The Irish Country House with Robert O’Byrne

Irish country houses have a distinct character and personality, often whimsical and quirky and not following the stereotypical English country house style. In his lecture based on his new book, The Irish Country House: A New Vision, historian and author Robert O’Byrne highlights the eclecticism of Ireland’s historic interiors. He will showcase a mix of historical Irish estates as well as contemporary restorations to offer a fresh perspective on the beauty of these homes. He will explore some of Ireland’s most interesting and unusual interiors, from derelict estates to historic hunting lodges, and from an Irish castle renovated by a Mexican financier to an Elizabethan Revival house transformed by a contemporary artist. He will illustrate a mansion in Westmeath, restored by the descendants of its original owners, and show Coollattin, Ireland’s largest country house at 65,000 square feet, where the Baroque style is emphasized by its unfinished state. By delving into these remarkable interiors, O’Byrne offers a new understanding of the cultural and historical significance embedded within Ireland’s country houses. All ticket holders will receive a recording of the lecture to view.