Castlecomer House
Castlecomer House formerly situated at the eastern end of the Castlecomer town, opposite the Demesne itself, was built by Sir Christopher Wandesforde (later Lord Deputy of Ireland) in 1638.
The original house of Castlecomer, which stood for 160 years, was burnt down on June 24th 1798 during a skirmish by rebels. This has subsequently become known as the Battle of Castlecomer.
The second house was built in 1802 by Lady Anne Ormonde upon the site of the older residence. This house was on a far grander scale than the original Wandesforde Manor at Kirklington, and was testament to the success of the Wandesforde enterprise in Ireland. The house itself was described as being castellated in its features, which are built to resemble a fortified castle. This may have come about due to the destruction of the previous house, so making it a more imposing building.
Castlecomer House in 1975
Photograph of Castlecomer House in 1975 in a partially demolished state.
Castlecomer House in 1975
Castlecomer House in 1975
Photograph of Castlecomer House in 1975 in a partially demolished state.
The entrance and lodge to the manor and house itself can still be seen today, and reminds us of what an impressive site the house would have once been. A sweeping avenue with a bridge over the river (formerly part of a moat protecting the house), continuing on to the house with its castellated porch way, gothic style windows and the family coat of arms adorning the outside.
The house had fallen into disrepair by the mid 1970s, and was no longer occupied by the Wandesforde family. The bulk of the building was demolished in 1975, and today nothing at all remains.
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