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Celbridge, Co. Kildare
This beautiful house provides a cosy retreat for a get-away-from-it-all break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Sleeps 3
1 Dog Allowed
Child Friendly
From €370 for 2 nights
Open Fire
The Gate House at Castletown is one of three adjoining gatelodge buildings - known separately as The Round House, The Pottery and The Gate House - and is situated at the the bottom of a tree lined avenue leading to Castletown House, the most significant palladian country house in Ireland.
Please note: Irish Landmark properties that welcome a pet may not have secure enclosures. It is vital that you supervise your pet during your stay.
Three Gate Lodges grace the entrance to the magnificent Palladian Castletown House, one of the most important eighteenth century estates in Ireland. The Lodges are known locally as The Round House, The Pottery and The Gate House. These vernacular buildings form an important part of the Celbridge streetscape and are in fact a very important landmark for both locals and visitors to the area.
The Gate Lodges form a significant and integral part of the Castletown Estate. Unfortunately very little historical information remains for the Gate Lodges. However the importance of Castletown House reflects upon the importance of the Lodges.
The Round House, the lodge on the corner of the Maynooth Road with the bowed entrance was probably the first house to be built on the site.
Originally the Lodge was a single square bay with a small square projecting entrance. Part of the Lodge has a steep roof, heavy roof beams with thick walls and corner fireplaces inside which all suggest an early eighteenth century construction date. The Lodge may even be earlier than Castletown House although there is no building shown on the Noble and Keenan map of 1752. It is likely that both the later two storey additions, one facing the Main Street and the other facing the Maynooth Road were built before the Gate House for which we have a definite construction date of 1783. The small square entrance was also replaced with a bowed projecting entrance bay to the front which adds to the unique character of this building.
Family papers note that the gate piers were completed in 1783 and suggest that the lodge nearest the gate, now called The Gate House, was also complete at this time and occupied by an elderly couple.
Transcripts of the letters from Lady Louisa Conolly to Lady Sarah Lennox reveal the following:-
1783, October 1st, Castletown:
'The piers to Celbridge Gate are finished, and what is extradordinary to say of Paddy workmen in general is, that the Stone Cutters work and iron work are so well finished for the sort of material that they are done in, that it is quite pleasant. The rubbish of the Lodge, (which by the way is a very comfortable one for the old couple that inhabit it) is all cleared away and I am now actually employed in planting and making it pretty all about…'
Not only a Landmark but a home - Memories of the Mercier Family
In the 1950's the Mercier family lived in the Lodges. The Trust was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to meet David Mercier and his sister Gwen who lived in the lodges with their two sisters, Gladys and Valerie and their parents.
They explained that originally the family lived in the first lodge in the early 1950's but then later in the 50's they moved to the second lodge where they had the luxury of an indoor bathroom. In the first lodge they only had an outdoor toilet in the shed at the back of the house.
In the 1950's there were only four cars in Celbridge. As there was so little trafffic, the Merciers and the other children used to pour water on the main street, let it freeze and use it as an ice-skating rink.
In the late 1950's, the Mercier's moved again, this time to the third gatelodge. The lodges were furnished very simply with lino on the floor which was polished every Saturday using Johnston's wax polish. All the woodwork was painted either brown or cream.
To the right of the lodges there was a wrought iron gate which led to a garden their mother was really proud of. Here she grew vegetables for the family.
The town of Celbridge has a deep historical background. Celbridge Abbey was built by Bartholomew Van Homrigh, Lord Mayer of Dublin, in 1697. It was his daughter, Esther Van Homrigh, who was immortalised as "Vanessa" by Jonathan Swift, who came regularly from his deanery to visit her. The Rock Bridge, situated in the grounds of Celbridge Abbey, is reputed to be the oldest remaining stone bridge that crosses the River Liffey. Celbridge is also the birthplace of Arthur Guinness, founder of the Guinness Brewery family business.
Nearby: Celbridge (50 mtrs.) Shop (500 mtrs.) Restaurant (500 mtrs.) Please Note: There is car parking space for 1 car only.
