Mallow Castle, Co. Cork

Mallow Castle, Co. Cork

Mallow Castle, now in the possession of Cork County Council, dates back to 1185 when John, King of England, ordered the construction of the first castle. The works completed to date include the addition of a new state of the art playground on the grounds of the Castle, restoration of the walled garden and installation of a new pedestrian bridge and pathways in the lower park. The historic Spa House has been renovated and is being used as a Tourist Office.

Rathfarnham Castle, Dublin

Rathfarnham Castle, Dublin

Rathfarnham Castle is the historic former home of the Loftus family. Initially built in 1605 and subsequently extended and refurbished from a defensive castle to a prestigious home in the period from 1740 with designs by Sir William Chambers and James “Athenian” Stuart. After its sale in 1911 by The Blackburn Family it was used by The Jesuit order until being taken over by The OPW on behalf of The State in the 1980s. It is situated in a public park managed by South Dublin County Council.