Castle - tower house

The National Monuments Service's description

Situated on low-lying flat ground on the N bank of the SW-NE Clodiagh River, which is c. 300m to the S. It was owned by the le Poers of Curraghmore in 1654. In 1640 it was owned by John Power, Baron Curraghmore (Simington 1942, 105). The tower house was extended in 1700 when a house was built around a court with the medieval tower house incorporated at the NE side. 'The Tower contains two principal spaces, one at ground level; the Entrance Hall, the other at first floor level; the Billiard Room. This latter space is a remodeling of the internal upper levels of the medieval Tower. It's coved ceiling, embellished stucco work by the stuccadores, the Lafranchini brothers, make it one of the most important decorative interiors in the country. Likewise, the decoration of the Hallway below, speaks of Lafranchini involvement, laid onto the possible medieval core' (Sheehan and Barry, 2021). A forecourt with stables was added to the NE in the 1750s or 1760s. The house was refurbished in the 1780s and re-faced in the mid-19th century. Features of the tower house, such as the mural stairs, still survive in the later house which is owned by the Marquis of Waterford. (Smith 1746, 105-8; Ryland 1824, 279-82; Bence-Jones 1978, 97-8)

The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Waterford' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1999). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.

Date of upload/revision: 23 December 2008

References

Simington, R.C. (ed.) 1942 The Civil survey, AD 1654-1656. Vol VI: county of Waterford. Dublin. Irish Manuscripts Commission.

Ryland, Rev. R.H. 1824 The history, topography and antiquities of the city and county of Waterford. London. John Murray.

Smith, C. 1746 The history of the town and county of Waterford. W. Wilson. Dublin.

Sheehan and Barry Architects, Curraghmore House, Portlaw, Waterford, HSF 2021 Application supporting documents, unpublished report submitted to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.