The castle was built by Charles William Bury, Earl of Charleville, and was designed by Francis Johnston, one of the leading architects of the day, who also designed, amongst others, the General Post Office (GPO) in Dublin.
It is a private castle where the family still live on the upper floors and is only open to the public on rare occasions, so we are highly privileged to be granted the use of the castle for Garúa. The castle was designed for summer parties, and with this in mind it has a stunning hall with huge west-facing windows that catch the setting sun over the gardens. Notably, the ceiling is designed in the same manner as the famous Windsor Castle in England. The Bury family took breakfast in this cosy and sunlit room with a baby grand piano. It is next to the Great Hall and will be our place to relax in between tandas.
The main entrance presents a wide sweeping staircase leading to the hall and morning room. Passages lead to the lavatories, the cloakroom, and the courtyard. Charleville Castle is said to be the finest example of gothic-revival architecture in the country. This is a veritable gothic castle of grand proportions. It owes its “Tin Soldier Fortress” look to the celebration of victory over the third French revolutionary expedition to Ireland. Explore the grounds, forest paths, fields of sheep and peaceful places to sit and relax.
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Posted by Rita. Updated 12 July 2022.
