Open day at South Hill House following restoration by team from Causey Farm
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Sr Ann Devine of Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary, Sr Kathleen O’Connor of Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary, and Deirdre Murtagh of Causey Farm.Image 2 of 5
Former staff of South Hill House.Image 3 of 5
Deirdre Murtagh addressing guests on the opening day.Image 4 of 5
Dining room at South Hill House.Image 5 of 5
One of the 21 bedrooms in the main house at South Hill.South Hill House reopened its doors to the Delvin community on September 27 and welcomed hundreds of local people back to the historic estate.
Dating from the 1700s, South Hill House was once the ancestral home of the Lawrence family, whose descendants included TE Lawrence, better known as Lawrence of Arabia. In later years, South Hill became an important part of the Delvin community when the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary carried out the important work of supporting children and adults with disabilities.
With hundreds of members of the local community in attendance, South Hill House came alive once again as former pupils, staff, local residents and members of the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary returned.
The opening day gave visitors an opportunity to explore the grounds and see first-hand the restoration work undertaken by the Murtagh family of Causey, who acquired South Hill House in May this year.
Reuse and repurposing have been important in the restoration, and furniture and materials were sourced from auctions and second-hand shops, to go alongside pieces already in the house.
Deirdre Murtagh, who led the restoration, said: “We are fully committed to retaining the beautiful features and character of the property.”
South Hill House will offer a distinctive countryside stay, with partial and exclusive hire available for private groups, celebrations, retreats and special occasions. Three out of the four chalets and two of the four floors of the main house were open to visitors on September 27, offering a glimpse of what the restored property will provide.
A new Gaeltacht, Coláiste Lir, is also due to launch at South Hill in early 2027. Through the Gaeltacht and other future projects, South Hill hopes to become an active part of the Delvin community again, providing Irish language educational experiences for children and adults from the surrounding and further areas.
For further information or enquiries please contact info@southhillhouse.ie see southhillhouse.ie.