01 Aug Castletown, County Kildare
This gem in County Kildare is recognised as the finest Palladian house in Ireland.
Well worth visiting on any tours of Ireland, as it is only 13 miles from Dublin.
It was built in 1722 for William Conolly.
The architect was the Italian “Allessandro Galilei”
There are two styles of interior decoration.
The noble Italianate proportions of the entrance hall, and the tall narrow oak doors are one example.
Then there are the baroque touches incorporating family portraits into the plaster decoration.
Also note the ceiling of the Long Gallery, which is magnificently painted.
Nowadays there are many events and concerts at Castletown, and the estate is divided between state and private ownership.
Contact Ireland and Scotland Luxury Tours to make a visit to Castletown very special.