Clonalis House

Clonalis House Clonalis House in Castlerea, Co. Roscommon is the ancestral home of the O' Connors of Connacht. Please visit www.clonalishouse.com for more info.
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The present day Clonalis dates back to 1878 but the expansive parkland which surrounds the House has been in the possession of the family for over 1500 years and regarded by many as a last remnant of the Kingdom of Connacht. A late Victorian Italiante residence, Clonalis is widely regarded as one of the most historic of Ireland's Great Houses. The O' Conor family as Kings of Ireland and members of

parliament for Roscommon have played a pivotal role in Ireland's history - from the early warrior Kings, founders of Castles and Abbeys to the present family, custodians of a vast array of heirlooms, artefacts and documents including the coronation stone of the Kings of Connacht and the harp of O' Carolan the Bard. No visit to Ireland would be complete without visiting Clonalis House and many historical sites in area.

Thank you to all of our wonderful guests, wonderful suppliers and most of all our wonderful team. The house is now close...
30/09/2024

Thank you to all of our wonderful guests, wonderful suppliers and most of all our wonderful team.
The house is now closed for the season while our cottages remain open all year round.
Every guest is special to us and we are grateful for everyone who chooses to stay with us. We are privileged to have a little hand in helping other people make special memories.
We are off on a family walk and look forward to welcoming more cottage guests new and old on our return.

September fattens on vines.Roses flake from the wall. The smoke of harmless fires…This is plenty. This is more than enou...
15/09/2024

September fattens on vines.
Roses flake from the wall.
The smoke of harmless fires…
This is plenty. This is more than enough.
September Song by Geoffrey Hill

Dawns are for exploring poetic landscapes on foot, returning to a delicious breakfast by the fire. Clonalis, where holidays are done just right.

Tours are now finished for the season. We have enjoyed sharing the rich tapestry that is the history of our home, Clonal...
01/09/2024

Tours are now finished for the season. We have enjoyed sharing the rich tapestry that is the history of our home, Clonalis. We especially love hearing the stories from the many people visiting, who worked and lovingly cared for Clonalis in the past or their ancestors down through the centuries.
Your connection to this special place reminds us that we are all bound together by the history, beauty and memories of our surroundings. We know that these people have and will continue to be an important part of the story that is Clonalis.
Photo of Mr Gaffrey the beloved gamekeeper at Clonalis.

Group tours can be booked directly until the end of September.

“I think of life itself now as a wonderful play that I’ve written for myself, and so my purpose is to have the utmost fu...
18/08/2024

“I think of life itself now as a wonderful play that I’ve written for myself, and so my purpose is to have the utmost fun playing my part.”
Shirley MacLaine 1934.

Deep summer and Clonalis is a secluded utopia. Trade the daily noise far from the madding crowd for bird song,
roam for miles or sit for hours. Start your romance with Clonalis …..it’s a hard place to leave.
Head to the link in our bio to secure your stay.

CLONALIS HOUSE TOURS: National Heritage Week Take a step back through time this  and experience the rich history of Clon...
15/08/2024

CLONALIS HOUSE TOURS: National Heritage Week

Take a step back through time this and experience the rich history of Clonalis House.
Discover the interiors of the reception rooms and fascinating stories of the O’Conor family who have called Clonalis home for generations. Immerse yourself in the heritage of one of Ireland’s oldest families.
To celebrate we have discounted tours from 17th to 25th August that can be booked online on our website www.clonalishouse.com

Rich in charm and character our cottages promise a memorable getaway… a place for belonging. While loved ones whip up cu...
11/08/2024

Rich in charm and character our cottages promise a memorable getaway… a place for belonging.

While loved ones whip up culinary delights with supplies from the local deli as the little ones sit cross legged at the kitchen table with sun creamed hands reaching for watermelon wedges and eagerly mopping up the good olive oil with stalks of fresh sourdough. The only quandary deciding what to tuck into next! Create unforgettable memories as you gather with family and friends sharing stories, laughter and warmth. Savour the moment.

