After looking round the IMMA for a couple of hours I was starting to feel a little “arted out” – I’d spent the day before in Galleries too, in Liverpool – and needed some fresh air. So I decided to drive over to the Castletown estate, about half an hour’s drive from Kilmainham and not far off my route to Naas, to take a walk around the estate. I’d been there before – I was surprised to find it was almost 4 years ago when I checked. Castletown House is notable as it was the first Palladian style house in Ireland, built between 1722 and 1792 for William Conolly, who was the Speaker of the Irish House of Commons. During my previous visit I’d looked around the house, but this time I wanted to take a turn around the grounds – a relatively easy walk. In any case, the house was closed for the winter and was only due to open in March.
The car park was packed but I managed to find a space in a layby on the main drive and set out for a stroll. It had been bright and sunny, though quite windy in Dublin, but the cloud had come in by the time I arrived at Castletown. But it was still pleasant enough for a walk. Plenty of other people, including quite a few families with children, had the same idea. It’s a relatively easy walk as the grounds are quite flat and I managed a couple of circuits, stopping briefly for a coffee at the cafe in the house’s west pavilion.
The Liffey, Dublin’s river, flows through the grounds
Down by the Dougie 
Interesting place.
It is. There are a lot of old, grand houses in Ireland that were built for the Anglo-Irish aristocracy
I’d like to live in the gatehouse.
A lot of character. Bet it would be cold and draughty though 😉
I’ve discovered that You can stay in it! It’s owned by the Irish Landmark Trust and you can rent it https://www.irishlandmark.com/property/batty-langley-lodge/
How exciting! I shall investigate forthwith!
I used to enjoy a stroll around stately home gardens when the kids were small (we were NT members) but once they grew up and got bored with such things we don’t tend to that any more. This one looks like a great place for a gentle walk
It’s an easy walk but was a convenient break on my way from Dublin to Naas. Good to stretch the legs and clock up a few miles – still way behind schedule for my 1000 mile target ☹️
Well that was a worthy walk and stretch, beautiful photos again!
Yes, indeed. A good breath of fresh air!