One of the most stunning pieces of Irish history is undoubtedly Castletown House, located in County Kildare, Ireland. The largest and most impressive Palladian-style house in Ireland, it was built for Willaim Conolly, the Speaker of the Irish House of Commons, in 1722. Originally nestled on an expansive 800-acre estate, the land was sold and subdivided in 1965.
Fortunately, the house and 120 acres of the original estate were purchased by a conservation group and underwent a massive preservation project headed by the Irish Georgian Society. Let’s explore this noteworthy landmark’s past and unique architectural details to gain a deeper appreciation of its place in Irish history.
The History of Castletown House
After William Connolly died in 1729, Katherine, his widow, continued living on the property, throwing lavish parties, until her own death in 1752. The house was passed down through the family, changing hands many times. Of its many residents, two Donegal MPs resided within the palatial walls, Edward Michael Pakenham and his son Tom Conolly.
While some of the original land was built upon, many of the new buildings mirrored the original estate’s features, bringing a sense of symmetry and cohesion. In 1967, the house was acquired by the Castletown Foundation, but after financial difficulties, it was transferred to the Office of Public Works, which currently owns and upkeeps the property.
The Interior
It comes as no surprise that Castletown House is as breathtaking inside as it is out. As you climb the stone staircase to the front entry, you make your way into a breathtaking entrance hall adorned with stucco and portraits of the many families whose lives were spent within the solid walls. Looking to the left, you will see a modest dining room, while the right features the massive cantilevered staircase hewn from Portland stone.
As you make your way through the dining room, you enter the Green Drawing Room, known as the Saloon. This room was used to receive guests before moving deeper inside the house to the Red Drawing Room. Walking further, you will find yourself in the Print Room, decorated with various images, a fashionable design style from the 1760s. The Print Room is special as it is the only surviving model of its type in Ireland from the time period.
Another room of note is the State Bedroom, which, while never used for royalty, did host multiple viceroys from Dublin. A favorite room amongst visitors is the Long Gallery, an 80-foot-long room with Pompeian decor. When visiting Castletown House, you be sure to look for many stunning historical artifacts located throughout the property, like the intricate mirror details in Lady Louisa’s bedroom, a portrait of Thomas Conolly in the Pastel Room, fabric a tapestry known as the “volunteer fabric” depicted the Leinster Volunteers from Phoenix Park in 1782, located in the Brown Study.
Conclusion
Castletown House is an important piece of Irish history, capturing hearts and minds and showcasing a beautiful piece of the past. Be sure to visit and take a step back in time on your next trip to County Kildare, Ireland!
Secure Your Dream Irish Experience Before It’s Gone!
Planning a trip to Ireland? Don’t let sold-out tours or packed attractions spoil your journey. Iconic experiences like visiting the Cliffs of Moher, exploring the Rock of Cashel, or enjoying a guided walk through Ireland’s ancient past often sell out quickly—especially during peak travel seasons.
Booking in advance guarantees your place and ensures you can fully immerse yourself in the rich culture and breathtaking scenery without stress or disappointment. You’ll also free up time to explore Ireland’s hidden gems and savour those authentic moments that make your trip truly special.
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