John Corry married Sarah Leslie. They had several children, and named their son Leslie (1712-1741). Leslie inherited the estate of Castle Coole in 1726 when he was still a minor. The estate was managed by his cousin, Margetson Armar, who married Leslie’s sister Mary in 1736. Sarah Leslie’s sister Martha married Reverend William Armar, Archdeacon of Connor and Margetson Armar was their son.
Leslie died unmarried.
John Corry and Sarah Leslie’s other children were all daughters. Only one of the daughters, Sarah, went on to have children of her own, so the property passed to her offspring. Sarah married Galbraith Lowry (1706-1769). Due to the fact that she brought an inheritance with her to the marriage, Galbraith added Corry to his surname to become Lowry-Corry. He came from County Tyrone, and served as High Sheriff for County Tyrone and also for County Monaghan, and was MP for County Tyrone. His wife gave birth to their heir, Armar Lowry-Corry (1740-1802) who built Castle Coole. A daughter, Anne, married William Willoughby Cole, 1st Earl of Enniskillen, of Florence Court in County Fermanagh.
Sarah née Corry (1709-1779) who married Galbraith Lowry (1706-1779) who added Corry to his surname.Galbraith Lowry (1706-1779) who added Corry to his surname.
The website continues: “Through marriages and connections, the combined estates of the Lowry, Corry and Armar families (amounting to over 70,000 acres of tenanted land by 1779) were all inherited by Armar Lowry Corry in 1779. Armar, MP for Tyrone, was raised to the peerage as Lord Belmore in 1780 (and earl in 1797) and began to plan a new house, more suited to contemporary taste and his position in society. Architect Richard Johnston from Dublin was employed in 1789 but Belmore switched to James Wyatt, then at the height of his career and particularly skilled in the neoclassical style. Wyatt never visited the site, sending all his drawings from England. Much of the building work was carried out by skilled Irish builders and craftsmen and some of the furniture designed by Wyatt was made by the Irish joiners, including a great mahogany sideboard, and a large wine cooler for the dining room. The house is faced with Portland limestone from England; specialist plasterers under Joseph Rose created the decoration to the ceilings and walls; marble chimneypieces were commissioned from Richard Westmacott and Domenico Bartoli created scagliola columns and pilasters.“
Armar had the house built in a new location, at the top of the hill, since he suffered from rheumatism so wanted to avoid damp. The old house burned down in 1797 while the new house was being built.
Mark Bence-Jones writes: “The centre block is of two storeys and nine bays, with a pedimented portico of four giant Ionic columns on the entrance front, and a curved central bow lined with giant fluted Ionic columns on the garden front; the wings single storey and consisting, on the entrance front, of deep colonnades of fluted Doric columns ending in small Doric pavilions, and on the garden front of five bay links and end pavilions with Venetian windows. The ends of the wings have central features of four fluted Doric columns and are as perfectly finished as the major elevations; all being of beautifully cut masonry in a pale silvery Portland stone which was brought here at great expense, being shipped to Ballyshannon, taken overland to Lough Erne, shipped to Enniskillen and taken the last two miles in bullock carts.” [see 2]
The website continues: “Castle Coole boasts some of the finest neoclassical architecture, interiors, furniture and Regency furnishings in Ireland. Original drawings by the architects, the building records, inventories and invoices recording the daily work of the joiners, plasterers and painters in the 1790s and the furnishing of the house 1807 to 1821 helped guide the restoration of Castle Coole in the 1980s. This combination of place, collection and archival record must be unique in Ireland where so many records and collections have been dispersed. It speaks of careful husbandry by generations of the family who cherished the past.“
The website continues its description of Castle Coole: “The ground floor of the central block contains the principal receptions rooms. The wings and first floor bedrooms were the family’s private quarters. The vast basement contains service rooms with separate areas governed by Housekeeper, Butler and Cook, who could come and go via a large service tunnel that connected the basement to the service yards.“
One is not allowed to photograph inside, because the furnishings are owned by the present 8th Earl. You can see photographs of the sumptuous interiors on the website. The house was handed to the National Trust by the 7th Earl in 1951 but the family still occupy a wing.
Bence-Jones continues: “it seems that the austerity of the interior plasterwork was to some degree for reasons of economy; though in fact it is entirely suited to the Grecian purity of the house. The single-storey hall is of great depth and dramatic simplicity, its only adornments being a Doric frieze, a pair of small Doric chimneypieces by Westmacott facing each other on either side and a screen of Doric columns in porphyry scagliola at the inner end.‘
Castle Coole, Fermanagh, Tourism Northern Ireland 2018 (see [1]). It has a wonderfully large front hall, intended to resemble a Roman atrium, with scagliola (imitation marble, the recipe for scagliola died with the man who created it) Doric columns and lovely plasterwork, which matches the Carrara marble fireplace. Specialist plasterers under Joseph Rose created the decoration to the ceilings and walls; marble chimneypieces were commissioned from Richard Westmacott and Domenico Bartoli created scagliola columns and pilasters.The rosettes in the frieze are from an old Corry coat of arms, and chalices are from the Lowry coat of arms.
For more about the wonderful interior of the house, of which one can take a tour, see the website. The tour takes in the centre block. It includes the library, drawing room, dining room, morning breakfast room, and the round impressive Saloon with its bow front.
Mark Bence-Jones writes: “The splendour is reserved for the oval saloon in the middle of the garden front, which is lined with grey scagliola Corinthian pilasters and has a frieze of swags and delicate ornament on the flat of the ceiling; it is flanked by the drawing room and the dining room, forming a magnificent enfilade. The library, which has its original delicately moulded bookcases, is on one side of the hall, separated from the drawing room by the staircase hall, which contains a double stone staircase of great length, leading up to a landing with a screen of yellow and brown scagliola Doric columns.”
The Library, which has a particularly impressive pelmet which end with what our guide told us have been called griffin heads but she thinks, and I agree, that they look more like camels, reflecting the 2nd Earl’s passion for travel. He travelled extensively in Egypt, travelling up the Nile, and he sponsored excavations and began a collection of Egyptian antiquities. He sold some of these later to the British Museum in 1842 to pay off debts. The unusual tentlike ceiling of the kitchens is made of a special fireproof material as it is underneath the room where the 2nd Earl stored his treasures.
