Historic but lived in Big House - Wonderful
I rec
...ently visited the beautiful Curraghmore House and Gardens and was not disappointed. From the moment we entered the gate into the demesne, the wonderful place came alive. The architecture of the house and stable yard is extraordinary. The rear of the house, as we discovered, houses a 12th-century tower house. The remainder of the house is mostly eighteenth-century.
We arrived just before a scheduled tour and as we had just ordered coffee and dessert in the tearooms, we asked a lovely member of staff to hold our cakes until after the tour. She politely obliged. We joined the tour, led by the articulate and well-informed Evelyn who pitched the tour at the perfect level of information. Sometimes, tours of historic houses can leave one weary after ten minutes. The house is magnificent and full of the family's possessions, collected over many generations. The art collection is extraordinary. As the family continues to live in the house, it does not feel like a museum, which is a lovely touch, and recent family photographs adorn the tables.
Following the tour of the house, we were shown to the incredible Shell House which dates to the early years of the eighteenth century and is lined entirely in shells. It is a must-see.
The gardens are wonderful and in perfect condition. Look out for the sculpture of a stag's head - inspired by the family's motto and emblem.
We enjoyed our trip to Curraghmore and will return. It was very good value, and the cake was worth the wait - the best carrot cake in Ireland! An altogether welcoming Big House experience.