“… but tonight I am content.Nothing more than an empty house, the warm haziness from a day spent setting strawberry runn...
03/08/2024

“… but tonight I am content.
Nothing more than an empty house, the warm haziness from a day spent setting strawberry runners in the sun, a glass of cool sweet milk, and a shallow dish of blueberries bathed in cream….
At times like this I’d call myself a fool to ask for more.”
Sylvia Plath

Clonalis, where the verdant grounds unfold like a story book, lending themselves to sipping good wine, living on country time and where leisurely days reign supreme.
Where you learn to stop and truly observe reminding us that luxury exists in uncomplicated pleasures.
Book a stay for a true escape.

CLONALIS HOUSE TOURS On a tour of our beloved Clonalis, let our guide take you on a 1,500 year old journey of history an...
29/07/2024

CLONALIS HOUSE TOURS

On a tour of our beloved Clonalis, let our guide take you on a 1,500 year old journey of history and heritage and the part the family played in Irish political and social life.
Tours are Monday to Saturday and finish on August 31st this season. Tours can be booked online on our website www.clonalishouse.com

Sounds like a great day out, planned at Ballintubber Heritage weekend tomorrow!
26/07/2024

Sounds like a great day out, planned at Ballintubber Heritage weekend tomorrow!

Looking forward to welcoming all the Street Stalls to our Heritage event tomorrow in Ballintubber Village, a beautiful selection of hand-made crafts and products will be available to purchase. See list of crafters and stall on the poster, shop local in support of small local businesses 😀

Castlerea.ie Roscommon County Council Castles in Communities Kenny's Bar Ballintubber Garveys Bar Castlerea Community School Roscommon Heritage News & Info Ballintubber Development Association Ballintubber St Patrick's Day Parade St Croans GAA & LGFA Roscommon Leader Partnership Roscommon Public Participation Network Roscommon Town History & Heritage Roscommon Herald TidyTowns Ireland Roscommon People Roscommon Tidy Towns Ballinlough/Granlahan Heritage Group Clonalis House

Our cottages inspire slow living. Where days are marked by indulgent mornings with lazy lie ins, steaming coffees and mo...
14/07/2024

Our cottages inspire slow living.
Where days are marked by indulgent mornings with lazy lie ins, steaming coffees and morning strolls.
Where the orchard walls have seen many a late summer alfresco supper sparking deep conversation, listening to the birds, sipping wine and star gazing.
Cottages made for sharing …… so come one, come all, gather for a holiday with family and friends what awaits is an entanglement of honest - to - goodness good vibes.

10/07/2024

“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.”
Audrey Hepburn
My mother’s garden, created and planted by her own hands within a walled Orchard. Utter heaven….

When you realise the real luxuries in life are slow mornings, being with the people you love, time, homemade food, learn...
07/07/2024

When you realise the real luxuries in life are slow mornings, being with the people you love, time, homemade food, learning, quiet moments, good sleep, time in nature, watching the sunset and enjoying a hot cup of coffee.
Clonalis, leave with your cup full….

The Farm at Clonalis was originally established as part of the estate in the 17th century and in January 2023 the farm e...
02/07/2024

The Farm at Clonalis was originally established as part of the estate in the 17th century and in January 2023 the farm entered a 2 year conversion phase to full organic status.

Early societies understood the need to nurture and look after the soil, as well as harvest from it. “To be a successful farmer one must first know the nature of the soil,” said Xenophon the Ancient Greek philosopher.

At Clonalis, we are privileged to be so connected to the land that surrounds us. On our farm the manures from the cattle are returned to the soils as a natural fertiliser and a source of rich organic matter. Our Aberdeen Angus cattle are grazed extensively to maintain the grass and return the nutrients, not only does that mean exceptional quality meat, but as they graze they help us regenerate the land, a key part of our circular farming system. These well tempered, hardy and inquisitive cattle lead a happy life spending two thirds of the year grazing on the estates pasture. When winter comes they move to large straw filed barns to be fed silage over the winter.

