HISTORIC ESTATE
The Lissadell Estate is the home of husband + wife Edward Walsh, Constance Cassidy and our seven children. We welcome visitors, during the season, to the house and grounds. Lissadell is our home, and we ask our visitors to respect that.
Writing about Lissadell for the Sunday Times forty-four years ago the BBC’s Anne Robinson (‘The Weakest Link‘) observed that “the garden is overgrown, the greenhouses are shattered and empty, the stables beyond repair, the roof of the main block leaks badly and the paintings show patches of mildew“. Click here for the text of Anne Robinson’s article.
After 70 years of neglect an intensive programme of restoration – without any public funding – has taken place in the House, Gardens, Stable Block and grounds since 2004 and Lissadell is once again a place of beauty.
No grants of any kind were made in respect of any part of the restoration, either for the house, the gardens or any part of the grounds. Every penny spent was earned by us.
OUR VISION is to transform the estate into a flagship for tourism in Sligo and the North West, whilst providing a secure environment for our children and for our visitors. We do not wish to exploit Lissadell commercially but to restore the house and gardens to their former glory, make Lissadell self-sustaining and protect this crucible of Ireland’s historic and literary heritage.
Edward Walsh, Constance Cassidy and family
Lissadell is famous as the childhood home of Constance Markievicz, her sister Eva Gore-Booth and her brother Josslyn Gore-Booth. Constance was one of the leaders of the 1916 Rising, and was the first woman to be elected to Dáil Eireann, where she served as Minister for Labour (thus becoming the first woman minister in a modern Western European democracy), and was also the first woman to be elected to the House of Commons at Westminster, London (where she declined to take her seat). Eva was a poet of distinction and an active suffragist, clashing with the young Winston Churchill over barmaids’ rights in 1908. Josslyn created at Lissadell one of the premier horticultural estates in Europe. This horticultural enterprise has now been recreated at Lissadell. The great poet W. B. Yeats was friendly with the Gore Booth sisters and stayed at Lissadell in 1892 and 1893. He immortalised Lissadell and the Gore Booth sisters in his poetry:
 |
The light of evening, Lissadell Many a time I think to seek W. B. Yeats |
More information – https://lissadellhouse.com/
More Places in Sligo: – https://lovetovisitireland.com/?s=sligo&post_type=place
Explore Sligo
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.
Make the most of your journey—start planning today and secure those must-do experiences before they’re gone!