The stair hall has a staircase that breaks into two, to create a “floating” imperial staircase, with iron balusters that contain gilded rosettes, with a slim mahogany handrail. At the bottom of the stairs is a table with many lamps for the residents and guests to bring up to their room at night.
Bence-Jones describes: “The first floor lobby, lit by glass domes, rises into an attic storey which is not visible from the outside of the house; and is surrounded by a gallery with a colonnade probably inspired by the interiorsof the Parthenon and the Temple of Poseidon at Paestuum. In 1797, just before the present house was completed, the earlier house, which was small, built 1709 and with a rather heavy pediment, was burnt to the ground. The earlier family pictures and furniture were probably lost in this fire, which would explain why the house contains comparatively few portraits, making for large stretches of unrelieved wall, again very much in keeping with the Grecian simplicity. As a contrast, however, there is the sumptuous gilt Regency furniture in the saloon, introduced by 2nd Earl, and the bed, festooned with flame silk, in the state bedroom, said to have been decorated for George IV, who, however, never slept here. The garden front of the house overlooks a lake on which there is the oldest nonmigratory flock of greylag geese in the British Isles; it is said that if ever they go, the Belmores will also go. There are some wonderful trees in the park, and fine stables by Sir Richard Morrison. Castlecoole has been maintained by the Northern Ireland National Trust since 1951 and is open to the public.”
Upstairs above the saloon is the bow room, decorated with Chinese style wallpaper, curtains and covered furniture. This room was used by the ladies during the day for sewing, reading and playing cards. Also upstairs is a lovely double-height lobby that has more pretty plasterwork, and the state bedroom decorated for King George IV, with a particularly beautiful tester bed with gorgeous folded swags of curtains, original tassels and fringes, pleated sunburst lining and a generous rosette of scarlet silk above the bed inside the curtains. Bed steps flank the bed, like the ones we came across and used during our stay in “Norman’s Room” in Castle Leslie, and the bed is topped with gold coronets and gilt poles), as we have come across before in other houses (Charleville in County Wicklow and Loughton in Offaly). The lobby is lit by an impressive oval skylight and two further circular skylights. On the upper, attic, floor, that one can see from the lobby, are more Doric columns painted to look like marble, and a iron balustrade that matches the staircase. Doors off the lobby lead to the bow room and the state room, and two doors either side lead to the four principal bedrooms in the corners.
Armar Lowry-Corry served as MP and High Sheriff for County Tyrone and after he inherited Castle Coole, High Sheriff of County Fermanagh. He married Margaret Butler, daughter of Somerset Butler, the 1st Earl of Carrick, County Tipperary.
Armar Lowry-Corry was married to Margaret Butler (1748-1775) daughter of Somerset Hamilton Butler, 8th Viscount Ikerrin, 1st Earl of Carrick, County Tipperary.Allegorical scene with Juliana, Countess of Carrick as Wisdom directing her younger daughters, Lady Henrietta Butler and Lady Margaret Butler/Lowry-Corry, as Beauty and Virtue, by Richard Cosway, courtesy of National Trust Castle Coole.
They had a son, Somerset (1774-1841) who became the 2nd Earl of Belmore. Margaret died young, and Armar remarried, this time to Lady Henrietta Hobart, the daughter of the Earl of Buckinghamshire, who was Lord Lieutenant at the time. Henrietta however was not happy at Castle Coole and was twenty two years younger than her husband so they divorced, which would have been unusual at the time. He married a third time, this time to Mary Anne Caldwell, in 1794, from nearby Castle Caldwell in County Fermanagh (now a ruin).
Somerset Lowry-Corry, 2nd Earl of Belmore by Hugh Douglas Hamilton, courtesy of National Trust Castle Coole.
Somerset held the office of Member of Parliament (M.P.) (Tory) for Tyrone between 1797 and 1802. In 1800 he married Juliana Butler, daughter of Henry Thomas Butler, 2nd Earl of Carrick
The website continues: “The 2nd Earl [Somerset (1774-1841)] had campaigned fiercely against the Act of Union of 1800 which led to the abolition of the independent Irish parliament. He lost his parliamentary seat, only becoming a representative peer in the British House of Lords in 1819. In the meantime, he concentrated on the furnishing of Castle Coole, commissioning John and Nathaniel Preston of Dublin to supply complete rooms of furniture from 1807 onwards. Inspired no doubt by the interiors he saw in London where he had a house, Castle Coole was as lavishly furnished as the greatest Regency interiors.
“To add to the splendour the Second Earl of Belmore commissioned furniture from Preston’s of Dublin in 1807, in lavish French Empire style. Preston’s also made the most extravagant piece of furniture in the house, the State bed, which was commissioned for the visit of George IV in 1821, although in the end he never visited Castle Coole meaning the ornate decoration has stayed in perfect condition.
“Perhaps to escape creditors, Somerset took his family away for a 4-year tour of the Mediterranean in 1816, visiting Malta, Egypt and the Holy Land. He acquired a paid position as Governor of Jamaica [appointed by his friend the Duke of Wellington, who was prime minister at the time] in 1828 finding himself in the middle of a highly volatile situation. Leading up to the abolition of slavery, the British government sought to improve the living conditions of the [300,000] enslaved people, but this was resented by the plantation owners who dominated the local assembly [in Jamaica]. Belmore’s attempts at moderation were not welcomed by either side. In December 1831 many of the enslaved people rebelled, martial law declared, and the leaders executed. Belmore was blamed for mis-handling the situation and recalled to London. His conduct was subsequently vindicated, but it must have been a bitter end to his posting.“
Somerset’s son Armar Lowry-Corry (1801-1845) became the 3rd Earl of Belmore but died a few years after his father and his brother Somerset (1835-1913) succeeded as the 4th Earl.
Henry Thomas Lowry-Corry (1803-1873) by and published by William Walker 1867, NPG Ax15852. He was the son of Somerset Lowry-Corry (1774-1841) 2nd Earl of Belmore and Juliana née Butler, daughter of Henry Thomas Butler (1746-1813) 2nd Earl of Carrick.
