A Future for Irish Historic Houses - Irish Heritage Trust

laboratories, classrooms and offices for soil research with little regard for
the historic integrity of the house. The main bedroom, for example, has
become an office. Toilets and shower facilities were installed. The original
main staircase was taken out to create a large dining hall for staff and
students. An original tower house of pre-Cromwellian origin was
demolished by the Board of Works in the 1940s. The billiard room was
divided into offices.
- There are very few contents original to the house – possibly no more than
twenty pieces or so.
- A conditions survey was carried out over five years ago at a cost of
£250,000. Amongst its proposals were:
o The restoration of the roof as the main priority. In the past minor
leaks were not attended to with the result that they have caused
magnified damage including damage to interior plasterwork.
o The electrical wiring needs to be overhauled.
o The drainage system needs to be completely overhauled.
It is estimated that the restoration project will cost around €5 million. The castle and
garden are at present in a bureaucratic limbo. A decision in principle has been taken
that they will have to be handed back to the Board of Works for restoration and
subsequent management.
As a combined attraction the castle, ornamental grounds and agricultural museum
offer large potential as a flag ship tourism and educational facility for the south-east
region.
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