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Originally Built In
1185
Associated Family Names
Devonshire, Cavendish, Raleigh, Desmond, Boyle, Burlington
Rooms
15
Original Use
Palace
Type of Architecture
Gothic
Location
Lismore, Ireland
Perfect for
Weddings, Family Gatherings, Celebrations, Retreats
Property type
Exclusive Use
Rising from the banks of the Blackwater River, Lismore Castle is the Irish home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire and their family. Lismore is set in the fairytale surroundings of lush woodland, celebrated gardens and a languid river. Step through to a vast hideaway of grand staircases, tapestries and Old Masters – entirely yours for the duration of your stay.
The Irish home of the Dukes of Devonshire for almost three centuries, the castle itself dates back to 1170 and was, more recently, the retreat of Adele Astaire, also known as Lady Charles Cavendish as daughter-in-law of the 9th Duke of Devonshire. Adele’s brother Fred Astaire, Cecil Beaton, Lucian Freud and John F. Kennedy were all drawn to Lismore, and all spent a night or more in this, the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Ireland.
Irish Bishop’s Palace
Built on the site of a 7th century Abbey, the castle was fortified by Prince John (future King of England) in 1185, but continued to be used as the Irish Bishop’s Palace. For much of the medieval period Lismore was in the hands of the Earls of Desmond, and for a short while was owned by Sir Walter Raleigh, who sold the estate to Richard Boyle, 1st Earl of Cork in 1602.
The Earl made Lismore Castle his principal residence and undertook major rebuilding work, transforming it into one of the largest houses in Ireland.
In 1753, Lismore passed to The Earl’s descendant Charlotte and her husband William Cavendish, the future 4th Duke of Devonshire. It has remained in the Devonshire family ever since.
In the 1930s and early 40s, Lord Charles Cavendish (great-uncle of the present Duke) made Lismore his home, along with his wife Adele Astaire. After Charles’s death, Adele made regular visits with her second husband, Kingman Douglass, sometimes bringing her brother Fred. An array of high profile visitors stayed at the castle during the 20th century, including members of the British royal family, film stars, artists, poets and President John F. Kennedy.
Today, Lismore Castle is under the stewardship of the 12th Duke’s son and daughter-in-law, Lord and Lady Burlington.
Exclusively yours for the duration of your visit, the castle is the perfect place for groups of family or friends to enjoy in one of Ireland’s most sought-after and evocative settings. On hand throughout is the family’s personal team, with everyone from the butler, cook and gardener ensuring a warm Irish welcome and a memorable stay.
Lismore Castle and its beautiful grounds create an extraordinary backdrop for special events. Exclusively yours for the duration of your stay, guests can hire Lismore Castle for a wedding or celebration and enjoy the warm Irish welcome the family’s team of private staff are known for.
Despite its long history, this luxury venue in Ireland is now a castle for hire, offering ensuite bathrooms, a cinema room, and much more. Eight to twelve guests can stay in an intimate setting, or up to 27 can be comfortably accommodated for a larger gathering or event.
Relax with a movie in the home cinema, learn to carve with the resident stonemason, or enjoy an evening of traditional Irish entertainment. The team are at your disposal to make your experience at Lismore everything you want it to be.
Lismore Castle, Lismore, Co. Waterford, Ireland