The website continues: “The 4th Earl, Somerset (1835-1913), rescued the family’s finances by selling land, reducing the estate to some 20,000 acres, enabling a partial redecoration of Castle Coole. In 1867 Somerset was appointed Governor General of New South Wales, where he supported the development of the railways. The 5thEarl never married but lived on modestly at Castle Coole with five unmarried siblings [one of whom was his brother Cecil the 6th Earl]. By the time the 7thEarl [a great nephew of the 4th Earl, grandson of the 3rd Earl, Major Galbraith Lowry-Corry (1913-1960)] inherited in 1949, the burden of taxes and the expense of maintaining the house led to the house and 70 acres of land being transferred to the National Trust with a grant from the Ulster Land Fund, the contents remaining on loan.“
Somerset Richard Lowry-Corry 4th Earl of Belmore by Stephen Pearse courtesy of National Trust Castle Coole.
“The present 8th Earl lives nearby and continues to take an active interest in the house and demesne.“
Castle Coole, Fermanagh, Tourism Northern Ireland 2018 (see [1]).
The house is very cleverly surrounded by tunnels for the servants, which run along the basement level outside the house. The tunnels allow light to reach down to the tall sash windows of the basement. There is a special entrance for horse riders, where they can enter the tunnels after their hunt to go into the basement of the house where a special area for changing and washing was created in the basement with a unique Roman bath-style plunge pool down a few steps for the home owners and their guests, which would be filled by the servants with heated water. The changing area is beautifully designed and the tunnels are covered with grills which let in the light, so that the basement lets in the sunlight.
Another underground tunnel leads down to the Grand Yard. It was created in order to avoid a servants’ entrance at ground level. Deliveries could be made by driving up the tunnel to a back door into the basement area.
The Castle Coole website tells us: “The Grand Yard was designed by Richard Morrison for the 2nd Earl of Belmore in 1817. The area was used for several purposes including dairy, stables, laundry house, candle factory and servants accommodation quarters [including the Steward’s House, which is still owned by Lord Belmore, as well as the farm yard].
“The Grand Yard is surrounded by stables and coach houses. The stables and coach houses not only housed the family’s work horses, coach horses and coaches but also had space available to accommodate visitor’s horses and coaches – Strangers Stables and Coachhouses as they were referred to on plans.“
[2] Bence-Jones, Mark. A Guide to Irish Country Houses (originally published as Burke’s Guide to Country Houses volume 1 Ireland by Burke’s Peerage Ltd. 1978); Revised edition 1988 Constable and Company Ltd, London.
[4] Castle Coole, County Fermanagh, booklet published by the National Trust, originally written by Peter Marlow, revised by Oliver Garnett, with a forward by the 8th Earl of Belmore, 2013.
As I mentioned last week, the new list is published. Here it is:
According to Revenue website:
“Section 482 of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997, as amended, provides tax relief to the owner/occupier of an approved building (including surrounding garden), or an approved garden existing independently, in respect of expenditure incurred on its repair, maintenance or restoration.”
donation
Help me to pay the entrance fee to one of the houses on this website. This site is created purely out of love for the subject and I receive no payment so any donation is appreciated!
€10.00
Donation towards accommodation
I receive no funding nor aid to create and maintain this website, it is a labour of love. I travel all over Ireland to visit Section 482 properties and sometimes this entails an overnight stay. A donation would help to fund my accommodation.
€150.00
Note that properties which list with the Revenue as Accommodation have different requirements and do not have to open to the public.
Open – February, March & April Saturdays & Sundays 1pm, 2pm & 3pm
Open – May, June, July, August & September Daily 1pm, 2pm, 3pm & 4pm
Open – October, November & December Saturdays & Sundays 1pm, 2pm & 3pm Fee: house/garden, adult €12.95, garden €6.50, OAP/student, house/garden €12, garden €6, child, house/garden €6.50, garden €3.50, group and family discounts available
www.corravahan.com Open dates in 2024: Jan 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26, Feb 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 29, Mar 1, 7-8, May 2-4, 9-11, 16-18, 23-25, 30-31, June 1, 6-8, 13-15, 20-22, 27-29, July 4-6, Aug 16-25, 9am-1pm, Sundays, 2pm-6pm
Fee: adult €10, OAP/student/child €5
Tours on the hour, or by appointment. Last admission 1 hour before closing time. CCTV in operation
Open for accommodation: all year 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: adult €6, family €16
Ballyvolane, County Cork, photo taken 2014 for Tourism Ireland, Ireland’s Content Pool.
Bantry House & Garden, Bantry, County Cork975 T293
