A Future for Irish Historic Houses - Irish Heritage Trust

- On the first and second floors, rooms that were previously used as
bedrooms are now used as classrooms. Toilets have been installed on both
floors.
- Some rooms have been subdivided to provide bedrooms and bathrooms for
staff members.
- Outside, metal fire escape stairs were erected on the east and west facades
and a bathroom block was added to the west wing.
Some restoration work has been carried out on the house in the recent past. Around
€170,000, for example, has been spent on the roof. Much more needs to be done:
- The rainwater disposal system requires urgent attention. All the downpipes
need to be replaced.
- The pointing between the frame and masonry of windows needs repair in
order to prevent water ingress.
- On the inside of the house, there is evidence of damp penetration that is
causing a deterioration of internal finishes, particularly at the east end of
the magnificent eating parlour. Because the wall decoration in this room is
of such architectural importance, it is essential that the spreading damp be
eradicated.
- Dry rot has recently manifested itself on the ground floor passage.
- As in many country houses, the electrical installation is quite old and
needs to be replaced as a matter of urgency.
The plans are for the house to continue as a school into the future. A great deal of
financial assistance is necessary from outside if the historic fabric of the house is to
survive. As a charitable trust, the school has limited funds available to it. Because of
its limited public access, it may not be able to secure funding such as county council
grants. A fund-raising campaign has now been launched to raise €2.3 million to
renovate the Adam rooms, restore the gardens and generally refurbish the school.
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