The contents of Ballea Castle, the official residence of the Papal ambassador during the visit of Pope John Paul II, are among the items to go under the hammer over the Easter.
The auction, conducted by Aidan Foley, takes place at Ballea Castle near Carrigaline with some 1,200 lots from the 17th-century fortified tower, originally the site of a 15th-century McCarthy castle.
Ballea Castle, situated on a cliff overlooking the Owenboy River about eight miles south of Cork city, is a three storey tower with a more recent two storey wing making an L-plan structure.
On Saturday Aidan Foley will sell outside effects, architectural salvage and the contents of an old Carrigaline hardware shop. Among the contents are a pair of ornate cast-iron walled-garden gates and a regency balcony stand from the historic Pittville Circus development in Cheltenham. Thee is also a pair of cast iron marine cannons, cut limestone urns, garden statuary, cast-iron furniture, and cafe bar chairs, tables and stools.
Contents of the private residence and Ballea Castle antiques are to be sold on Easter Sunday.
It includes a watercolour by Maurice Wilks, pencil sketch by John B Yeats, works by Brian Fielding and Megan Eustace, and bronzes by Eoin O’Connor.
Among the furniture highlights is a Georgian walnut chest on stand, inlaid mahogany walnut dessing table set, a mahogany dining table, a large gilt mirror, and an arts and crafts four-poster bed. The library includes books of Cork interest and there is a four-piece Georgian silver tea set and a Cork silver collection.
Viewing is from 11am to 6pm on April 18 and 19. All details can be found on www.irishcountryhome.com or contact Aidan Foley 086 8290680