www.bantryhouse.com Open dates in 2024: Apr 1-Oct 31, 10am-5pm but check the website in advance. Fee: adult €14, OAP/student €11.50, child €5, groups over 8-20, €9 and groups of 21 or more €8
Drishane Castle & Gardens, Drishanemore, Millstreet Town, County Cork www.millstreet.ie Open dates in 2024: Jan 2- May 31, Mon-Fri, June 1- Sept 30, Mon-Sat, Oct 1- Dec 31, Mon- Fri, National Heritage Week, Aug 17-25, 9am-5pm
Fee: adult €5, OAP/student free, child free when accompanied by adult
Dún Na Séad Castle, Baltimore, County Cork981 X968 www.baltimorecastle.ie Open dates in 2024: April 1st – Sept 30, 11am -5pm Fee: adult/OAP/student €5, children under 12 free
Garrettstown House, Garrettstown, Kinsale, County Cork www.garrettstownhouse.com Open dates in 2024: May 14-Sept 6, 12 noon-5pm Fee: adult €10, OAP/student/child €5, groups of 10+ adults €5 per person
Kilcascan Castle, Ballineen, County Cork947 R286 Open dates in 2024: Aug 1-31, Sept 1-30, 9.30am-1.30pm Fee: Free
Open dates in 2024: May 1, 3-4, 9-12, June 1, 3-8, 10-15, 17-22, 24-29, July 1-6, 8-13, 15-20, 22-27, 29-31, Aug 1-3, 5-10, 12-31, Sept 1-10, 21, 23, 25, 8.30am-3pm,
Open dates in 2024: Mar 20-24, 27-31, Apr 1, 3-7, 10-14, 17-21, 24-28, May 1-5, 8-12, 15-19, 22-26, 29-31, June 1-30, July 1-31, Aug 1-31, Sept 1, 4-8, 11-15, 18-22, 25-29, Oct 5-13, Nov 27-30, Dec 1, 4-8, 11-15, 18-22, Mar, Apr, May, Sept, Oct, 12 noon-6pm, June, July, Aug, 11am-6pm, Nov, Dec, 4pm-10pm, Sundays, 4.30pm-10pm
81 North King Street, Smithfield, Dublin 7 Open dates in 2024: Apr 1-6, 8-13, 15-20, 22-27, June 1, 3-8, 10-15, 17-22, 24-29, Aug 1-3, 5-10, 12-31, 12 noon-4pm Fee: Free
The Odeon(formerly the Old Harcourt Street Railway Station), 57 Harcourt Street, Dublin 2 www.odeon.ie Open in 2024: all year Tue-Sat, National Heritage Week, Aug 17-25, 12 noon to 12 midnight
Corke Lodge Garden, Shankill, Co. DublinA98 X264– garden only Postal address Woodbrook, Bray, Co. Wicklow www.corkelodge.com Open dates in 2024: June 3-28, Mon-Fri, July 2-27, Tue-Sat, Aug 5-25, 10am-2pm
Fee: €8, paid voluntarily in honesty box to benefit Our Lady’s Hospice
Meander, Westminister Road, Foxrock, Dublin 18, D18 E2T9 Open dates in 2024: Jan 8-9, 10-12, 15-19, 22-26, 29-31, Feb 1-2, May 7-11, 15-18, 21-25, June 4-8, 10-15, 17-22, Aug 17-25, 9am-1pm
Fee: adult €5, OAP/child/student €2
Primrose Hill, Very Top of Primrose Lane, Lucan, Co. Dublin Open dates in 2024: Feb 1-28, June 1-30, July 1-7, Aug 17-25, 2pm-6pm
Tibradden House, Mutton Lane, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16D16 XV97 Open dates in 2024: Jan 15-19, Feb 19-23, Mar 4-8, Apr 8-12, May 4-5, 6-10, 13-17, 20-24, June 4-7, 11-14, Aug 17-25, Sept 21-22, 26-29, Jan-Apr and June, 9am-1pm, May and Sept, Sat-Sun 10am-2pm, Mon-Fri, 9am-1pm, Aug, 2pm-6pm
Fee: adult/OAP €8, student €5, child free, Members of An Taisce and The Irish Georgian Society (with membership card) €5
CountyGalway
Castle Ellen House, Athenry, Co. Galway http://www.castleellen.ie/ Open dates in 2024: May 22-23, 26-30, June 2-6, 9-13, 16-20, 23-27, 30, July 1-4, 7-11, 14-18, 21-25, 28-31, Aug 17-25, 12 noon-4pm
Lisdonagh House, Caherlistrane, Co. GalwayH91 PFW6 Tourist Accommodation Facility– not open to the public www.lisdonagh.com Open for accommodation: May 1-Nov 1
The Grammer School, College Road, Galway www.yeatscollege.ie Open dates in 2024: May 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26, June 8-9, July 1-31, Aug 1-12, 17-25, 9am-5pm
Fee: adult/OAP/student €5, child under 12 free
Signal Tower & Lighthouse, Eochaill, Inis Mór, Aran Islands, Co. Galway www.aranislands.ie Open in 2024: June-Sept, 9am-5pm.
Fee: adult €2.50, child €.50, OAP/student free, family €5, group rates depending on numbers
Woodville House Dovecote & Walls of Walled Garden– garden only Craughwell, Co. Galway
www.woodvillewalledgarden.com Open dates in 2024: Feb 2-5, 9-12, 16-19, 23-26, Mar 1-4, June 1-30, Aug 17-26, Feb-Mar, 12 noon-4pm, June and August, 11am-5pm-last entry 4.30pm
Fee: adult €10, OAP €8, student, €6, child €3 must be accompanied by adult, family €25, 2 adults and 2 children
Derreen Gardens, Lauragh, Tuosist, Kenmare, Co. Kerry– garden only https://www.derreengarden.com/ Open: all year, 10am-6pm Fee: adult/OAP/student €9, child €4, family ticket (2 adults and all children + 2 maps) €25
Open in 2024: Jan 1-7, Feb 3-Dec 21, 28-31, Jan-Mar, Nov-Dec 9.30am-5pm, Apr-Oct 9.30am-6pm
Fee: adult €8.75, purchase in the gardens €9.50, child €6.75, purchase in the garden €7.50, family €28, purchase in the gardens €30, OAP/student free, any other concessions see: http://www.kellsgardens.ie/garden-tickets/
Burtown House and Garden, Athy, Co. KildareR14 AE67 www.burtownhouse.ie Open dates in 2024: May 1-4, 8-11, 15-18, 22-25, 29-31, June 5-8, 12-15, 19-22, 26-29, August 17-25, Sept 4-7, 11-14, 18-21, 25-28, 9am-1pm
Farmersvale House, Badgerhill, Kill, Co. Kildare W91 PP99 Open dates in 2024: Jan 12-31, July 17-31, Aug 1-25, 9.30am-1.30pm Fee: adult €5, student/child/OAP €3, (Irish Georgian Society members free)
Griesemount House, Ballitore, Co KildareR14 WF64 www.griesemounthouse.ie Open dates in 2024: Feb 12-25, 26, May 13-24, June 17-28, July 8-19, Aug 17-25, 2pm-6pm
Moyglare Glebe, Moyglare, Maynooth, Co. Kildare Open dates in 2024: Jan 2-26, 29, May 1-31, Aug 17-25, 8.30am-12.30pm Fee: adult €6, OAP/student/child €3
