This beautiful property’s history dates back to 866 AD, the Tuatha Da Danaans.  Evidence of old churches, cells and monasteries are prolific in the area.  A number of the tiny islands on the private lake contain the remnants of stone alters.  In 1797, the world-famous architect, John Nash, designed the Gothic Style castle that now overlooks the Estate's 1000-acre lake. Great attention was paid to the planting of trees, the location of the deer park, the creation of new avenues and large gardens.  A large extension was added to the castle, including a clock tower and servants' quarters.  The building was finally completed in 1858.

Home to the Viscounts Gort, the entertainment was legendary; regular visitors included author WB Yeats and Lady Gregory from nearby Coole Park.  The estate changed hands several times until the 1960's when it was purchased by the present owner's family.  In recent years there have been renovations to the structure and the decor.  The redecoration is on-going so some of the photos (which we took in early 2004) may be a bit different from the way the rooms look now.

Enter an octagon-shaped vestibule that opens into the Great Hall.  This large reception room has a wood floor, tall ceiling, a fireplace, art and antiques.  It  is the perfect room for dancing as there is a piano in a little alcove near the spiral stairway.

The very nice, newly-done kitchen is to the right of the Great Hall.  It is large, sunny and bright.  There are marble floors, cream woodwork, cream colored walls, a large table for 8 - 10.  All the appliances are large capacity and all are top of the line.
 

The drawing room is on the other side of the Great Hall.  It’s octagon shaped, done primarily in blues, golds and greens.  The furniture is old and very comfortable.  There is a large fireplace, Oriental rugs over wood floors, books, plants, art, personal items.  Views are of the lake.

Next to the drawing room an enormous entertaining room is perfect for before meal drinks or a reception.  It has an Oriental rug and the large fireplace is flanked by two sofas.  Two doors open onto a wide terrace that overlooks the lake.  It’s quite dramatic.

The large blue dining room is next to the entertaining room.  A long table seats 14 and an additional table can be added so that 20 can dine comfortably.  This is a very Irish room with serving tables, other antiques, art on the walls.

There are two guest loos on this level, sort of a Gents and Ladies situation. 

Upstairs, there is a large “breakfast kitchen”.  This room is less flashy than the new kitchen downstairs, but it’s comfortable and nice.  The dining area can seat 14, but buffet meals are very easy if your group is more than 14.

On the two upper levels, the rooms are:

Rollo's room is octagon shaped and has twin beds.  His private bathroom has a tub.  We don't have a photo of that now, but we hope to return soon and we'll take a picture for you.

A single bedroom with an antique bed and en suite bathroom with an old tub and hand-held shower.

The large Bridal Suite has a standard double canopy bed,  a decorative fireplace, antiques, paintings, personal objets d'arte.  The windows open onto wide views of the lake.  The en suite bathroom has a shower stall and a tub with a hand-held shower.

There is a little hallway library-study that is very charming: leather furniture, a huge antique globe, walls of books, a desk.

An informal “morning room” has coral sofas, a TV, VCR, fireplace, fabulous views from the tall windows.

You must climb a spiral stairway in a turret to reach these rooms:

The green bedroom has a double bed.  It is a very pretty room with a decorative fireplace.   Its private bathroom has a bathtub.  This bedroom was being redecorated when we visited.

The Round Room, with a double bed, is done in golden-beige.  The private bathroom, with an Egyptian theme, is across the hall.  It has tub and a shower cubicle.

There is a red bedroom with twin beds and slatted headboards, white cupboards, a decorative fireplace with a white-painted mantle interesting appointments.

Dom’s Room has terra cotta walls and king bed that can convert to twin beds.  We don't have a photo of this - it has recently been redecorated.  This bedroom shares a green bathroom with the red room.

Up another spiral staircase is the turret which has one more bedroom, painted yellow. It has a double bed, antiques,  nice appointments.  There is a bathtub in the bedroom.  From this bedroom, you climb 10 stairs up a spiral stairway to a VERY private loo that has a proper throne and windows offering spectacular views!