Loc8: NW5-47-3FJ
GPS: 53.341444 , -6.537169
HEALTH AND SAFETY:
Our buildings were made to the standards of earlier times – and sometimes without the intention that they should be lived in. Consequently, you may encounter features that reflect their particular character but that deserve due care and attention, particularly by the young, elderly, less mobile or visually impaired. Examples of these are steps worn with age, uneven surfaces, low ceilings and beams, unexpected drops or changes in level, and by modern standards low or absent lighting. In all cases we have sought to make a sensible compromise between due regard for safety and the careful retention of the fabric of each building, which makes it an interesting place to stay. We ask you to appreciate and use the building with this understanding. If you have any queries about the property you are interested in and would like more clarification please contact Irish Landmark at bookings@irishlandmark.com.
Arrival and Departure Time?
Unless otherwise agreed with the House Manager the earliest time at which you can check in is 4.oop.m. Guests may NOT take over the property any time later then 9.00pm. Guests are requested to vacate the property by 10.00am at the latest on the day of departure.
Is there a TV?
No, but there is a radio, board games, cards and plenty of books.
Is there WiFi?
Very limited. At our properties you have an opportunity to experience the best of a former way of life: beautiful architecture, fascinating history and a peaceful relaxed ambiance, without modern electronic distractions, where you decide the pace of your holiday.
Can I bring a dog?
Yes. Check the Irish Landmark T&Cs re bringing dogs to Irish Landmark properties. This property is only suitable for one dog.
Is linen supplied?
Yes – all beds are prepared and ready for your arrival.
Is there an open fire?
Yes. You can light the open fire in the sitting room. There is a limited amount of fuel left for the fire (where applicable) so guests may want to bring more for the duration of their stay. Please contact the local House Manager for more information on what type of fuel is used at your chosen property.
Can I bring more than one dog?
This property is only suitable for one dog.
Do I need a car to get here?
No. There is public transport to Celbridge and the lodge is situated at the top of the main street so you can walk to shops, restaurants etc.
How do I get the keys?
When you complete your booking, you will receive an email giving you information about arranging access on your arrival date.
Can I arrive early?
Only by special arrangement with the bookings office and agreement of the local House Manager. A charge is made if you are requesting a morning arrival, as this means we cannot take a booking for the night before your arrival date.
What is the latest departure time?
10.00am. The House Manager will discuss arrangements for your departure on the day you arrive.
How far to the nearest town?
The lodge is situated at the top of the main street in Celbridge.
Is there a caterer who will come in to cook meals?
We do not know of anyone who can go in to cook meals at this property.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes. There is a single bedroom upstairs and a travel cot can be provided on request for young children.
Is it suitable for older people?
Yes. The bathroom is located on the gound floor.
Does it have facilities for disabled people?
The ground floor bathroom is suitable for the assisted disabled.
Is it suitable for a wheelchair?
No.
Is there central heating?
There is gas central heating with radiators throughout the lodge.
Is the cooker electric or gas?
Electric cooker.
Is there a shower?
Yes - there is a shower over bath in the single bathroom.
How many bathrooms?
1
Do you supply towels and bed linen?
Yes. The beds will be made up on your arrival and you will be provided with a bath towel and guest towel according to the number of beds in the property.
Can I get to the house by public transport?
Yes. You would get a train or bus to Dublin and a local bus to Celbridge.
Where is the nearest train station?
Dublin.
What type of heating is in the house?
Gas central heating.
Can I book for just one night?
No.
What is your minimum booking period?
Irish Landmark Trust have a 2 night stay minimum at all of our properties. Some Special Dates will have restrictions on arrival and departure date which will effect the minimum number of nights.
Is there a garden at the house?
Yes. There is a small lawned area.
How many cars can I bring to the house?
1
Is there parking on site?
Yes.
Is there outdoor furniture?
Yes.
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April 3, 2020
These are difficult days: we are all in the midst of a humbling and trying atmosphere. We face a long period of imposed and unexpected isolation. We don’t want to be here, we did not book it, and given the option we would definitely check out early. Our Irish Landmarker guest community has an […]
March 5, 2020
Helen’s Tower features in the February/March issue of the Aer Lingus inflight magazine. As many people are forgoing air travel at the moment, we are sharing a link to the online version of Cara magazine. Our property Helen’s Tower appears in the feature on Strangford Lough, pages 58-66. Avoid the flight and book your stay […]
