Castletown House
Experience a private guided tour and go “behind the rope” to view the Irish portrait collection of miniatures, on loan from the Irish Georgian Society, in the Lady Kildare Room.
Private Guided Tour
Introduction
Castletown House is Ireland’s first and finest Palladian style mansion. Built in the 1720s for William Conolly, Speaker of the Irish House of Commons, Castletown House was constructed to exemplify its owners’ influence and immense wealth. In the second half of the eighteenth century, William’s grand – nephew Tom and his wife, Lady Louisa, created the grand interiors that visitors can still enjoy today. Remaining in the Conolly family until its sale in 1965, the estate was ultimately acquired by the state in 1994.
Luxury Experience
Private Viewing of an Irish Portrait Collection of Miniatures
A “behind the rope”, private viewing of an Irish Portrait Collection of Miniatures, on loan from the Irish Georgian Society, in the Lady Kildare Room. The miniature and
silhouette were personal items, often given as a gift and, in an age before photography, were often used as a visual memorial of a loved one which could be carried on the person as jewellery.
Your personal expert guide will lead your group on a journey of discovery through Irish history from the turbulent seventeenth century, through the opulence of
enlightenment Ireland in the eighteenth century and to the eventual decline of the Big House. Insights into the estate’s history, owners (the Conolly family), architectural and decorative art gems.
Inclusions:
- Exclusive access for private viewing of an Irish Portrait Collection of Miniatures – 30 minutes.
- Introduction to Castletown House and history of the Conolly family – 10 minutes
- Full guided, private tour and access to all museum rooms – 50 minutes
- Drop off and collection to Main House.
| Group size: | Min. 1 – Max. 4 |
| Duration: | 30 to 90 minutes |
| Mobility: | No universal access. There is Universal Access to the Ground Floor only. |
| Pricing: | 1 person €200, 1-4 €150 per person. Suitable for children from 7 years, €50 per child. |
Booking
| Booking Conditions: | Bookings must be confirmed by email 2 weeks in advance. |
| Payment: | Payment must be made directly to OPW on the day or by invoice for those who are part of the OPW Tour Operators Voucher Scheme. |
| Availability: | Last Friday of the month, March to October. |
| Languages: | English only. |
| Facilities on site: | Exhibitions, toilets, universal access toilet, coach park, car park, parklands, gift shop. |
| Access & Parking: | Castletown is a 25 minute drive from Dublin City at Exit 6 on the M4. |
| Nearby: | The Irish National Stud, Maynooth Castle, Kildare Village Retail Outlet, Farmleigh House, Leixlip Castle. |
Gallery
Children running through the flower meadow at Castletown House 
View of Castletown from the meadow and the lake 
Detail of ornate plasterwork at Castletown House Figure 5: A glimpse of the Red Drawing Room after conservation of the silk wall hangings, showing the fabulous picture hang and the new curtains and upholstery made of silk reproduced to match the original (photo by David Davison)