Steam Museum Lodge Park Heritage Centre, Lodge Park, Straffan, Co. Kildare www.steam-museum.com Open dates in 2024: Apr 30, May 4-6, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26, June 1-3, 7-9, 14-16, 21-23, 28-30, July 5-7, 12-14, 19-21, 26-28, Aug 2-5, 9-11, 16-25, 31, Sept 1, 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 28-29, 1pm-5pm
Fee: Garden and Museum, adult Fri/Sat, €12, Sun €15 steam, child/OAP/student €6, family €25, scenic railway €5 when open
Templemills House, Newtown Road, Celbridge, Co. KildareW23 YK26 Open dates in 2024: Jan 14-26, Feb 3-9, May 1-31, Aug 17-25, 9am-1pm
Fee: adult €12, child/student/OAP €8
CountyKilkenny
Aylwardstown, Glenmore, Co Kilkenny www.kelvale.com Open dates in 2024: Aug 1-31, Sept 1-30, 9am-5pm
Fee: adult €5, OAP/student €3, child free
Ballybur Castle Ballybur Upper, Cuffesgrange, Co. Kilkenny www.ballyburcastle.com Open dates in 2024: Aug 1-31, Sept 1-30, 2pm-6pm Fee: Free
Ballysallagh House, Johnswell, Co Kilkenny R95 A6P1
Kilpeacon House, Crecora, Co. Limerick Open dates in 2024: May 1-June 30, Mon- Sat, Aug 17-25, 10am-2pm
Fee: adult/child/OAP €8
Mount Trenchard House and Garden, Foynes, Co. Limerick Open in 2024: June 3-7, 10-14, 17-21, 24-28, July 1-5, 8-12, 15-19, 22-26, 29-31, Aug 1-31, Sept 1, 9am-1pm
www.enniscoe.com (Tourist Accommodation Facility) Open for accommodation: April 1-Oct 31
Although listed under accommodation they have open dates listed for the house and gardens – ring in advance if you would like to make a visit to the house. Open: garden, April 1-Oct 31, closed Mondays 10am-4pm
Fee: garden & heritage centre, adult €8, OAP €6, child/student €3 under 4 years free, family 2 adults and 2 children €15, tour of house €5 per adult, free tour in National Heritage Week
Old Coastguard Station, Rosmoney, Westport, Co. Mayo www.jamescahill.com/coastguardstation.html Open dates in 2024: July 1-6, 8-13, 15-20, 22-27, 29-31, Aug 1-3, 5-10, 12-31, Sept 2-7, 11am-4pm Fee: adult €1, child/OAP/student free
Owenmore, Garranard, Ballina, Co. Mayo
Tourist Accommodation Facility– not open to the public
Cillghrian Glebe now known as Boyne House Slane, Chapel Street, Slane, Co. MeathC15 P657(hotel) www.boynehouseslane.ie Open dates in 2024: all year, National Heritage Week, Aug 17-25, 9am-1pm
Fee: Free
“Boyne House Slane boasts 6 tastefully appointed luxury ensuite Heritage Bedrooms in the Main House along with 4 additional Bedrooms in the Coach House, offering luxurious accommodation and private rental in the heart of Slane village.” Photograph courtesy of website.
Dunsany Castle, Dunsany, Co. Meath www.dunsany.com Open dates in 2024: June 27-30, July 1-31, Aug 1-25, 10am-2pm Fee: adult €25, OAP €20, student €15, child under 12 years free
Gravelmount House, Castletown, Kilpatrick, Navan, Co. Meath Open dates in 2024: Jan 1-20, May 1-31, Aug 17-25, 9am-1pm
Fee: adult €6, OAP/student/child €3
Hamwood House, Dunboyne, Co. Meath www.hamwood.ie Open dates in 2024: March 4-8, 11-15, Apr 8-12, 15-19, May 24-31, June 21-28, July 24-31, August 17-25, Sept 2-6, 9-10, 11am-1pm, 3pm-5pm Fee: adult/OAP/student €10, child under 12 free
Hamwood House, County Meath, photograph from Hamwood house website. This is better than my photographs since it was November when we visited and the light was fading.
Killeen Mill, Clavinstown, Drumree, Co. Meath
www.killeenmill.ie Tourists Accommodation Facility– not open to the public
Open for accommodation: April 1- Sept 30
Loughcrew House, Loughcrew, Old Castle, Co. Meath Tourist Accommodation Facility– gardens only
Hilton Park House, Clones, Co. Monaghan www.hiltonpark.ie Tourist Accommodation Facility Open for accommodation: April- Sept
Listed open dates in 2024: Open: Jan 8-12, 15-19, Feb 1-2, 5-9, 27-29, May 1-3, 5-10, 12-17, 19-24, 26-31, June 2, 7-9, Aug 17-25, weekdays, 9am-1pm, Sunday, 1pm-5pm Fee: adult €10, OAP/student €8, child €5
Open dates in 2024: Feb 1-20, July 23-31, Aug 1-31, 2pm-6pm. Fee: Free, refreshments always offered
Ballindoolin House, Edenderry, Co. Offaly Open dates in 2024: Mar 4-7, 11-14, April 15-18, 22-25, May 1-2, 4-5, 6-8, 13-16, 22-24, June 3-6, 8-9, 10-13, 17-20, Aug 17-25, Sept 2-5, 9-12, 28-29, 10am-2pm
Open dates in 2024: Feb 24-25, May 20-27, June 7-9, 14-16, 21-23, 28-30, July 6-7, Aug 15-31, Sept 1, Oct 26-31, Nov 1-3, 28-30, Dec 1, 27-31, 2pm-6pm Fee: Free
Castlecoote House, Castlecoote, Co. RoscommonF42 H288 www.castlecootehouse.com Open in 2024: June 4-9, 11-16, 18-23, 25-30, July 2-7, 9-14, 16-21, 23-28, 30-31, Aug 16-25, 2pm-5.30pm
Fee: adult €12, OAP/student €10, children under 12 free
Tourist Accommodation Facility open for accommodation April 1-Oct 1 www.clonalishouse.com
Despite being listed as Accommodation, Clonalis has some listed Open dates in 2024. Check the website in advance to see if they are open for a visit in 2024: Jun 21-Aug 31, Mon-Sat, National Heritage Week, Aug 17-25, 11am-3.45pm
Open dates in 2024: April 2-7, 9-14, 16-21, 23-28, 30, May 1-5, 7-12, 14-19, 21-26, 28-31, June 1-30, July 1-31, Aug 1-31, Sept 1, 2-8, 10-15, 17-22, 24-29, Oct 1-6, 8-13, 15-20, 22-27, 29-31, weekdays 11am-5pm, Sun-11am-4pm
