Mount Leader House

One of the benefits of holy well exploration is that you stumble upon other unexpected pleasures. This is Mount Leader House, built in 1833, empty since the 1970s and now an imposing if melancholy pile. I'm entering it for the CB Architecture challenge for one of the amazing things about Ireland is the sheer number of grand houses just crumbling in the countryside. Most were built during the Protestant Ascendency in the 18th and 19th centuries and were often vast and ridiculously opulent. Many were burnt by the IRA during the Civil War in the 1920s, whilst others became just too expensive to maintain and either the roof was taken off or they were just left to deteriorate. This ruin with its fine porticoed entrance has amazing views out across the estate, still impressive with a lake and huge trees. Behind the house are the remains of extensive stabling, kennels, and a walled garden. Frustratingly I haven't been able to find the census returns for 1911 for I'm sure there would have been an army of servants catering for the needs of the family. The last occupant was a Jerome Pomeroy, a vet.

Kilmacoo Holy Well

Hope normal service will resume next week.