Near the town on the west bank of the Shannon is Clarisford House, the Episcopal Palace, finely situated in a highly improved demesne, near the only ford across the river into this county from that of Tipperary; the mansion is handsome and of modern appearance, and, though small, forms a pleasant residence.

(From A Topographical Dictionary of Ireland (1837), by Samuel Lewis.)

Last Sunday afternoon, 15th April, the members of the society were treated to a really amazing tour of local Georgian mansion, Clarisford Palace, and its grounds. The owners generously invited us into their home, and shared with us their knowledge of the history of the property, and the story of how they restored it and continue to care for it.

About thirty members attended, and we split into two groups, each group taking it in turn to tour first the house and then the exquisitely-planted gardens. We were privileged to view and learn about some of the ancient trees that still grow on the estate, as well as getting the chance to see some of the historic interior details that survive in the house itself, such as the staircase, flooring, and windows.

Clarisford Palace was built in the 1770s, as a residence for the bishops of nearby St Flannan’s Church of Ireland Cathedral. The bishops continued to live there for the next two hundred years. As part of the tour, the society committee put together a handout of information on the building which you can download here as a PDF.

We would like to thank the owners of Clarisford Palace for all of their generosity in providing this tour for our members. If you would like to attend any of our future tours, you can become a member very easily, and for only 20e a year. All details here. Our monthly lectures are always free to attend and everyone is welcome – it is only our tours that we keep exclusive to members only. Thank you for your continued support!

Built in the 1770s and used for two hundred years as the residence of the local Church of Ireland Bishop, Clarisford Palace is an important historic building both locally and nationally. The house, along with its outbuildings, gate lodge, and walled garden, is listed as a Recorded Protected Structure. The first bishop to live there was Robert Fowler in the 1770s, and the last was Edwin Owen in the 1970s. The house has been in private ownership since, and its demesne lands are in use as a beautiful park with sporting grounds.

We would like to invite members of the Society to join us for a tour of the gardens and interior of Clarisford Palace on the afternoon of Sunday 15th of April. There is no charge for admission. There are only 25 spaces available on this tour, so if we receive more than 25 applications, we will use a lottery to determine admission. This is a members-only tour; if you are not a member, and would like to join, you can do so by following the instructions on our website here.

Deadline for application (just email us – killaloeballinalhs@gmail.com) for a place on the tour is Sunday 8th April. Looking forward to hearing from you!