Fee: adult €10, OAP/student/child €7, groups €6, family €30 (2 adults & 2 children)
Despite being listed as a Tourist Accommodation Facility, it might be open for a vist – check the website or call in advance: Open dates in 2024: April-Sept Tues-Sat, 11am-5pm Fee: adult €10, OAP/student/child €5
Lissadell House & Gardens, Lissadell, Ballinfull, Co. Sligo www.lissadell.com Open dates in 2024: June 1-3, 5-9, 12-16, 19-26, 26-30, July 1-31, Aug 1-31, 10.30am-6pm
Fee: adult €16 but discounted for groups, OAP/student €13.50, child over 5 years €8, group discounts €13
Markree Castle Home Farm Collooney, Co. Sligo Open dates in 2024: Jun 1-30, July 1-31, closed Sundays, Aug 1-31, Sept 2-30, closed Sundays 10am-4pm Fee: Free
Newpark House and Demesne, Newpark, Ballymote, Co. SligoF56 X985
Open for accommodation in 2024: April 1-October 31
CountyTipperary
Beechwood House, Ballbrunoge, Cullen, Co. TipperaryE34 HK00 Open dates in 2024: Jan 25-28, Feb 22-25, Mar 7-10, April 11-14, 18-21, May 9-12, 16-19, 23-26, June 6-9, 13-16, July 11-14, Aug 17-25, Sept 5-8, 12-15, 9.15am-1.15pm Fee: adult €5, OAP/student €2, child free, fees donated to charity
Open dates in 2024: Feb 1-9, 12-23, May 1-17, 27-31, June 10-18, Aug 17-25, 10am-2pm Fee: adult €8, OAP/student €6, child free under 5 years, adult supervision essential, group rates available
Open dates in 2024: June 7-28, July 9-31, Aug 6-25, 28-31, Sept 1-4, 2.30pm-6.30pm, Sunday 18 and 25 August, 10am-2pm Fee: adult €10, OAP/student/child €5, cash only
Tourist Accommodation Facility– not open to the public
Open for accommodation in 2024: May 1-Sept 30
Silversprings House, Clonmel, Co. TipperaryE91 NT32 Open dates in 2024: May 1-31, June 1-30, Aug 17-25, 12 noon-4pm Fee: adult €5, OAP €3, child free
CountyWaterford
Cappagh House (Old and New), Cappagh, Dungarvan, Co WaterfordX35 RH51 www.cappaghhouse.ie Open dates in 2024: April, June, Aug, Wed & Thurs, May & Sept, Wed, Thurs & Sat, National Heritage Week, Aug 17-25, 9.30am-1.30pm
The Presentation Convent, Waterford Healthpark, Slievekeel Road, Waterford Open dates in 2024: Jan 2-31, Feb 1-4, 6-29, Mar 1-17, 19-28, 30-31, April 2-30, May 1-5, 7-31, June 4-28, July 1-31, Aug 1-4, 6-30, Sept 2-30, Oct 1-27, 29-31, Nov 1-29, Dec 2-23, 27-30, closed Bank Holidays, 8.30am-5.30pm
Fee: Free
Tourin House & Gardens, Tourin, Cappoquin, Co. WaterfordP51 YYIK
Lough Park House, Castlepollard, Co. Westmeath Open dates in 2024: Mar 15-21, 28-31, Apr 1-3, May 1-7, June 1-9, July 12-25, Aug 1-7, 17-25, 2pm-6pm
Fee: adult €6
Rockfield Ecological Estate, Rathaspic, Rathowen, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath Open dates in 2024: May 20-30, June 19-30, July 19-30, Aug 15-25, Sept 11-30, 2pm-6pm
Fee: Free
St. John’s Church, Loughstown, Drumcree, Collinstown, Co. Westmeath Open in 2024: July 1-31, Aug 1-30, 2pm-6pm
www.tullynallycastle.com Open dates in 2024: Castle, May 2-31, June 1-29, July 4-20, Aug 1-31, Sept 5-21, Thurs- Sat, National Heritage Week, Aug 17-25, 11am-3pm
Garden, May 2-Sept 29, Thurs-Sundays, and Bank Holidays, National Heritage Week, Aug 17-25, 11am-5pm
Fee: castle/garden adult €16.50, child over 10 years €8.50, OAP/student free, garden, adult €8.50, child €4, family ticket (2 adults + 2 children) €23, adult season ticket €56, family season ticket €70, special needs visitor with support carer €4
www.sigginstowncastle.com Open dates in 2024: Mar 29-31, April 1, 12-14, 26-28, May 10-12, 17-19, 24-26, June 7-9, 14-16, 21-23, 28-30, July 5-7, 12-14, 19-21, 26-28, Aug 2-11, 16-25, 30-31, Sept 6-8, 13-15, 20-22, 27-29, 1pm-5pm
Fee: adult €10, child/OAP/student €8, groups 6 or more €8 per person
Woodbrook House, Killanne, Enniscorthy, Co. WexfordY21 TP 92 Tourist Accommodation Facility– not open to the public www.woodbrookhouse.ie Open for accommodation: May 1-October 31
Greenan More, Ballintombay,Rathdrum, Co Wicklow www.greenanmore.ie Open dates in 2024: May 1-5, 8-12, 15-19, 22-26, 29-31, June 1-2, 5-9, 12-16, Aug 14-25, 28-31, Sept 1, 4-8, 11-15, 10am-3pm
Fee: adult €6, child/OAP/student €3
Killruddery House & Gardens, Southern Cross Road, Bray, Co. Wicklow www.killruddery.com Open dates in 2024: March 23, 26-30, Apr 1-7, 9-14, 16-21, 23-28, 30, May 1-12, 14-19, 21-26, 28-31, June 1-9, 11-16, 18-23, 25-30, July 2-7, 9-14, 16-21, 23-28, 30-31, Aug 1-11, 13-25, 27-31, Sept 1, 3-8, 10-18, 17-22, 24-29, Oct 1-6, 8-13, 15-20, 22-27, 29-31, Nov 1-3, Mar, Oct, Nov, 9.30- 5pm, Apr-Sept 9.30am-6pm
Fee: adult house and garden tour €15.50, garden €8.50, OAP/student house and garden tour €13, garden €7.50, child €3, house and garden tour €5.50, free entry for members
I just received the Revenue Section 482 list for 2024! Very exciting! I am sad to see, however, that there are no additions to last year, so far.
What changes have we this year, from last year?
I see that Lorum Rectory in County Carlow has dropped off the list. It is still open for accommodation, as far as I know, see their website https://lorum.com/
In County Cork, Fenns Quay, 4 & 5 Sheares Street, Cork City has been removed. I didn’t have time to visit it before it was removed from the listing.
Oranmore Castle has dropped off the list in County Galway.
Oranmore Castle, County Galway.
