Castlemacgarrett in Ireland

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Browne Field Development

Geoffrey Browne built a house on the Castlemacgarrett site in 1694 to replace a house built by the Prendergast family. His wife Mary Prendergast was a descendant of Maurice de Prendergast, who came to Ireland with Strongbow during the Norman invasion in 1169. Geoffrey’s house was burned down in 1811. Dominick Browne, first Lord Oranmore and Browne, in turn built a Gothic house in Tudor style on the site.

The Browne can trace their ancestry back to one of the Galway tribes. The arch in Eyre Square, Galway, inscribed in 1627 was the entrance to the Brownes’ home in Galway.

In the early 20th century, the third Lord Oranmore and Browne built extensive additions in a cement-lined Edwardian baronial style. The result is a large labyrinthine house that spans three sides of an esplanade. At that time an elaborate portico with pillars, pediment and partly balustrade was added. The entrance hall is apparently Edwardian with a wooden staircase and a gallery. Garlands of late 17th century plasterwork adorn the walls. A large living room and dining room contain Adamesque ceilings by Dublin artisans.

The Brownes owned 13 country houses throughout Connaught, including Ashford Castle in nearby Cong. His holdings amounted to 54,000 acres. Dominick Browne was appointed Privy Councilor of Ireland in 1834 and became one of 28 elected Irish representatives. He spent large sums of money on election campaigns, reportedly £ 40,000 in a single election. His generosity combined with the onslaught of the Great Famine caused his downfall. Sold all properties except Castlemacgarrett and 2,000 acres.

The third Lord Oranmore and Browne, however, were more rooted than their grandfather and successfully managed the estate. In the early 20th century, Castlemacgarrett experienced its Indian summer. Agricultural companies and a sawmill financed shooting parties in November and January. The river Robe that flowed through the farm ensured a continuous supply of fresh trout.

The fourth and last Lord Oranmore and Browne who lived on the estate were married three times. Also called Dominick, his second wife was Lady Oonagh Guinness. They had two children, the Honorable Garrett and Tara. His son Tara died in a car accident. His third wife was Sally Gray, a movie star. Dominick died in 2002 at the age of 100.

In the 1960s, the property again ran into financial difficulties and was auctioned off to the Irish Land Commission. The castle and farm were bought by sister nurses and became the Castlemacgarrett Nursing Home until it was once again sold for development in 2006. It is now empty. A ghost farm in a country of ghost farms.

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