Drimbawn House

Overview

Perched on a gentle slope above Lough Mask, Drimbawn House operates as both a private hunting lodge and one of County Mayo’s most carefully restored historic gardens. Access is strictly by appointment, a policy that preserves the estate’s quiet atmosphere and allows visitors to explore the grounds at a relaxed pace. The property’s appeal lies in its layered landscape: a formal Victorian walled garden gives way to sweeping lawns, a developing arboretum, and a collection of thirty-five heritage apple varieties. Beyond the cultivated beds, the terrain transitions into fern-carpeted woodlands, a lush bog garden, and a micro-climate ‘Jungle’ housing exotic New Zealand flora.

History & Architecture

The lodge was commissioned between 1855 and 1856 by the Honourable Catherine Plunket and originally named Lough Mask Cottage. Dublin architect Patrick Byrne designed the building as a sporting retreat, deliberately orienting it to capture panoramic views across the lake and the distant mountain ranges. The structure is built from distinctive ruby-coloured sandstone, softened by sheer limestone dressings, flush quoins, and a hipped slate roof topped with ornate cement chimneystacks. A symmetrical breakfront anchors the façade, while a later extension (1911–1913) expanded the interior footprint.

Inside, original Victorian craftsmanship remains largely intact. Visitors touring the lodge can observe carved timber door surrounds, six-over-six sash windows, and Classical-style chimneypieces crafted from cut-black and cut-white marble. The ceilings feature run-moulded plasterwork crowned by acanthus-detailed roses, preserving the artistic intent of the mid-19th-century build.

The Gardens & Grounds

The estate’s grounds were originally laid out in the mid-1800s by Ninian Niven, the first Curator of Dublin’s Botanic Gardens, for Bishop Plunkett. After decades of decline, the current owners launched a comprehensive restoration in 2001 under landscape designer Daphne Shackleton. The project has revived the garden’s Victorian character while introducing modern horticultural techniques.

The landscape is divided into distinct zones:

• The Walled Garden – The most developed area, featuring gravel paths, sweeping lawns, and a dense planting scheme of perennials, climbers, and flowering shrubs. A dedicated organic vegetable plot supplies fresh produce for the house.
• Terrace & Pleached Hedging – A paved stone terrace overlooks the lower gardens, framed by neatly pleached hedges that channel sightlines toward the lake.
• Apple Orchard & Arboretum – The orchard maintains thirty-five heritage apple varieties, serving as a living archive of Irish pomology. Adjacent to it, an arboretum is slowly taking shape with specimen trees selected for their structural form and seasonal interest.
• Propagation Area – A working nursery space where tropical fruits, seedlings, and experimental cuttings are cultivated before being moved into the main garden.
• Woodland & Bog Garden – Higher up the slope, the terrain becomes more naturalistic. Ferns and spring bulbs carpet the woodland floor, while a nearby bog garden supports moisture-loving species adapted to Mayo’s wet climate.
• The ‘Jungle’ – A recent addition that uses sheltered micro-climates to grow a small but striking collection of New Zealand plants, offering a subtle exotic contrast to the native landscape.

Notable Residents & Local History

Drimbawn House has passed through several prominent families, each leaving a mark on the estate. In the late 19th century, it became the country home of Sir Richard Bolton McCausland, and later the residence of Lieutenant-Colonel John McDonnell.

The property’s most famous resident was actor Robert Shaw (1927–1978), best known for his roles in Jaws and From Russia With Love. Shaw lived at Drimbawn between 1971 and 1978, during which time he commissioned a nine-hole golf course on the grounds and became an integrated part of the local community. A memorial stone on the Lough Mask shore, erected in 2008, marks his lasting connection to Tourmakeady.

The estate also sits at the edge of a pivotal moment in Irish history. During the Irish War of Independence, the property’s gate served as a strategic position for the IRA during the Tourmakeady Ambush on 3 May 1921. The exchange of fire that unfolded that day resulted in the deaths of three RIC officers, adding a sobering historical layer to the otherwise tranquil setting.

Planning Your Visit

Because Drimbawn House remains a private residence, all visits must be arranged in advance. The garden is accessible from April through September, with two public open days held annually and coordinated through the Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland (RHSI).

• Contact: Head Gardener Frank Steffens
• Phone: +353 87 775 0107
• Email: frank.f.steffens@gmail.com
• Admission: Free for current RHSI members upon presentation of a membership card. Other visitors should confirm any applicable fees when booking.
• Parking: On-site parking is available for arranged visits, but space is limited. Confirm arrangements when you contact the head gardener.

Nearby Attractions & Visiting Tips

The estate is located just outside the village of Tourmakeady, in the heart of the South Mayo Gaeltacht. The surrounding landscape offers excellent opportunities for walking, angling, and exploring Mayo’s inland waterways. Ballycroy National Park lies to the north, providing extensive blanket bog and pine forest trails, while the western shore of Lough Mask offers quieter scenic routes away from the main tourist trails.

• Best time to photograph: Late afternoon light brings out the warm tones of the sandstone walls and creates strong reflections on the lake surface.
• What to wear: Gravel paths and the woodland sections can be uneven. Sturdy walking shoes or boots are recommended.
• Seasonal highlights: Late spring delivers peak blooms in the walled garden, while autumn is ideal for viewing the apple orchard and sampling heritage varieties.
• Accessibility: The sloping terrain and naturalistic woodland paths are not wheelchair-accessible. Contact the head gardener in advance if you have specific mobility requirements.

Booking a visit to Drimbawn House requires a bit of planning, but the reward is a quiet, unhurried walk through a garden that balances Victorian design with contemporary horticultural care. Make sure to request your appointment well ahead of your Mayo itinerary, and ask the head gardener about the current apple harvest dates when you book.