The 18th-century Enniscoe House became the backdrop for the recent official launch of the “Landed Gentry in Ireland” oral history collection. This unique collection is an exploration of Ireland’s principal estates and their owners.
Enniscoe House in Ballina, Co. Mayo, hosted the official launch of the “Landed Gentry in Ireland” oral history collection on Wednesday, 28 June. This unique collection of audio recordings features the stories of 26 owners of Ireland’s stately homes, including old Gaelic estates such as the majestic Flesk Castle in Kerry and the splendid Annaghmore House in Sligo.
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Donough Cahill, Executive Director of the Irish Georgian Society, launched the collection, while Dr Martin Mansergh of Friarsfield House – a former Minister for State and senator – also addressed the invited guests during the launch.
Enniscoe House was the ideal setting for this event as its owner Susan Kellett participated in the project. A country house, Enniscoe was built between 1790 and 1798 for Colonel George “George Two” Jackson, to designs attributed to John Roberts of Waterford. Interestingly, Enniscoe was a “safe house” during the revolutionary period. Today, it serves as the Kellett family home and is open to the public, having been lovingly restored about 20 years ago.
Also featured in the collection were Lord and Lady Rathdonnell of Lisnavagh, Lord and Lady Bellew of Barmeath Castle, Myles Ponsonby, 12th Earl of Bessborough (formerly of Bessborough House), Michael Hely Hutchinson, Earl of Donoughmore (formerly of Knocklofty House), Charles and Mary Cooper of Markree Castle, Sandy Percival of Temple House, Durcan O’Hara of Annaghmore House, Nicholas MacGillycuddy (formerly of Flesk Castle), Maurice FitzGerald, 9th Duke of Leinster (formerly of Kilkea Castle and Carton House), and Chris Taylour, 7th Marquess of Headfort.
Delving beyond the bricks and mortar, the audio recordings cover various topics, from the family seat to the deep-rooted importance of family name, place and land ownership. Other themes explored include the challenges of social and political integration and the experiences of religious minorities. The intricacies of family succession and the financial complexities faced by custodians of these estates are also examined.
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These interviews shed light on the profound impact of the Land Commission and the evolving landscape of land ownership in Ireland. The ultimate fate of these historic properties, their preservation or demise, is also discussed. From tales of survival and perseverance to accounts of inevitable change, these interviewees offered a fascinating glimpse into the modern history of the estates.
>>> READ MORE: New oral history collection features descendants of Ireland’s landed gentry
Family libraries, art collections, historical documents and the architectural splendour of the properties, including their magnificent grounds, ancient trees, and lush gardens and parklands, are all part of the legacies of Ireland’s historic mansions.
This ambitious project was undertaken by Tralee-based oral historians Maurice and Jane O’Keeffe of Irish Life and Lore. The entire audio collection is on sale for €190 directly from the Irish Life and Lore website, but individual recordings can be purchased for €7 each. The full collection will be deposited in public and college libraries throughout Ireland, where it will be freely accessible to all.
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