Edmondstown House

Today’s diary provides a brief history of Edmondstown House, followed by reflections upon its revival under the stewardship of the Ewings family.

Built in 1864, by Captain Robert Arthur Costello - Edmondstown House (also known as the Bishops Palace) is a rare example of Victorian Gothic architecture. It has some striking features, including pointed arch window openings, a magnificent tower, and a distinctive limestone, red brick exterior.

The house was designed by the renowned architect John McCurdy, who is celebrated for his remodelling of Dublin's iconic Shelbourne Hotel.

Costello passed away in January 1891 at the age of 59. He found his final resting place in the grounds of the former Dominican Priory of Urlaur, established by his ancestors in the 15th century. His tombstone bears the inscription 'Arthur Robert Gorges Costello, last Dynast and Baron De Angulo.' Ref. 1

In the late 1800s, the House changed hands to the Roman Catholic diocese of Achonry, intended for use as a diocesan college. However, St Nathy’s subsequently relocated to Ballaghaderreen Barracks, leaving Edmondstown House dormant for a number of years. It wasn't until 1911 that the then-Bishop of Achonry, Patrick Morrisroe, took up residence in the building, a tradition continued by his successors for the next century. Ref. 1

Fast-forward to the present day: David and Chloe Ewings and their two children, Agnus and Seamus, have lived in Edmondstown House since 2018.

Edmondstown House has many grand features, including the falcon family crest and stone plagues with Costello’s initials.

Photos by Anna King:

The stunning stained-glass features in Edmondstown House were crafted by the son of Harry Clarke, Ireland's most celebrated stained-glass artist. Born in Dublin on March 17th, 1889, Harry Clarke left an indelible mark on the world of stained-glass until his passing in 1931.

The edmondstown house revival

David and Chloe have meticulously restored Edmondstown House, infusing it with renewed vitality and charm. Importantly, their dedication goes beyond mere renovation; they have cultivated a profound ethos of stewardship, ensuring that the heritage of this area is preserved for generations to come.

They have also opened their doors to the wider community, offering a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the rich history of the area through site-specific theatre and music events.

In doing so, they have reinvigorated the significance of the house, and developed a cultural hub for all to enjoy.

Heritage, art & contemporary living

The power of site-specific theatre is its ability to forge a deep connection between the audience and the performance space, often transforming overlooked locations into immersive theatrical settings. The events at Edmondstown are an intimate and authentic experience - where the history and character of the house become an integral part of the performance, thus enriching the audience's sensory experience. 

Check out Edmondstown House facebook for event updates.

David and Chloe’s sensitive restoration, combined with their emphasis upon heritage and the arts, is an interesting theme to consider in relation to our PLACEWAYS project:

The couple are not only revitalising the estate - their work is also fostering a deeper sense of connection to place for the wider community.

The symbolism of restoration

Beyond being a part of Ballaghaderreen’s fascinating history, Edmondstown has evolved into a symbol of hope, where the metamorphosis of the house represents rebirth, transformation, and optimism. For communities grappling with isolation, or lack of amenities, the revival of the house and grounds provides an inspiring example of how abandoned spaces can be (re)imagined into meaningful places for community gathering.

The deeply textured layering of the ‘old’ with the ‘new’ over many centuries at Edmondstown House, has resulted in a rich and dynamic setting that is ideal for exploring local history and culture, within the context of contemporary issues. 

This remarkable endeavour underscores the intrinsic value of revitalising abandoned heritage sites—a poignant issue echoing throughout Ballaghaderreen's evolving townscape.

labour of love

David's ongoing labour of love amidst the perpetual demands of Edmondstown House serves as a poignant symbol of resilience. As fragments of the old structure crumble, or require work - he confronts a tangible reminder of the passage of time and the inevitability of change and decay.

In a world inundated with disposable conveniences and fleeting experiences, David’s steadfast commitment to preserving and restoring the house has profound significance. It embodies a counter-narrative to the prevailing culture of disposability, emphasising the enduring value inherent within heritage, craft, and the art of perseverance. 

Visting Edmondstown House was an absolute delight for our group!

A huge ‘thank you’ to David and his family for such a memorable experience!

All of the themes outlined in today’s diary will be considered in more depth through our project - PLACEWAYS.

Resources:

Edmondstown House

The Irish Aesthete - Ref. 1

Harry Clarke and Sons

Next - we venture to the Town Well and Strickland Tombs.