The Malt House becomes the first Laois finalist in national heritage award

The Malt House in Stradbally has become the first national finalist from Laois in the Castleacre Historic Houses of Ireland Heritage Award. 

It was one of three finalists chosen from a record number of applications this year. The other finalists are Knockelly Castle in Tipperary and Corravahan House in Cavan. 

The award aims to reward historic houses that have demonstrated a dedicated commitment to preservation, innovation and community engagement.

Glen Bradshaw has been restoring The Malt House and repurposing the industrial building in innovative ways for the past three decades. The Malt House hosts many community events from fashion shows to family days.

Glen said “I am delighted to have my work recognised nationally. Years of fulfilling work have led me to this point. I cannot believe it. I’m just overjoyed. It is great to see recognition for private owners who care so deeply about their houses.”

Chief Executive Officer of Castleacre Insurance, Mark Hewlett, said “it’s been a privilege to support the work of Historic Houses of Ireland for so many years and to be sponsoring this prize. To ensure their continued survival Ireland’s historic houses must be viable and vital, not just for the families who live in them, but also as an important focus for their communities. This award is designed to celebrate this work and we sincerely hope this award will lead to wider recognition of the extraordinary people who safeguard these unique buildings for Ireland’s future generations.”

The judging panel for the inaugural Castleacre-Historic Houses of Ireland Heritage Award comprised noted writer and lecturer Robert O’Byrne, architectural historian and conservationist Christopher Moore, and Historic Houses of Ireland External Relations Officer Thomas Emmet. 

Robert said “I’m delighted to be once again amongst the adjudicators for this year’s award. The preservation of heritage, and especially private heritage that a family inherits or comes to passionately, has always been a subject close to my heart. Innovation is I believe also hugely significant- imagination and creativity are vital in not only continuing traditional usage but also in the repurposing of buildings so they can have a new life. Community engagement allows houses to be shared with the public and to contribute to the local economy and rural tourism. We have three fantastic finalists this year who exemplify these criteria!”

The Castleacre - Historic Houses of Ireland Heritage Awards Ceremony will take place in the Merrion Hotel, Dublin on Tuesday, March 24.