INO Mezzo Masterpieces Sharon Carty Programme Book

OFFICE OF PUBLIC WORKS
OPW is responsible for Ireland’s most important heritage
sites, including iconic sites ranging from the Rock of Cashel
in Tipperary to Skellig Michael, off the coast of Kerry and
Castletown House in Kildare to Kilkenny Castle and many
more historic sites around the country.
The key role of OPW Heritage Services is to manage and
maintain the most important of Ireland’s historic buildings,
landscapes and collections. We take particular care of the
780 heritage sites in our charge and at the 70 sites with visitor
services, we work hard to present them to their best potential,
making sure that we give visitors from Ireland and abroad the
best experience we possible can.
OPW’s team of dedicated experts look afters buildings,
landscapes and collections for millions of visitors to enjoy
virtually and in person each year. While our aim is to conserve
the buildings and landscapes in our care for generations to
come, it is also to promote the evolution of these living spaces
through cultural events such as the Mezzo Masterpieces
concerts with Irish National Opera.
KILKENNY CASTLE
Built in the twelfth century, Kilkenny Castle was the principal
seat of the Butlers, earls, marquesses and dukes of Ormond
for almost 600 years. Under the powerful Butler family,
Kilkenny grew into a thriving and vibrant city. Its lively
atmosphere can still be felt today. The castle, set in extensive
parkland, was remodelled in Victorian times. It was formally
taken over by the Irish State in 1969 and since then has
Photo: Kilkenny Castle, (top).
Photo: Castletown House, (below).
undergone ambitious restoration works. It now welcomes
thousands of visitors a year. The central block includes a
library, drawing room, nursery and bedrooms decorated in
1830s splendour. The magnificent Picture Gallery is situated
in the east wing of Kilkenny Castle.This stunning space dates
from the 19th century and was built primarily to house the
Butler Family’s fine collection of paintings.
CASTLETOWN HOUSE
Castletown is set amongst beautiful 18th-century parklands
on the banks of the Liffey in Celbridge, Co. Kildare. The house
was built around 1722 for the speaker of the Irish House of
Commons, William Conolly, to designs by several renowned
architects. It was intended to reflect Conolly’s power and to
serve as a venue for political entertaining on a grand scale.
At the time Castletown was built, commentators expected it
to be “the epitome of the Kingdom, and all the rarities she
can afford”. The estate flourished under William Conolly’s
great-nephew Thomas and his wife, Lady Louisa, who devoted
much of her life to improving her home. Today, Castletown
16
17