Ballykilcavan
- Klassifizierung
- Herrenhaus
- Land
- Irland
- Region
- County Laois
- Adresse
- Ballykilcavan, Stradbally
- Epoche / Stil
- Late 17th-century, with mid-18th-century Georgian modifications
Ballykilcavan is a house of circa 1680 near Stradbally in County Laois, set in heavily wooded parkland. The estate was acquired in 1639 by Oliver Walsh, with the house probably begun by his son. The building features full-height flanking towers at the corners of the entrance front, a characteristic of semi-fortified 17th-century houses, and comprises a ground floor, upper floor and attic storey with dormer windows. In the mid-18th century the house received a more Georgian character, with a pediment-gable, a fine cut-stone door case and sash windows. Notable plasterwork from the 1730s adorns the hall ceiling, while exceptional work graces the staircase and landing, originally a gallery extending front to back. A U-shaped stable block of the 18th century remains on the property. General Hunt Walsh commanded the 28th of Foot at the siege of Quebec and served as MP for Maryborough. His brother Raphael, Dean of Dromore, undertook ambitious remodelling, including a new rear facade with classical elements and south-facing rooms, though work was disrupted by the 1798 Rebellion. The second Sir Hunt, Rector of Stradbally, was a keen gardener who constructed a tunnel to his walled garden across the Stradbally-Athy road. William Robinson, a promising local man, later became a renowned Victorian garden designer. The 19th century saw the original layout and avenues rearranged when a new road was built. Much of the estate land comprises native woodland with specimen oak trees, Spanish chestnuts and a record Irish black walnut. The property remains occupied by descendants of its original owners, now thirteen generations on. Available as a film location, with walking tours and guided brewery tours offered.
© ihh.ie member listing