Ballyowen House is one of the finest remaining examples of neo-Classical Georgian architecture for a large Irish country house (Designed by Duchart). It is beautifully set in an elegant and elevated parkland setting and surrounded by fine, mature trees and wood. The adjoining pedimented stable block and yard was added in various stages and beautifully compliments the building. There are numerous architectural features of note:

External Architectural Details:


  • Venetion doorway flanked by Corinthian columns. Venetian style window detail at front elevation on ground floor – reminiscent of the famous Cashel Palace Hotel in Cashel Town, although we say they copied us...!
  • Imposing three storey over basement classical Palladian design with graduating Georgian paned windows on each successive floor.
  • The front door surround is complete with original restored Pennefeather Coat of Arms flanking each side with worthy motto "Live and Let Live" inscribed there since 1750.
  • Interesting "fire mark" detail on front elevation.
  • Moated basement detail with cobblestone flooring.
  • Original stable block to the side, again in mirrored pedimented Georgian style.
  • Main stable block incorporates large original horse coach houses and stables for coach horses with weather vane detail on top.
  • Second Stable block including staff quarters and with cut stone bell tower detail.
  • Stable yard with original cobblestone.
  • Original old walled garden which includes rare "vine wall" structure used to enhance growing of grapes – they liked to impress guests at their dining table!
  • Beautiful classical cut stone entrance piers with railing which is flanked by the original gate lodge.

Internal Architectural Details:


  • Details of the elegant and balanced Adam style throughout.
  • Front hall with beautiful Adam style fireplace and proportioned door and window surrounds.
  • Elegant main drawing room with original plaster ceiling and frieze detail completed by Italian Craftsmen in the 1750s. Stories are told that the local girls were quite taken by these exotic visitors!
  • Fine fireplace with original bell pulls linked to kitchens in basement.
  • Central hallway with very impressive three storey winding staircase leading to elegant upper atrium skylight at the top.
  • Intact old "dumb waiter" food lift with pulley system from basement kitchen.
  • Elegantly proportioned day rooms and reception rooms.