Castle Ellen House: A Glimpse into Irish History

Castle Ellen House, dating back to 1810, was constructed by the Lambert family when their growing family outgrew their original castle. The house is located 2.5 miles from Athenry and 13.5 miles from Galway City. The most famous member of the Lambert family was Edward Carson, known as the architect of Northern Ireland. His mother was Isabella Lambert, and young Edward spent much of his holidays in Castle Ellen. The current owner, Michael Keaney, purchased the then-derelict property in 1974 and has been slowly restoring it to its former grandeur ever since. Michael is maintaining the house as close as possible to the way it was at the end of the 19th century. The house has been home to many artists, sculptors, and poets, and provides an oasis of calm and reflection in the busy modern world. Visitors can explore the house and grounds, relax, and browse around. Castle Ellen is also a venue for social events, such as the annual New Year's Eve Ball and a military ball on St Patrick's Day. Visitors can explore the grounds, admire the architecture, and learn about the history of the house and the Lambert family. The surrounding gardens offer a tranquil escape, with a variety of flora and fauna.