Constructed from beautifully cut limestone blocks in the mid 19th century, the original House has thrice been destroyed by fire, most recently in 1964. The currently inhabited part of the house has been elegantly restored from the remains of the orangery heating rooms.
Surrounded by 200 acres of rolling parkland below the historic Loughcrew Hills - home to the megalithic tombs of 6,000-years dead chieftains - the estate is still just an hour from Dublin City.
With most of the original house completely destroyed by fire more than 50 years ago, the current main entrance is through one of two lofty palm houses that bookend this arduous restoration.
The rough brick portico with its glazed canopy, leads straight into a surprise flurry of classical white stucco and rose walls.
The central spine of the house stretches from here for 18 metres, starting with a cerulean blue study complete with cosy wood-burning stove, shelves of books, and as a nod to the contemporary, a TV.
A dramatic living room follows on, with ample space for an eclectic mix of baby grand piano and country-house wood-burning stove, before concluding with a splendid 16 seater dining table.
Deep reveals separate the rooms, partition off by double doors. Hand-painted columns and friezes with classical motifs or quasi mythological scenes. Gilded details abound, the overall effect is sumptuous.
The dinner service and glassware are ingeniously stored in a pair of hollow columns, designed for the purpose.
A set of French doors open onto the extensive sun-drenched barbecue terrace that is a frequent favourite for al fresco dining.
A final set of doors reveal the generous kitchen – well-appointed for the catering challenges of a couple of dozen guests.
The second flag-floored and fan-lit palm house portico is close enough to the kitchen to double as a summertime dining room – its wrought-iron Romeo-and-Juliet balcony is a recent addition.
Most of the accommodation is to be found at the west end of the house beyond the kitchen, with seven bedrooms and three bathrooms variously staggered across three levels, each with ample windows and an individual charms of their own.
At the far end of the house a quirky twin bedroom with bamboo-posted beds, opens off the entrance lobby. It is served by an L shaped shower room, whimsically concealed in the thick walls.
An unexpected stairway leads up from the entrance hall to the master suite, which boasts an opulent bedroom, complete with gilt framed cherubs; an ensuite bathroom, and an intimate dressing room, with Palladian style oculus window.
North facing windows of the house overlook an expansive cobbled courtyard, based on a Parisian design with cantilevered awnings, and enclosed by large reception rooms, including a 140 seater banqueting hall, ideal for wedding ceremonies and events.
A separate, well serviced self-catering apartment, occupying one side of the courtyard is also available on request.
Accommodation includes an open plan ground floor, with two double bedrooms – one ensuite – above. An open gallery makes it unsuitable for young children.
All that remains of the original Loughcrew House is its tall Ionic portico entrance, subsequently reassembled as a sort of mini-Acropolis overshadowing the private tennis court.
Part of the estate, is open to the public, with an excellent café, many beautiful walks including an impressive avenue of yew trees on the main avenue, and a forest walk to Lough Creebh. The lake features the remains of an original Crannog and a host of excellent wildlife for the ornithologist.
Just an hour from Dublin City and 2 hours from Belfast, this is the heartland of Irelands Ancient East with Castles, Tombs Megaliths and Battlefields there is much to keep you busy.
Here are a few of our favourites…
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Meath and the Boyne Valley are home to the mother lode of megalithic tombs and prehistoric art in Western Europe. The Neolithic monuments at Newgrange predate the great pyramids of Egypt and continue to bewilder the hundreds of thousands of visitors they attract – especially at the equinoxes.
photo Rob Hurson
Much nearer to the house, Loughcrew Cairns are equally intriguing. Originally constructed some 400 years before Newgrange, they form largest complex of passage graves in Ireland. Sited on the highest points in the county, they can only be reached by foot.
Click here for more information on Ireland’s Ancient East
There is a Loughcrew Equinox Festival each March 19th to 21st and September 19th to 21st organised by Oldcastle Tourism Group.
A ruined church on the estate is dedicated to Saint Oliver Plunkett (canonised in 1975) who was born here in 1625, and lived in his family home for 22 years. Plunkett, a Jesuit educator, was hanged, drawn and quartered in London on 1 July 1681, "for promoting the Roman faith". Mass is celebrated in the church annually on that date.
One of the best ways to enjoy the landscape is on a bike, but this is fox hunting territory, so keep your head down.
Lough Lene 10 mins away is renowned for having gin clear waters, and is used by locals in the summer months for swimming, wind surfing and the like.
The nearest town is Oldcastle - a 5 minute drive away. Here you will find a Bank, pubs and grocery stores. The town was home to an internment camp during WW1, and a workhouse for the destitute prior to that. The local community was devastated during the Potato Famine of the 1840’s, losing nearly 40% of the population.
The larger town of Kells, with its wonderful round tower and hefty Celtic crosses, is about 20 mins away. Kells is renowned of course for the extravagantly illuminated Gospel manuscript eponymously known as The Book of Kells. It is believed to have been created around 800 AD on Iona, an island off Scotland, by meticulous monks who toiled for years to create the illustrations on vellum. The original is currently housed in Trinity College, Dublin, but an exact copy can be seen in the Town Hall.
photo William Murphy
The medieval town of Trim lies 40 minutes to the south, and is home to Ireland’s largest Norman castle dating from the 12th century. The castle was used in the filming of Braveheart in 1996.
photo Scott Neeson
By Air: Flights to Dublin, Belfast or Shannon airports.
Dublin Airport – just over an hour from the cottage
Belfast Airport - approx 2 hours from house.
Shannon Airport - approx 2 and half hours from house.
By Sea: Ferry crossings
Dublin City Port/Holyhead has a fast crossing and is just over an hour from the Estate
Rosslare Harbour for Ferries to South Wales is approx 3 hours from the Estate.
Gallery of photographs
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