Revisiting Ireland's Great Houses

Written by Ben Kesp

I recently watched an excellent documentary titled "Tales of Irish Castles" presented by actor Simon Delaney. Not only does the documentary present a detailed and great account on the history and evolution of Irish castles but also presents an insightful account of Ireland's rich, vibrant and lets face it, very complex history from the 12th to the early 20th century. Once the most castellated country in Europe, Ireland is left with thousands of castles and stately homes which symbolise its past and heritage. It got me thinking of a post I wrote a few years back on Ireland's Great Houses and I wanted to share with you. 

Ireland's Great Houses

Originally written in 2013

Russborough House

Emo Court 

In the 18th and 19th century, magnificent country houses grew up around the Irish landscape. Sadly today stands only a small percentage of these wonderful houses are currently in use. Scattered around the country side, lies the ruins of many of these great houses that the once fine walls now echo a forgotten time. The empty shells are slowly being reclaimed by nature and in time will disappear for ever. They represent a past in Irish history that some people do not wish to remember as these houses were once the strong hold of the Anglo Irish - the elite ruling classes.  However in  recent decades the attitude and view on these houses is changing and people are seeking to understand more about the houses and what they symbolise for Ireland today.  They are a part of the culture and heritage and most importantly were built by very talented and skilled Irish craftsmen.  

Castletown House 

Carton House 

Castletown House 

Powers Court  

Lisadell House 

The “Big Houses” were lived in by the Anglo Irish Protestants who many depended on rents from tenant farmers for their income. These houses were very grand, with large walled gardens, woodlands and farmlands.  They were social centres for the aristocracy. In 1870 Ireland saw the introduction of the Land Act that sought to transfer the lands to the tenants. This resulted in loss of income and a gradual decline in the operation of these houses. Many of the houses were targeted and burned down during the war of independence and civil war in the early 1900s.  Many were spared depending on the view and attitude of the local landlord. 

Bantry House 

Today these great houses represent a hidden past in Ireland and many are lying unnoticed in remote areas. Most of the families that once lived in these grand houses left Ireland, however there are still families living in the country today that are descendant from these big houses. Few are fortunate to still hold onto their family homes and titles but the management of such grand houses comes with a heavy financial burden which has resulted in the larger of the houses becoming luxurious hotels or internationally renowned golf clubs. One can ask, is it right that people should have their history forgotten about? Not only did the Anglo Irish families employ many people but they also contributed to communities and towns in the building of schools and other construction works that benefited the local area.

Blarney House 

Adare Manor 

Castle Ward House 

Strokestown Park House 

Personally I feel it is a shame that these houses were allowed to fall into disrepair as they do represent part of the Irish history, culture and heritage.  The Guinness Family and the Irish  Office of Public Works have done great restoration work, however there are still a great number of hidden and lost ruins today slowly being strangled by the power of nature.

Newbridge House 

Carton House

Westport House

Hilton Park House

Borris House 

The Aras 

Read a further post on Ireland's Great House Ruins


The images show a sample of the fine houses that can be seen today in Ireland. Images are not mine and I have no claim on them.