Clik here to view.
Earning its Upkeep
The complex history of Montalto, County Down was discussed here two months ago (see https://theirishaesthete.com/2019/11/25/montalto). The building’s various alterations, additions and eliminations...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Love is In and Out of Time
Another month, another loss: this time of the extraordinary Lindy Dufferin, for over half a century chatelaine of Clandeboye, County Down where she will be buried today. Born in 1941, Lindy seemed...
View ArticleClik here to view.
A Welcome End
Montalto, County Down Even before the year draws to a welcome close, all language used to describe 2020 has become hopelessly cliched, so let us merely say that its passing will not be much mourned....
View ArticleClik here to view.
Highly Idiosyncratic
‘We are situated on the southern shore of the narrow peninsula of the Ards… The House faces almost due south and is but a stone’s throw away from the salt water Lough Strangford…The eastern shore of...
View ArticleClik here to view.
In Circles
In the gardens at Castlewellan, County Down: a large stone circular pool with fountain at its centre. The grounds here were laid out during the second half of the 19th century by the fourth Earl...
View ArticleClik here to view.
A Bit of a Sham
The sham fort at Tyrella, County Down. This charming little folly stands on a rise above the main house and with views across the surrounding countryside and seascape. It is believed to date from the...
View ArticleClik here to view.
A Considerable Place of Strength
‘This family is originally of Norman extraction and was anciently called De La Montagne. In the reign of King Edward III, its members were styled Hill, alias De La Montagne; but in succeeding ages,...
View ArticleClik here to view.
On the Game
Buried in woodland to the north of the main house, this is an early 19th century gothick lodge at Mount Stewart, County Down. Known as the ‘Gamekeeper’s House’, the building is thought to have been...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Son’s Love Built Me
Helen’s Tower, here I stand, Dominant over sea and land. Son’s love built me, and I hold Mother’s love in letter’d gold. Love is in and out of time, I am mortal stone and lime. Would my granite girth...
View ArticleClik here to view.
A Rare Insight
Lisburn, County Antrim was originally called Lisnagarvy (from the Irish Lios na gCearrbhach, meaning Ringfort of the Gamesters) and until the early 17th century was under the control of the O’Neill...
View Article
