A couple of weeks ago we went for a walk at Moorehall. Today the area is owned by Coillte and managed as a woodland. It is a lovely place to go for a walk. The house was built by George Moore and was completed in 1796. It was burnt down in 1923 during the Irish Civil War. There are a couple of websites which give some great background to the history of the house (http://www.oreillydesign.com/moorehall/index.html and http://www.enjoy-irish-culture.com/big-houses-moore-hall.html).
As well as the Hall there was a farmyard and stables. You can still walk through the tunnel that was built to provide a throughway from the farmyard to the coach house and racing stables without causing disturbance to the back lawn!
Then there is a huge walled garden, or at least the remains of it. It must have been an impressive sight in its time. The following website (http://www.oreillydesign.com/moorehall/housmain.html) has a fascinating diagram of what the garden would have looked like when fully functioning and it included four walnut trees, a glasshouse, fruit trees, vegetables and flowers. The trees included peach trees – not a normal crop for the west of Ireland!
The original house probably had views of Lough Carra but trees have now been planted right around the ruin. Some of the older trees are still in evidence though.
It was a cold day in February when we walked around, but we hope to return later in the spring or early summer when more of the woodland flora will be in evidence.
Reblogged this on Covey View and commented:
Murtaghsmeadow takes to visit Moorehall
castle in Ireland.
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Thanks for reblogging!
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Always my pleasure to share enjoyable blogs!
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I do a Wednesday Walk-Along each Wednesday on my blog and would love to put a link to this walk next Wednesday – is that ok with you?
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Yes, of course, I’d be honored! Thanks for asking
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Thank you! That’s great!!! 🙂
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Your photos are fantastic. I love the mossy trees en route to the tunnel entrance. It must have been quite the estate in its heyday. Such a shame that it was lost, but now an attractive ruin.
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The moss was amazing – it was thick in some places!
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You should be a travel guidge and get a % for promoting tourism! I would love to vist the Hall and grounds – sounds fascinating. Thank you for sharing the lovely pics and info. xx
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Next time you are over we’ll take a trip!
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Ah, you found the beech tree! Isn’t that a beauty! I’d love to know how old it is. My parents live down the road from there and my children have climbed that tree many times. Love the photos of the trees and banks upholstered in moss–so vivid at this time of year.
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It’s a great climbing tree. How wonderful to think your kids have been there climbing it. What stories that tree could tell:)
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We live on the shores of Lough Carra, right beside Moorehall, and love your writing about it.My daughter, Melissa in NY sent me this, photos and write up great. Keep in touch.
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You live in a beautiful place Sally. I’m so glad you liked the piece.
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Love the moss. Can almost smell the forest. What a beautiful relic Moorehall is…that top right photo is just wow!
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It’s a lovely place – full of atmosphere – well worth a visit.
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Someday in the future I will explore all of the country! So much to learn and see.
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It makes you realise how differently society was structured then to keep such a place going. How beautiful and clearly a brilliant inspiration for your writing. Must visit sometime – living history.
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I read somewhere that an estate (not this one) employed 12 full time gardeners!
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Pingback: Walking backwards to Branscombe | Wild Daffodil
Hi, I have put a link to this wonderful walk on my Wednesday Walk-Along post today – thank you for saying ok to me doing so. https://daffodilwild.wordpress.com/2015/03/11/walking-backwards-to-branscombe/
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wow! looks lavishly beautiful..
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I agree. It would be amazing to go back in time and visit not just the house but the walled garden too!!
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nothing less than amazing! 🙂 true..
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