Castlecoote House

is a fine Georgian country house overlooking a beautiful stretch of the River Suck, just outside the village of Castlecoote, in the centre of County Roscommon. Surrounded by woodland and in the midst of a pastoral countryside, the present house was largely built between 1690 and 1720, incorporating parts of a far earlier structure. Formerly this was an important ford on the river and was defended from earliest times, so both house and grounds have a fascinating history spanning many centuries. There was a mediaeval castle on the site, which is now largely destroyed, and, more recently, a 17th century strong house was built within its walls. This had flanking towers at the corners, two of which can still be seen at the ends of the façade.

In the 18th century the celebrated Gunning sisters, the daughters of John Gunning and both born in Castlecoote House, were famed for their beauty at the court of King George II. Both succeeded in turning their beauty to advantage, since one married the fabulously wealthy Duke of Hamilton and, after his death, the Duke of Argyll, while the other made a glittering match with the Earl of Coventry. Copies of their portraits by Sir Joshua Reynolds hang in the hall

By the second half of the 20th century Castlecoote House gradually became increasingly ruinous and eventually it was seriously damaged by fire. Luckily, it found a new owner and the whole house was lovingly restored by Kevin Finnerty & Sarah Lane in the late 1990s, given magnificent stucco ceilings, marble chimneypieces, four-poster beds and luxurious bathrooms.

Guests have a choice of two tennis courts and a croquet lawn in the grounds, and they may fish for trout and coarse fish in the river Suck at the bottom of the garden. They can ride horses and play golf nearby, and there are a number of good looped walks along the Suck Valley Way. Nearby are Roscommon Castle, the King House at Boyle and Strokestown House and Gardens.

If they prefer not to venture out, the beautifully landscaped gardens, an orchard of rare apple trees, the towers of the ruined castle and an ice house make Castelcoote House a truly romantic and historic haven.


Directions:
From Roscommom take the R366 for 3 miles to the village of Castlecoote. Cross the bridge, bear right at Castlecoote Stores and the gates are directly ahead.