Borris House is a private and unique historic house that was once the home of the Kings of Leinster.
Situated in the beautiful Barrow Valley in County Carlow, Borris House is one of the most picturesque country houses in Ireland.
Constructed in the Tudor style, Borris House was built in 1731 by Morgan Kavanagh. It is the hereditary home of the MacMorrough Kavanagh family, former Celtic kings of Leinster, and the famous 12th-century Kavanagh Charter Horn remains on display in the house today.
The House is central to the picturesque Borris Village of old stone buildings and the family still lives at House.
In 1798 it was badly damaged but was carefully restored in 1820 by Richard and William Vitruvius Morrison. The ornate Stapleton ceilings and the Chapel of St Moling are both architectural highlights. As are the antique furniture, carpets, porcelain, silver, and paintings on display. A not-for-profit famine lace industry was founded at Borris House by Lady Harriet Kavanagh. To provide employment for the women of the village during the Great Famine of Ireland in the 19th century. Today’s visitors will hear this famous story and see a small selection of Borris Lace for themselves.
A walk through the gardens of Borris House will take in the breathtaking views of Mount Leinster, the Blackstairs Mountains, and the Barrow Valley.
The newly-established Lace Garden takes inspiration from Borris Lace. Using symbols and shapes from the lace as well as a white color palette of plants.
In the parkland and church paddock, visitors will find a rich selection of stunning trees. Like the Lebanon cedar, fern leaf beech, and tulip tree, as well as some foreign trees, shrubs, and flora. Around the house, visitors can walk along the woodland paths. And enjoy the fairy trail along the way and visit the 18th-century ice house.
Unfortunately, the House is open for visitors only on selected days throughout the year.
Source: borrishouse.ie
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Below are photos I took in July 2021.