Soil, of course, is where it all begins and ends.

To read the words of my father in law Pyers on the proud tradition of farming at Clonalis please click the link here: https://bit.ly/4eLTUxF

30/06/2024

Clonalis, a place where staying in is just as tempting as venturing out. While the surrounding landscape invites exploration, the comfort of the library makes a slow afternoon spent drinking tea and devouring home baked treats is just as compelling.
To book an unforgettable stay visit our website www.clonalishouse.com

CLONALIS HOUSE TOURS Roscommon Abbey was founded in 1253 by Felim O’Conor, King of Connacht, the son of the famed Cathal...
26/06/2024

CLONALIS HOUSE TOURS

Roscommon Abbey was founded in 1253 by Felim O’Conor, King of Connacht, the son of the famed Cathal Crobhdearg.
The O’Conors already had a fortified residence on Loughnaneane in Roscommon town and Roscommon had been an important religious centre since at least the 8th century. The building is a fine example of a Dominican priory and by patronising a new reforming religious order Felim could be seen as enhancing his reputation as a modernising sovereign.

The tomb of the priory’s founder Felim O’Conor is located at the eastern end of the church. This position, close to the Hight Altar, was the most prestigious burial place in the church. It was also an enduring reminder of the generosity of the founder.
Felim is protrayed in his effigy as a king, being dressed in a long robe, holding a royal wand of office or a fleur-de-lys headed sceptre. His left arm is doubled up from the elbow and his left hand holds a crucifix or reliquary suspended from the neck by a chain. Felim’s feet rest on either a dog or lion curled up in a sleeping position. (Text by Brian Shanahan and Kieran O’Conor) 📷

Have you added a tour of Clonalis house and its ancient O’Conor and Ireland’s history to your bucket list yet 🏰 ? Plan a visit and book a tour on our website this summer. Tours are Monday to Saturday until August 31st.

Check out “Invasion – The Normans” on RTE player which is a recent 2 part documentary exploring the 12th century Anglo N...
19/06/2024

Check out “Invasion – The Normans” on RTE player which is a recent 2 part documentary exploring the 12th century Anglo Norman invasion of Ireland. Episode 1 highlights the provincial Kings vie for supremacy. Episode 2 shows what faced our ancestor Rory O’Conor the last High King of Ireland in 1170 as he fought to stop Strongbow’s invasion of Ireland.

To learn the fascinating history of the O’Conor family, you can take a tour of our historic home from Friday June 21st -August 31st, Monday to Saturday. Tours to be booked on our website www.clonalishouse.com

Documentary series exploring the 12th-century Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland. Episode one opens in the turmoil of 12th century Ireland, where provincial ki...

CLONALIS HOUSE TOURS Discover the beauty and history of Clonalis, learn the storied history of the O’Conor family the la...
16/06/2024

CLONALIS HOUSE TOURS

Discover the beauty and history of Clonalis, learn the storied history of the O’Conor family the last High Kings of Ireland as you journey into the past on a guided tour of the reception rooms of our Victorian Home.
Tours to be pre-booked on our website and start from Friday June 21st - August 31st Monday to Saturday on www.clonalishouse.com

What to get the man who wants nothing but does so much, to show your appreciation this Father’s Day? With Sunday June 16...
12/06/2024

What to get the man who wants nothing but does so much, to show your appreciation this Father’s Day?
With Sunday June 16th fast approaching give the gift of a stay at Clonalis to delight your dad, your husband, your father figure, your partner, or yourself this Father’s Day.
We’ve got all the ingredients for a restful stay…
For gifting made easy book a stay directly with us or purchase a gift voucher on our website. www.clonalishouse.com

“The days may come, the days may goBut still the hands of memory weave.The blissful dreams of long ago.”George Cooper 18...
09/06/2024

