Castletown House Aug. 2017


OurTrip to Castletown House, August 2017



Our final day trip of Summer 2017 took us to Castletown House near Maynooth in Co.Kildare.

On arrival, two very pleasant tour guides took us room by room through this magnificent mansion built in 1720 for William Connolly, speaker of the Irish House of Commons. It became famous for its architectural excellence, fine style and lavish entertainment.

We stared in awe at the exquisite Murano glass chandeliers and collection of classical busts and statues, paintings, silk wall hangings and colourful wall paper. Much of the opulent interior decoration took place under the guidance of Lady Louisa, young wife of the second heir of Castletown, Thomas Connolly from 1760 – 1770.

In 1967 the Hon. Desmond Guinness bought the House and part of the estate and opened the mansion to the public. The O.P.W took over the property on behalf of the State in 1994

Leaving all this grandeur behind, we continued on our journey, stopping off for some retail therapy in Liffey Valley. Our day finished with a lovely meal in”Lukers” in Shannonbridge before we headed home to our humble abodes.

As we come to the end of our Summer outings, it is a good time to look back and reflect of the many trips and places we have visited since we started off in 2002. We have visited no less than 50 places on Day Trips, 8 City Breaks, Nineteen 4 day breaks in Ireland, 19 trips abroad,including 5 cruises. How lucky we are to have travelled so far and done so much during our golden years.

Once again thanks to the organisers.

Chris O’Flynn (P.R.O)

August 2017