Castle Ellen House in Athenry will hold an open day this Sunday as part of Heritage Week.
Visitors on the day will have a chance to learn more about the history of this early 19th-century house, its walled gardens, and its inhabitants, the Lambert family.
The Anglo-Norman Lambert family settled in Galway in the 16th century during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. The family built Castle Ellen in the 1820s and named it after a nearby castle which had also served as their home. The Lambert family lived there until 1921, and the history of this family and their home — built between the Act of Union (1803 ) and the Great Famine (1845-1852 ) provides a fascinating insight into the history of Ireland and England.
The house was home to several generations of the Lambert family, and its famous guests included Edward Carson - son of Isabella Lambert - and Oscar Wilde. The Lamberts left the house in 1921 and it was later sold to the Land Commission.
In 1974 Michael Kearney, a retired engineer, purchased Castle Ellen and he has attempted to conserve it for future generations and to keep its place in Ireland’s history alive. During National Heritage Week, he is encouraging people to visit Castle Ellen House, wander through the maze and walled garden, and reflect on its connections to our history.
The Castle Ellen open day will take place this Sunday, August 25. Advance booking is required - to book contact Friends of Castle Ellen at 089 2034330 or email [email protected].