Creamery House, Castlecomer, Co Kilkenny is no longer listed, though the website tells us a restaurant is coming soon, https://www.creameryhouse.com
In County Meath, Slane Castle is no longer listed, and neither is the Former Parochial House in Slane. You may be able to book a tour for Slane Castle, but they have only selective open days for tours, see the website, https://www.slanecastle.ie/about/opening-hours
Slane Castle, County Meath.
Corolanty in County Offaly has dropped off the list this year. I didn’t get to visit Castletown Manor, Cottlestown, Co. Sligo, unfortunately, before it dropped off the list.
I’m not surprised that Ballynatray gardens in County Waterford is no longer listed. You can probably still book a cottage for accommodation in the lovely surroundings, but their website seems to have been taken down.
Ballynatray, County Waterford, 19th August 2023.
There is still plenty to see!
I made a tentative schedule for myself last December, but since we have been busy preparing a property to sell, and looking to buy something small in the countryside, I have not had time to visit any Section 482 properties yet this year. I still have a few places to write about that we have visited, so more posts soon!
Happy visiting!
Grenane House, County Tipperary, August 2023 – write up coming soon!Stephen going into Gravelmount in December 2023.Clonskeagh Castle, Dublin 14 – I have yet to write about it after our December visit.
The excellent site of Timothy William Ferres tells us of the Hamiltons, of Stackallen in County Meath:
GUSTAVUS HAMILTON (1642-1723), having abandoned the fortunes of JAMES II, to whom he was a privy counsellor, and distinguished himself as a military officer in the service of WILLIAM III, particularly at the battle of the Boyne, and the siege of Derry, was sworn of the Privy Council of the latter monarch, appointed Brigadier-General of his armies, and further rewarded with a grant of forfeited lands. General Hamilton was MP for County Donegal, 1692-1713, and for Strabane, 1713-15. He was elevated to the peerage, 1715, in the dignity of Baron Hamilton of Stackallan, County Meath. His lordship was advanced to a viscountcy, in 1717, as VISCOUNT BOYNE.
Gustavus Hamilton (1642-1723) 1st Viscount Boyne, c. 1680 unknown artist.
He married Elizabeth, second daughter of SIR HENRY BROOKE, Knight, of Brookeborough, County Fermanagh. They had issue:
FREDERICK (c. 1663-1715), father of GUSTAVUS, 2nd Viscount; Gustavus, father of 3rd and 4th Viscounts; Henry, MP for Donegal, 1725-43; Elizabeth.
Mary Preston youngest daughter of the Hon. Henry Hamilton, MP for Donegal, 1725-43, by Hugh Douglas Hamilton, courtesy of Adam’s auction 20 Sept 2015. Mary Hamilton married in 1764 (as his second wife) the second Nathaniel Preston (1724-1796), Reverend, of Swainstown, Co. Meath. Her father was a younger son of Gustavus Hamilton 1st Viscount Boyne of Stackallan, Co. Meath and her parents were intimate with Mrs Delaney who of them said – “I never saw a couple better suited than Mr Hamilton and his wife, their house like themselves looks cheerful and neat…., they have four children, whose behaviour shows the sense of their parents”. Mary’s brother, Sackville Hamilton became a competent and respected Civil Servant.
The 1st Viscount was succeeded by his grandson, GUSTAVUS, 2nd Viscount (1710-46).
Gustavus Hamilton (1710-46) 2nd Viscount Boyne with a “bauta masque” i.e. the Venetian type supposedly worn by Cassanova, on his ear, by Rosalba Carriera around 1730. He was a founder member of The Society of Dilettanti (founded 1734), a British society of noblemen and scholars that sponsored the study of ancient Greek and Roman art, and the creation of new work in the style.Gustavus Hamilton, 2nd Viscount Boyne, (1710-1746) Engraver Andrew Miller, English, fl.1737-1763 After William Hogarth, English, 1697-1764, courtesy of National Gallery of Ireland.Gustavus Hamilton, 2nd Viscount Boyne, (1710-1746)courtesy of National Trust Castle Ward.
Gustavus 2nd Viscount died unmarried, and the honours devolved upon his cousin, Frederick, 3rd Viscount (1718-72).
James Hamilton (1559/1560 or 1568-1643) 1st Viscount Clandeboye, courtesy of National Trust Castle Ward.
James Hamilton (1559/1560 or 1568-1643) 1st Viscount Clandeboye married Ursula, daughter of Edward Brabazon, 1st Lord Brabazon, Baron of Ardee. They had no children and after her death he married Jane Philipps, who gave birth to their heir James Hamilton (1617/18-1643) 1st Earl of Clanbrassil, County Armagh.
James Hamilton (1617/1618-1659) 1st Earl of Clanbrassil and 2nd Viscount Clandeboye, courtesy of National Trust Castle Ward.
James Hamilton (1617/18-1643) 1st Earl of Clanbrassil married Anne Carey (d. 1688/89), who gave birth to their heir Henry Hamilton (1647-1675), 2nd Earl of Clanbrassil. They had no children and after his death the title became extinct. The name Claneboye was revived in a title in 1800 when his great-great-grandniece Dorcas Blackwood was made 1st Baroness Dufferin and Claneboye.
There were lots of creations of Earls of Clanbrassil! There was James Hamilton (1697-1758) 1st Earl of Clanbrassill, Co. Armagh. He was the son of James Hamilton (d. 1693) and Anne Mordaunt.
James Hamilton (1575-1618) 1st Earl of Abercorn, Co. Linlithgow [Scotland] was Member of the Council of the province of Munster on 20 May 1615. His son Claud Hamilton (d. 1638) was created 2nd Lord Hamilton, Baron of Strabane, County Tyrone. Another son was the heir, James Hamilton, 2nd Earl of Abercorn. The 2nd Earl had a son, George Hamilton who became 3rd Earl of Abercorn but had no children.
Claud Hamilton (d. 1638) 2nd Lord Hamilton, Baron of Strabane, County Tyrone was succeeded by his son James Hamilton (1633-1655) 3rd Lord Hamilton, Baron of Strabane but he died without issue and was succeeded by his brother, George Hamilton (d. 1668) 4th Lord Hamilton, Baron of Strabane.
