PICTURES: Rural community save 'Bunratty of Laois' from falling down

A medieval tower castle in Laois has been saved from collapse, with hopes it can become a tourist attraction in time.

Clonreher Castle has stood for over 500 years off the N80 Mountmellick road near Portlaoise, built by the Gaelic O'Dowling clan, once the rulers of Ballyfin and Portlaoise.

Left in ruins for hundreds of years since English conquests, the five storey roofless castle still retains incredibly intact features, such as dramatic vaulted ceilings, stairs, a fireplace and a third floor. It is described as having “regional cultural significance”.

Clonreher Castle before conservation work and after, with the committee of Eimhín McEvoy treasurer, Dan Carmody secretary, Heather Broomfield, Mary Carmody, Jean Broomfield, Bethany Hewson and Arthur Broomfield chairperson. Photo 2: Leinster Express

Advised by Laois County Council that it was in danger of collapse, the landowners who are the Broomfield family, and their neighbours formed a committee and won €130,000 in grants to draw up a conservation plan and essential repairs.

On Friday, August 1, they welcomed the community, Laois politicians and the team of conservation experts to celebrate yet another grant of €129,000, this time from the Community Monuments Fund.

Laois Heritage Officer Thomas Carolan spoke to the Leinster Express / Laois Live on site.

“It's probably the most complete tower castle in Laois. Hopefully in years to come it will welcome tours and school. It's the only one still standing built by any of the seven septs or ruling Gaelic clans of Laois.

“The limestone would have been quarried locally.

“It was certainly in danger of collapse. It probably wouldn't have survived the last storm if it hadn't been repaired. You could say it's Laois' Bunratty,” he said.

The towering castle is now cleared of any damaging ivy, pinned and repointed with lime mortar fixing lethal cracks, with drains added and part of the modern concrete shuttering around its base removed.

Further work remains to be done before the privately owned castle can be safely entered by visitors other than hard hat professionals.

An arched ceiling in the ground floor of Clonreher Castle. 

Eimhín McEvoy is the committee treasurer.

“This is our third year of successfully applying for funding, that's a testament to the group, the efficiency of the council. The results speak for themselves, you can see how much it has come on.

“It's one of the few landmarks around here, it's nearly like an old friend. We lost Coolbanager Castle in 2014, it was nearly like losing a neighbour in itself.

“The community monument fund will secure it for future generations,” he said.

A stairs inside one of Clonreher Castle's two towers. Photo: Eimhín McEvoy

The Cathaoirleach Cllr Barry Walsh said “well done to you all”.

“I'm here to support you. It would be good to create a historical path for all these buildings in the county”.

Owner Jean Broomfield thanked all who have helped save the family owned castle.

Archeologist Colm Flynn, architect Lucy O'Connor, Heritage Officer Thomas Carolan and Catherine McLoughlin, National Monuments outside the south face of Clonreher Castle.

Mr Carolan told the audience that Clonreher Castle shows collaboration is “crucial” for such projects, funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

He said that Laois TDs had “bombarded” him with their concern for the castle, while also thanking the owners to allow the work to go ahead.

“Jean actively worked to continue the conservation works with dedication and perseverence.

“It can be difficult to make a case for public money being spent, with all the competing demands. The conservation of archeological monuments has a value far beyond the physical structure, these structures connect us with our past, our heritage, and give us a sense of place and identity. In the same way we seen the benefit of being in nature, I can attest that these structures area as important to wellbeing as any public service.

“We'll try and pursue this budget for the next few years,” the Laois heritage officer added.

Committee treasurer Eimhin McEvoy, Clonreher cousins Paraic and Ollie Phelan and Cllr Tommy Mulligan, Portlaoise Municipal District.

Arthur Broomfield, former Poet Laureate of Mountmellick, is chair of the committee.

“This all started with Catherine Casey (the previous Laois heritage officer), she told me 'I want to get something done with Clonreher, there's money going'. That sparked it.

“Our family bought this farm and castle in 1932, I was always playing in it as a child, our family are delighted now, and we have a great local committee,” he said.

Also present were conservation architect Lucy O'Connor from Howley Hayes Cooney, Catherine McLoughlin from the National Monuments Service, Lisa Edden of Cora Conservation Engineering and Colm Flynn of Horizon Archeology, stonemason John Lonergan from Revamp Conservation.

They took the opportunity to conduct a site survey to record progress, climbing high into the castle.

Behind the castle lies Clonreher House, an 18th century derelict Georgian manor that was built to replace the castle as a residence. Still with its original windows, fanlight and roof, it is recommended for a separate assessment.

The three Laois TDs spoke at length in praise.

The three Laois TDs Deputy Willie Aird, Deputy Sean Fleming and Deputy Brian Stanley.

Cllr Willie Aird said “hopefully we will have more money coming forward and it will be open to the public.”

Cllr Brian Stanley thanked Mr Carolan for taking on the project and all involved, particularly the Broomfield family. He said it would be great to have a mapped tour of the many Laois castles for visitors.

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Cllr Sean Fleming thanked the family for letting their private castle be open to future visitors, noting it will take years to come to make the castle intact enough for future generations to enjoy.

Clonreher Castle as seen from the Ballyfin road. Photos: Leinster Express