CARTON HOUSE

Written by Ben Kesp

Carton Estate located west of Dublin in Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland spans eight centuries and for two hundred years, Carton House was the finest example of Georgian parklands in Ireland. Built in the 17th century, the current Carton House was the ancestral seat of the Earls of Kildare and its estate exceeded over one thousand acres. 

Spanning eight centuries, the Carton Estate was first owned by Maurice Fitzgerald of the Fitzgerald Family in 1170. His son became Baron Offaly in 1205 and it was his descendent who became Earl of Kildare in 1315. The Fitzgerald Family became a powerful family and influential rulers of Ireland between 1477 and 1513. In 1739 the existing house was built by Richard Cassels, also responsible for building grand houses like Powerscourt, Summerhill House, Westport House and Leinster House. In 1815 the 3rd Duke at Carton had the house remodelled and enlarged as it became his principal residence after selling Leinster House in Dublin City. The house remained within the Fitzgerald family until 1920 when the 7th Duke sold his birthright to pay off gambling debts. 

Carton House - Music Room

During the Second World War, Carton House was used by the Irish Army as headquarters for their 2nd Infantry Division. The Irish Government have come under pressure to buy the house and grounds, however, have refused to do so. It remained in the hands of the Mallaghan Family. The house has been used as a movie set and film location many times including the backdrop to Stanley Kubrick’s 1975 film, Barry Lyndon. Additionally, it has welcomed many film stars and hosted royalty like Princess Grace, Prince Rainier and was Queen Victoria’s favourite stays when visiting Ireland. Real Madrid, the Irish Rugby Team, Tiger Woods and numerous other teams have been hosted at the house. 

Lady Emily, the wife of the 20th Earl of Kildare played a huge role in the interior design of Carton House. She created the Chinese Room which became Queen Victoria’s room and had the Shell Cottage decorated with shells from all over the world. When the house was remodelled in 1815 by Richard Cassels, the curved colonnades were replaced with straight connecting links so to add additional rooms including the dining room. Other notable rooms are the Music Room, the Gold Salon, Lady Emily Suite, the Duke Suite and Lord Edward Suite. 

Today Carton House is a Premier Golf Resort and hotel - for more check out its website on: Carton House