“The days may come, the days may go
But still the hands of memory weave.
The blissful dreams of long ago.”
George Cooper 1887
With warmer days promised and as the estate reaches its verdant best beckoning for time spent outdoors, escape to the countryside and take a little time at our self-catering cottages.
Watch as the kids play together on the expansive lawn perfect for games as the adults sip a chilled bottle of rosé eating alfresco under a blanket of stars.
To book your next country escape visit our website www.clonalishouse.com
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National Biodiversity Week at ClonalisIreland’s natural heritage is an integral part of our national inheritance forming...
19/05/2024

National Biodiversity Week at Clonalis

Ireland’s natural heritage is an integral part of our national inheritance forming part of our sense of identity. Observing and listening to nature creates a special connection to, and understanding of, the land of our ancestors which is at the heart of Clonalis. The land around Clonalis is sustainably managed with the emphasis on biodiversity and nature preservation. Our forestry and meadows are an important habitat for wildlife, this year we have planted more native hedgerows which are an active support for biodiversity, creating a food source, shelter and corridors for insects, birds, and small animals.

We are hopeful in the year ahead to regenerate our woodland, planting native Irish trees to sustain the natural habitat as part of our commitment to care for the environment. Simply put a healthy woodland is the provider of both the shelter and the larder for all the wildlife that lives in it.
The landscape around Clonalis has a delicate ecosystem and we are mindful of all the areas even if some areas may appear to be wild, they are left to nature, protected for future generations of visitors and wildlife alike. “Natural (wild) resources management” may reduce short term productivity in the agricultural context, but increases biodiversity, reduces erosion inducing biomass formation and gives nature the opportunity to take charge allowing the habitat to reawaken in entirely natural ways. Sustainability is at the core of what we do, restoring and maintaining our historic family home, preserving our rare and natural habitat is just some of the practices that we endeavour to fulfil. By Carol-Anne O’Conor Nash To read the words of my father in law Pyers O’Conor Nash on the preservation of nature and biodiversity at Clonalis, please click here: https://bit.ly/4atxOgi

Burrowed in the beauty of Clonalis Estate our self- catering cottages offer the perfect getaway to slow down. From a mor...
12/05/2024

Burrowed in the beauty of Clonalis Estate our self- catering cottages offer the perfect getaway to slow down. From a morning walk through our native woodland with bluebells swaying in the zephyr and the kind of birdsong that puts the world to right. Followed by lazy lunches at the local cafe and maybe an afternoon tennis tournament to grease the knees.
Come evening, open the pinot, light the fire and relax….

CLONALIS HOUSE TOURS- WELCOME TO OUR HOME The O’Conor family have been living in this corner of the world for over 1,500...
05/05/2024

CLONALIS HOUSE TOURS- WELCOME TO OUR HOME

The O’Conor family have been living in this corner of the world for over 1,500 years and today 3 generations of the family live on the estate.
Our guided house tours invite you to learn the stories of one of Irelands oldest families as their fascinating lives are brought to life by the wonderfully preserved heirlooms and documents in each of the main formal rooms of Clonalis House.
Pre-booked GROUP guided tours can be booked from April to September by contacting us on [email protected] With guided tours available from June 21st to August 31st Monday to Saturday that can be booked on our website.

Furry greetings 🐾 from Bailey on National Pet Day!If there was a day to plan an escape with your faithful companion in t...
11/04/2024

Furry greetings 🐾 from Bailey on National Pet Day!
If there was a day to plan an escape with your faithful companion in tow, today must be it. Our pet friendly self-catering cottages are paw-perfectly positioned within the grounds of Clonalis Estate with plenty of space and lots of local walks for dog friendly adventures - a stay to set the tails wagging!
Keep an eye out for Bailey he is super friendly and is always happy to recommend a favourite walk or two.
Be warned: arms can get very tired from throwing the ball for Bailey…

Address

Castlerea
Roscommon

Opening Hours

Monday 11am - 4pm
Tuesday 11am - 4pm
Wednesday 11am - 4pm
Thursday 11am - 4pm
Friday 11am - 4pm
Saturday 11am - 4pm

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