Read about the restoration of Lisheen Castle.

THE RESTORATION OF LISHEEN CASTLE

Lisheen Castle which was a ruin was purchased by Joan and Michael Everard in 1994 Ground work for the restoration started in the summer of 1995 with the removal of a hugh amount of rubble from the interior which had accumulated as a result of a massive fire in June 1921 which completely destroyed the building leaving it roofless and home to generations of Jackdaws undisturbed for 80 years. Trees, Briars and Bushes all flourished here making it a haven for wild life.

The mammoth task of restoration got on it's way in April 1996. The façade only, was in good condition. The remainder of the building was largely derelict. The interior was 'Jungle like' - mounds of debris from walls that were crumbling and falling. Remaining pieces of interior and dividing walls, pieces of doorways arches and even chimneys gave 'clues' from which an interior plan was evolved and established.

Phase one commenced with the repair and re-pointing of the interior walls. Some of the building was roofed during the summer. In the winter walls were dry lined and frames suspended for the vaulted ceilings.

Spring 1997 - work reverted back to wall restoration and further roofing. This work continued throughtout the summer months and is indeed very time consuming. Winter again and by now two thirds of the roof is complete, thus enabling interior work to develop in 'not as bad' conditions. Joists were put in place for the installation of wooden floors at ground floor and upper floor areas. 1998 work re-commenced on the roofs and were completed all with old plates sourced locally from people with old buildings. The installation of wiring and plumbing was on going during this period.

The stone mason rebuilt the southwest tower and the battlements at the rear of the building during this period. Plastering hard walling and work on the ceilings was largely carried out during the winter of '98. This was a huge task to straighten out some of the old walls. Around this time some furniture acquisitions were being made.

In spring of 99 all the emphasis was on the interior ie. woodwork and plasterwork, pine floors were fitted. A stairway of native Ash was made and fitted on site. Windows are Teak and painted white. Photographs from South Africa dating 1860 enabled us to reproduce the Elizabethan windows to the original design.

Cornicing, coving, centerpieces and arches were manufactured on site and fitted as were the wooden paneling, and very ornate door architraves, venetian windows, interior double doors with a beautifully restored fan light. A Tudor oak door was also made on site and fitted on the from entrance hall. Both front reception rooms have vaulted ceilings and are decorated in trompe L'oeil style.

Dec '99 completed work on the castle and the Tri colour flag was hoisted for the millennium. A newly restored Lodge and also a newly developed winding avenue enhance the entry to the Castle.

We have got enormous pleasure out of restoring Lisheen Castle and great credit must go the local craft people who carried out the work to a very high standard.

The castle comprises of two formal reception rooms, Library, Games room, Breakfast room, Old World kitchen, commercial kitchen, wine cellar and seven double bedrooms, and two more remaining to be restored at a furture date. Development of lawns and gardens is on going.