Location: County Limerick Map
Constructed: 1658 by Captain Robert Oliver
Official site
Castle Oliver, also known as Clonodfoy (from the Irish Cloch an Otbhaidhigh, meaning "the stone structure of Otway"), is a Victorian castle-style country house located in the southern part of County Limerick, Ireland, near the villages of Ardpatrick and Ballyorgan. Built between 1845 and 1848 in the Scottish Baronial style, this magnificent red sandstone structure was designed for entertaining rather than defense, standing in stark contrast to the fortified tower houses like Castle Donovan or Carrigaholt Castle. Nestled under the Ballyhoura Mountains, Castle Oliver commands breathtaking views over its former 20,000-acre estate and boasts Ireland’s largest private wine cellar, reputedly holding 55,000 bottles.
The lands of Castle Oliver were first settled around 1658 by Captain
Robert Oliver, a Cromwellian soldier from Kent, England, who was granted
“all the land he could see from Seefin” in the Ballyhoura Mountains,
initially 1,950 acres, which he expanded to 20,000 acres. This followed
the suppression of the Irish rebellion of 1641–1652, during which lands
were confiscated from Gaelic lords and redistributed to English
soldiers. Robert Oliver, elected MP for Limerick in 1661, established
his family at Clonodfoy House, a predecessor to the current castle
located a thousand yards southwest. The earlier castle was the
birthplace of Eliza Oliver, mother of the infamous Lola Montez, a
19th-century dancer and mistress of King Ludwig I of Bavaria, who
brought scandal and intrigue to European courts.
Key Historical
Developments
Oliver Family and Land Accumulation (1658–1812): The
Olivers, through strategic marriages, amassed wealth and influence. By
the late 17th century, they were settled at Clonodfoy, with Captain
Robert Oliver receiving lands in the barony of Coshlea, Limerick, and
Clanmorris, Kerry, in 1666. In 1734, Robert Oliver, MP for Kilmallock,
married Jane Katherine Silver, co-heiress of John Silver, bringing lands
in Cork and Tipperary. Their son, Silver Oliver, married Isabella Sarah
Newman of Newberry Manor, Cork, and their grandson, Richard Philip
Oliver, married Mary Turner, heiress to the Gascoigne estates in
Yorkshire. This marriage brought significant wealth, prompting Richard
to move to Parlington Hall, Yorkshire, in 1812, leaving Clonodfoy in the
hands of a bailiff, James Galloway, who allowed it to fall into ruin by
1837.
Reconstruction by the Oliver-Gascoigne Sisters (1845–1848):
After Richard Oliver-Gascoigne’s death in 1843, his daughters, Mary
Isabella and Elizabeth Oliver-Gascoigne, inherited the estates. These
accomplished sisters, both skilled artisans, commissioned Yorkshire
architect George Fowler Jones to rebuild Castle Oliver in 1845,
completing it by 1848. The new castle, constructed of local pink
sandstone, was designed to provide employment during and after the Great
Famine (1845–1852), with the sisters reportedly selling personal
collections to fund relief efforts and feed the starving. Their
altruistic work, though underrecognized, saved many lives. The sisters
married into the Trench family of Woodlawn, Galway—Elizabeth wed
Frederic Mason Trench, 2nd Baron Ashtown, in 1852—cementing ties between
prominent Anglo-Irish families.
Decline and Restoration (20th
Century): The last Trench family member, Mrs. Lynn Trench, sold Castle
Oliver in 1978 to racing driver Billy Coleman. The castle changed hands
multiple times, eventually falling to a local bank that divided the
estate into lots. Unable to find a buyer, the castle suffered vandalism
and theft, appearing in the Irish Georgian Society’s Vanishing Houses of
Ireland. In 1988, Damian Haughton purchased it, halting major roof
leaks. Nicholas Browne acquired it in 1998, continuing restoration, and
in 2006, Declan and Emma Cormack from County Antrim bought and
extensively restored it, reviving rooms like the library and St.
Patrick’s stained glass window. In 2015, the Cormacks sold it to the
Ralph family from Australia, who use it as a part-time residence.
Castle Oliver is a masterpiece of Scottish Baronial architecture,
characterized by its romantic, castle-like appearance with defensive
elements purely for aesthetic purposes. Designed by George Fowler
Jones, assisted by Sir Thomas Deane, it is built of local red
sandstone, quarried on the estate, giving it a warm, distinctive
hue. The castle’s irregular, multi-story layout over a basement
includes a battlemented corner keep, a circular turret tower, and a
stable block with an octagonal tower, creating a dramatic silhouette
against the Ballyhoura Mountains.
Exterior: The castle stands
on massive terraces, offering panoramic views of its former estate.
