Castletown House
Leinster
Castletown House, located in Celbridge, County Kildare, Ireland, is a magnificent Palladian country house constructed in 1722 for William Conolly, the Speaker of the Irish House of Commons. It stands as Ireland's earliest and finest example of Palladian architecture, set originally on an 800-acre estate. The house features a grand piano nobile with lavish reception rooms typical of the 1720s, including an imposing Portland stone cantilevered staircase. Notable interiors include the Green Drawing Room (Saloon), the Red Drawing Room, the unique Print Room decorated with 1760s cut-out images, the State Bedroom with Venetian chairs, and the 80-foot Long Gallery adorned in Pompeian style. The estate's grounds are historically significant, featuring intricate drainage and walking paths designed by Lady Louisa Conolly in the 18th century. After changing hands several times and facing potential neglect, the house was preserved by the Irish Georgian Society and is now under state care. Visitors can explore the house and its parklands, which remain a testament to Ireland's Georgian heritage and architectural grandeur.
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Astuce: Visit Castletown House in spring or early summer for the best experience of its gardens and parklands. Guided tours start from March 15, 2026, and are recommended for a comprehensive understanding of the house's history and architecture. Book group or school visits in advance via email. Note that drones are prohibited without prior permission. The West Courtyard’s Silver Haven Coffee offers refreshments, but the main Courtyard café is currently closed. Early arrival is advised to enjoy the peaceful estate before crowds.
Faits intéressants
- •Castletown House is Ireland's earliest and finest Palladian house, built in 1722.
- •The Long Gallery is an 80-foot room decorated in Pompeian style in the 1770s.
- •The Print Room is thought to be the only surviving room of its kind in Ireland from the 1760s.
- •The estate originally covered 800 acres but was subdivided after 1965.
- •The house features a cantilevered staircase made of Portland stone, a notable architectural feature.
Histoire
Castletown House was built in 1722 for William Conolly, a prominent Irish politician.
After his death in 1729, his widow Katherine maintained the estate until 1752.
The house then passed through the Conolly family, with significant interior and landscape enhancements by Lady Louisa Conolly in the 1760s-1770s, including designs by William Chambers.
The estate remained with the Conolly family and their descendants until 1965 when it was sold.
To prevent deterioration, the Irish Georgian Society purchased it in 1967, leading to its preservation and eventual transfer to state ownership.
The estate has since undergone restoration and remains a cultural landmark.
Guide du lieu
Entrance Hall1720s
The grand entrance hall features stucco gilding and family portraits, accessed by an external staircase leading to the piano nobile.
Portland Stone Staircase1720s
A huge cantilevered staircase made of Portland stone, an architectural marvel of its time, located to the right of the entrance hall.
Green Drawing Room (Saloon)1720s
The family’s initial receiving room for guests, richly decorated and positioned on the left side of the house’s main floor.
Red Drawing Room1720s
A grand room for entertaining guests, located beyond the Green Drawing Room on the left side of the house.
Print Room1760s
Decorated with cut-outs of favorite images following the 1760s fashion, it is believed to be the only surviving example of this type of room in Ireland.
State Bedroom1760s
Used historically by viceroys in Dublin, featuring Venetian chairs and elegant furnishings.
Long Gallery1770s
An 80-foot long gallery decorated in the Pompeian manner with blue, red, and gold hues, redesigned by O'Reilly in the 1770s.
Parklands and Woodland Paths1760s-1770s
Extensive grounds featuring an ingenious drainage system and ha-ha fence designed by Lady Louisa Conolly to create dry walking paths below the water table.
Contact
Téléphone: (01) 628 8252
