Castlecomer Demesne

Castlecomer House , formal gardens

Castlecomer House with formal gardens

Castlecomer House , formal gardens

Castlecomer House with formal gardens

The Wandesforde settlement in Castlecomer followed many themes common to post-Cromwellian consolidation in County Kilkenny. Once both title and security of the land was acquired, they proceeded not only to build a large impressive seat at Castlecomer House but also a suitable setting in the demesne.

Unlike the previous influential families in Kilkenny, the Wandesfordes, along with many of the new owners, primarily stayed at their country seat. Therefore, both the house and surrounding lands had to fulfil a variety of functions. These included entertainment and social events, gardening, arboriculture, and sports such as tennis, hunting and fishing.

The Castlecomer Demesne was situated to the north of the town itself in an area of approximately 180 acres. The land closest to the house consisted of gardens, orchards and tennis courts. The land further out was forested, providing walks and rides around the two artificial fish lakes. These areas were used for fox-hunting.

It was reported by Thomas Comber, great grandson of Lord Deputy Christopher Wandesforde, that Sir Christopher added 'a well, orchards and curious gardens and nay furnishing throughout suitably to his rank'.

The large areas of mature forest are the legacy of Castlecomer Demense. Demesnes such as that at Castlecomer were often the only sites where mature forest survived in pre-Famine Ireland, as over-population lead to the countryside being denuded of trees. The wood was needed for fire and the land was needed to grow potatoes.

At present, the old lands are split between a variety of owners including the Castlecomer Demesne Company, Coillte and Castlecomer Golf Club, as well as private owners. The Castlecomer Demesne Company is actively restoring its holdings.