Lismore, County Waterford

Lismore was always the Bachelor Duke's favourite residence, but as he grew older his love for the place developed into a passion. In 1850 he engaged his architect Sir Joseph Paxton, the designer of the Crystal Palace, to carry out improvements and additions to the castle on a magnificent scale - so much so, indeed, that the present skyline is largely Paxton's work. At this time J. G. Crace of London, the leading makers of Gothic Revival furniture, were commissioned to trans form the ruined chapel of the old Bishop's Palace into a medieval-style banqueting hall.

The great architect A. C. Pugin was commissioned to design the room which he left looking rather appropriately like a church, with a huge perpendicular stained-glass window, choir-stalls and Gothic stenciling on the walls and roof timbers. The chimney-piece, which was exhibited at the Medieval Court of the Great Exhibition of 1851, was also designed by Pugin (and Myers), but was originally intended for Horstead Place in Sussex, it was rejected because it was too elaborate and subsequently bought for Lismore - the Barchard family emblems later replaced with the present inscription Cead Mille Failte: a thousand welcomes. Pugin also designed other chimney-pieces and furnishings in the castle and after his death in 1851 Crace continued to supply furnishings in the Puginesque manner.

After the Bachelor Duke's death in 1858 the castle was left more or less as he had redesigned it and has fortunately continued to be loved by his successors who still come here for part of the year.

Located in the town of Lismore. NGR: X 043987.
Open by prearrangement to self-guided groups.
Lismore Castle is also let out to parties of 4 to 12; for details contact resident agent Mr P. G. Burton.
Gardens open daily, May to September. Admission charged to gardens.

From the Appletree Press title: Irish Country Houses.