It features stepped gables, corbelled oriel windows, and a pierced
Jacobethan parapet adorned with heraldic beasts, including mythical
griffins that guard the terraces. A double-story porte-cochère with
battered piers forms the side entrance, while the high-pitched slate
roof, supported by an innovative iron framework, was considered
advanced for its time. The gate lodge and gateway, also in Scottish
Baronial style, feature dressed sandstone, a battlemented parapet,
and a plaque with the O’Sullivan motto Lámh Foisteanach Abú,
Súileabháin Beare, reflecting historical ties.
Interior: The
castle’s 110 rooms are designed for opulence, including a ballroom,
drawing room, library, morning room, dining room, and Clonodfoy
Hall. The interiors boast hand-painted ceilings, ornate corbels, and
superb stained glass windows, many designed and executed by the
Oliver-Gascoigne sisters. Notable features include a 16-foot stained
glass window with heraldic symbols on the grand oak staircase and a
ballroom fireplace with verre églomisé (back-painted glass panels).
The wood-paneled library has intricately carved mahogany bookcases
and a chimney piece, while the wine cellar, one of Ireland’s
largest, can hold 55,000 bottles. A stone spiral staircase connects
all floors, leading to a bell tower.
Grounds: The 15-acre estate
includes manicured terraced lawns, a lake with ornamental fish and a
viewing bridge, woodland trails, a sunken orchard garden with a
fountain, and a folly with an outdoor hot tub. Mature oak, lime, and
beech trees frame the grounds, offering privacy and stunning views
of the Ballyhoura Mountains.
Condition: Extensively restored by
the Cormacks, the castle is in excellent condition, with period
furnishings, hand-carved four-poster beds, and luxurious en-suite
bathrooms. Though a private residence, it was briefly open for
public tours in 2014 during the Limerick City of Culture.
Castle Oliver is a testament to the Anglo-Irish ascendancy and the
cultural shifts of the 19th century. Unlike defensive castles like
Croagh Patrick or Carrigaholt, it reflects the Victorian era’s
romanticized view of medieval architecture, prioritizing luxury and
hospitality. Its construction during the Famine highlights the
Oliver-Gascoigne sisters’ philanthropy, a rare act of compassion amid
widespread suffering. The sisters’ artistic contributions, including
stained glass and woodturning (Mary published The Handbook of Turning
under a pseudonym in 1842), underscore their role as trailblazing women
in a male-dominated era.
Notable Figures: The castle’s connection
to Lola Montez, born at the earlier Clonodfoy House, adds a layer of
intrigue. Her scandalous career as a dancer and courtesan, toppling a
monarchy, contrasts with the sisters’ refined legacy. The Oliver
family’s political influence, with multiple MPs, and their ties to
Yorkshire estates illustrate the interconnectedness of Anglo-Irish and
British elites.
Tourism and Events: As a private residence, Castle
Oliver is not regularly open to the public but can be rented exclusively
for weddings and events. The castle’s ballroom, with antique chandeliers
and a period fireplace, is a highlight for receptions, while the bridal
suite features a carved four-poster bed. Rental costs €3,500 for two
nights (castle) and €3,200 for seven en-suite rooms, accommodating 16
guests with continental breakfast. Its proximity to Cork and Limerick
cities (under an hour’s drive) and Dublin (two hours via M8) makes it
accessible for international visitors.
Local Context: Nestled between
Ardpatrick and Ballyorgan, the castle is part of the Ballyhoura region,
known for outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and racing. Nearby
Castle Oliver Farm, a 17th-century estate, offers luxury self-catering
with views of the castle, earning high praise on Tripadvisor for its
scenic setting and hosts, Alyce and Michael.
Local lore suggests the estate is haunted by James Galloway, the bailiff blamed for Clonodfoy’s ruin in the 1830s. His ghost is said to wander the demesne, a reminder of neglect during a time of hardship. While less notorious than Carrigaholt Castle’s malevolent spirit, this tale adds a touch of mystique to the castle’s history.
Castle Oliver is a private residence, primarily used by the Ralph
family for part of the year. It is available for exclusive hire, making
it a sought-after venue for weddings and luxury retreats. The castle’s
restoration has preserved its Victorian splendor, with modern amenities
enhancing its appeal.
Access: Located at coordinates 52.3266° N,
-8.4841° W, Castle Oliver is near Upper Sunville, Ardpatrick, accessible
via the R512 from Kilmallock or M8 motorway. Public tours are rare, but
inquiries for events can be made at (00353) 06391826 or
castleoliver@hotmail.com.
Visitor Experience: Guests enjoy the
castle’s opulent interiors, terraced gardens, and mountain views. The
ballroom and wine cellar are highlights, while the grounds offer trails
and a serene lake. Nearby attractions include Ballyhoura’s hiking
trails, Mallow’s racecourse, and the River Blackwater for fishing.
Safety and Recommendations: As a private property, access is by
appointment only. Visitors should respect the estate’s privacy and book
in advance for events. The surrounding area is rural, so bring supplies
for day trips. Check weather forecasts, as the Ballyhoura Mountains can
be windy.