George’s son Claud Hamilton (1659-1691) succeeded as 5th Lord Hamilton, Baron of Strabane, Co. Tyrone and 4th Earl of Abercorn. He held the office of Lord of the Bedchamber to King James II. He fought in the Battle of the Boyne on 1 July 1690. On 11 May 1691 he was outlawed in Ireland, and his Irish titles were forfeited. He fought in the Battle of Aughrim on 12 July 1691, where he commanded a regiment of horse. [1]
Claud Hamilton (1659–1691) 4th Earl of Abercorn didn’t have offspring and was succeeded by his brother, Charles (d. 1701) who became 5th Earl of Abercorn. His brother John (1713/4-1755) had a son, John James Hamilton, who succeeded as 5th Baronet Hamilton, of Donalong, Co. Tyrone and of Nenagh, Co. Tipperary, 9th Earl of Abercorn, and was later created 1st Marquess of Abercorn.
With his death, the senior line of the Abercorns and the Strabanes failed as he had no surviving offspring. With regard to the Abercorns, the succession reverted to the next of the cadet branches descending from the five sons of the 1st Earl of Abercorn as it already had done in about 1650 when George, the 3rd Earl, died unmarried in Padua. As the 1st Earl’s third son, William, 1st Baronet of Westport, had no children, the succession passed to the descendants of the fourth son, Sir George Hamilton (d. 1679) 1st Baronet, of Donalong, County Tyrone and his wife Mary Butler (d. 1680) daughter of Thomas Butler Viscount Thurles. The 5th Earl was therefore succeeded as Earl of Abercorn by his second cousin, James Hamilton (d. 1734) the grandson of Sir George. James Hamilton would thus become the 6th Earl of Abercorn.
James Hamilton, 6th Earl of Abercorn, also 2nd Baronet Hamilton, of Donalong, Co. Tyrone and of Nenagh, Co. Tipperary and 1st Baron Mountcastle, Co. Tyrone was succeeded by his son, James Hamilton, (1685/6-1743/4) 7th Earl of Abercorn, who was succeeded by his son, James Hamilton (1712-1789) 8th Earl of Abercorn, who died unmarried.
James Hamilton, 8th Earl of Abercorn (1712-1789) Engraver John Dean, British, c.1750-1798 After Thomas Gainsborough, English, 1727-1788, courtesy of National Gallery of Ireland.
The next in line was John James Hamilton (1756-1818) who succeed as 5th Baronet Hamilton, of Donalong, Co. Tyrone and of Nenagh, Co. Tipperary, 9th Earl of Abercorn and was later created 1st Marquess of Abercorn. He was the posthumous son of Captain Hon. John Hamilton and his wife Harriet, and grandson of James Hamilton, 7th Earl of Abercorn
John James Hamilton (1756-1818) 1st Marquess of Abercorn married first Catherine Copley and they had several children including a son James (1786-1814), called Viscount Hamilton. He married Harriet Douglas who gave birth to their heir James Hamilton (1811-1885), who was to become 1st Duke of Abercorn.
Cecil Frances Howard née Hamilton, Countess of Wicklow (1795-1860), Wife of William Howard (1788-1869) 4th Earl of Wicklow; After George Henry Harlow, British, 1787-1819,courtesy of National Gallery of Ireland.She was the daughter of John James Hamilton 1st Marquess and 9th Earl of Abercorn.James Hamilton (1811-1885) 1st Duke of Abercorn, Landowner and politician; Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, possibly by John Watkins 1860s courtesy of National Portrait Gallery NPG Ax21858.
John James Hamilton (1756-1818) 1st Marquess of Abercorn married secondly a cousin, Cecil Hamilton, but they later divorced. He then married Anne Jane Gore, daughter of Arthur Saunders Gore, 2nd Earl of Arran of the Arran Islands.
[1] G.E. Cokayne; with Vicary Gibbs, H.A. Doubleday, Geoffrey H. White, Duncan Warrand and Lord Howard de Walden, editors, The Complete Peerage of England, Scotland, Ireland, Great Britain and the United Kingdom, Extant, Extinct or Dormant, new ed., 13 volumes in 14 (1910-1959; reprint in 6 volumes, Gloucester, U.K.: Alan Sutton Publishing, 2000), volume I, page 4. Hereinafter cited as The Complete Peerage.
I have to split my portraits into one letter per entry as the entries are becoming too long! So here’s a start.
I am sorry not to have a Section 482 property to publish today – I have a few out with owners for review before posting, so hopefully I will have something to post next week. I didn’t post last week, as I have been busy beginning to look for my own country house to buy! Unfortunately it won’t be a big one, just a small place with room to grow my vegetables, hopefully within 1.5 hours of Dublin. Let me know if you have a property you think would suit! I’ll be selling my Dad’s two bedroom townhouse in Donnybrook in Dublin, if you want to do a trade!
I’m excited for the 2024 Revenue Section 482 list to be published. The new list has not been published yet.
I have been going through my previous posts and adding portraits when I can find them for the various home owners. This means I have to split my previous portrait entries as they are too long!
A new year means a new Section 482 list, but unfortunately the list is not usually published until late February. However, some of the properties that were open last January may be open this month, as properties often list similar dates year after year, so you may want to try a visit! I hope we will get to visit somewhere later in the month, maybe Moyglare Glebe, Moyglare, Maynooth, Co. Kildare or Templemills House, Newtown Road, Celbridge, Co. Kildare, W23 YK26, or Meander, Westminister Road, Foxrock, Dublin 18, D18 E2T9 if it is still on the list, or Ballaghmore Castle, Borris in Ossory, Co. Laois, www.castleballaghmore.com
2025 Diary of Irish Historic Houses (section 482 properties)
To purchase an A5 size 2025 Diary of Historic Houses (opening times and days are not listed so the calendar is for use for recording appointments and not as a reference for opening times) send your postal address to jennifer.baggot@gmail.com along with €20 via this payment button. The calendar of 84 pages includes space for writing your appointments as well as photographs of the historic houses. The price includes postage within Ireland. Postage to U.S. is a further €10 for the A5 size calendar, so I would appreciate a donation toward the postage – you can click on the donation link.
€20.00
donation
Help me to pay the entrance fee to one of the houses on this website. This site is created purely out of love for the subject and I receive no payment so any donation is appreciated!
€10.00
Donation towards accommodation
I receive no funding nor aid to create and maintain this website, it is a labour of love. I travel all over Ireland to visit Section 482 properties and sometimes this entails an overnight stay. A donation would help to fund my accommodation.
Irish Historic Houses 
