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Connolly's Folly: A Whimsical Landmark

Discover Connolly's Folly: An 18th-century Irish monument built during famine, blending architectural whimsey with a poignant history of philanthropy.

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Connolly's Folly is a striking 18th-century obelisk located in County Kildare, Ireland. Commissioned by Katherine Conolly, the widow of William Conolly, it provided employment during the famine of 1740-41. The 140-foot structure, adorned with arches, pineapples, and eagles, stands as a testament to both philanthropy and architectural eccentricity.

A brief summary to Connolly's Folly

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the paths around the folly can be uneven.
  • Check the weather forecast before visiting, as the views are best on a clear day.
  • Bring a camera to capture the unique architecture and surrounding landscape.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Celbridge Village, walk towards Castletown House. Enter the grounds and follow the signs for Connolly's Folly, approximately a 20-minute walk. The path is well-marked and offers scenic views of the estate.

  • Public Transport

    Take the C4 or 120 bus from Dublin City Centre to Celbridge. Alight at the stop closest to Castletown House. From there, follow the walking directions to Connolly's Folly. A single bus fare within Dublin is approximately €1.50 - €3.00 with a Leap Card.

  • Taxi

    From Celbridge, a taxi to Connolly's Folly is a short ride. Expect to pay around €10-€17 for the trip, depending on the taxi company and traffic. Taxis are readily available in Celbridge.

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Discover more about Connolly's Folly

Rising from the rolling green landscape of County Kildare, Connolly's Folly is an intriguing monument with a story as unique as its design. This 140-foot-high obelisk, also known as The Obelisk, was constructed in 1740, not as a religious site or defensive structure, but as a testament to both love and charitable intent. Katherine Conolly, the widow of William Conolly, Speaker of the Irish House of Commons and one of the wealthiest men in Ireland, commissioned the folly. Following William's death in 1729, Katherine sought to honor his memory while also providing much-needed employment to the local population during the devastating famine of 1740-41. The structure provided work for the poor of Celbridge during this harsh time. The folly's design, attributed to architect Richard Cassels (also known as Richard Castle), is a captivating blend of arches, stone pineapples, eagles, and a towering obelisk. Pineapples, then a symbol of wealth and affluence, and eagles, representing strength and power, decorate the structure. The monument was intentionally built to be visible from Castletown House, approximately 4 kilometers away, serving as a rear entrance marker to the estate. Over the centuries, Connolly's Folly has become a cherished landmark, embodying a blend of architectural whimsey and poignant history. The Irish Georgian Society undertook restoration efforts in the mid-20th century, and the site is now a national monument under the care of the Office of Public Works. Today, visitors can appreciate this unique structure and reflect on its significance as a symbol of remembrance and community support.

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