Who lives in Huntington castle?
The direct descendants of the Esmonde family, Alexander Durdin Robertson, his wife, Clare, and their three young sons, Herbert, Esmonde and Freddie live in Huntington Castle. Huntington Castle was constructed by Sir Laurence Esmonde in rhe in village of Clonegal in Co Carlow in 1625
Sir Laurence Esmonde did duty as soldier under Queen Elizabeth I, he fought under King James I as a major-general in Ireland, ultimately becoming governor of Duncannon Fort in Wexford and as a reward for his loyal service, he was given a peerage in Clonegal, becoming Lord Esmonde and the patriarch of the family.
Sir Laurence married Ailish O’Flaherty (granddaughter of the Pirate Queen of Connacht, Grace O’Malley). The castle remained mainly a garrison during this period with the task to protect the Dublin-Wexford trade route along the River Derry.
In 1680 the former garrison was formally named Huntington and began its life as the family home of the Esmonde family. It was Lord Esmonde’s grandson, Sir Laurence II who laid out the formal gardens and the Lime trees lining the avenue when entering the estate was planted in 1687 by Sir Laurence II.
The structure was originally a “plantation castle”, used for defensive purposes during the plantation of the area in the early 17th century. The original tower house, which served as a garrison, was built in the 15th century as a stronghold for the Caviness family, an old Irish clan. Later Baron Esmonde. Due to the strategic importance of the village of Clonegal during the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland because of its location on the road between Dublin and Wexford, the castle was captured by Oliver Cromwell as he marched on Kilkenny in 1650.
In the 1700’s, Sir Laurence IV added a wing to the house and also added the
Huntington remained relatively untouched until the 1700s, when Sir Laurence IV added ornate ceilings in 1720. When Helen Durdin married Herbert Robertosn during the 1860’s the family name changed to the current family name, Durdin Robertson.
Around the 1860s the castle was once again altered by Alexander Durdin. His only child, a daughter called Helen, became heiress to the castle and the family name changed once again upon her marriage to Herbert Robertson; and so begins the current family name, Durdin Robertson.
More About Clonegal
Clonegal, officially Clonegall, is a village located in the southeastern part of County Carlow, Ireland. In 2014 and 2015, Clonegal received the accolade of Ireland’s tidiest village by receiving Tidy Towns Awards and is well worth a visit for its stunning planting and colourful flower displays.
The area around Clonegal has been called the “Switzerland of Ireland” for its outstanding natural beauty. With a backdrop of tree clad hills and abundant wild and bird life centred on its picturesque river; Clonegal is a delight to explore. The village is set in a valley between the Blackstairs and Wicklow Mountains, straddling the meeting place of the rivers Slaney and Derry, where the three counties of Carlow, Wicklow and Wexford meet.
Clonegal is winking for a visit.
Ready for a trip to Ireland? Start here..
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!