Chance to own Mullingar property steeped in legend and heritage

A unique property on the outskirts of Mullingar, Rathconnell Court consists of a small gate lodge with an avenue leading to the elevated ruin of the Georgian two-storey over basement structure together with its round tower, surrounded by mature trees and overlooking Lough Sheever and Mullingar.

The property extends to c.8 acres and includes the remains of a large walled garden and it is coming to auction through Murtagh Bros on Thursday May 29 (3pm) in their Enfield auction rooms (A83 CX39).

In giving the background and history of the property, the auctioneers write: Rathconnell Court and the earlier Rathconnell Castle stand as silent sentinels to one of the most turbulent chapters in Irish history.

In 1642, it became the backdrop to a fierce skirmish during the Cromwellian invasion, where Irish Confederate forces, weakened by disunity and poor supplies, made a valiant but ill-fated stand against the advancing Puritan army.

Led by Sir James Dillon, the defenders established a garrison at the castle, but due to miscommunication and alleged betrayal, their efforts ended in tragic loss. The battle saw the fall of noblemen and seasoned soldiers, including the gallant Captain Brien, a former Roundhead turned Confederate hero, whose decapitated head was paraded as a trophy in Dublin.

The British Forces were led by Sir Richard Greville and Rathconnell Castle subsequently became the seat of the Adams Family.

The original tower type castle, which is next to Rathconnell Church and Graveyard, was replaced in the early 1800s by Rathconnell Court, a Georgian Gothic style period residence.

Despite the devastation, the site endures as a powerful symbol of Irish resistance, sacrifice, and resilience. Today, Rathconnell Court and its surrounding ancient woodlands offer a rare opportunity to own a property steeped in legend and heritage, where the echoes of the past still whisper through the trees.

• Contact Murtagh Bros on 044 934 2512 and Enfield 046 954 3324 for more details on the property.