Overview
Harristown House sits on 700 acres of river‑bordered demesne in the western foothills of the Wicklow Mountains, near Punchestown in County Kildare. The estate blends Georgian architecture, Victorian restoration, and a richly landscaped garden that stretches along the River Liffey. Visitors can wander through the house’s opulent rooms, explore the walled garden, and enjoy the surrounding woodlands that are home to deer, songbirds and a variety of native flora.
History
The original house was commissioned in the late 18th century by John La Touche, a member of the prominent Huguenot‑origin La Touche family who were instrumental in Irish banking and philanthropy. Designed by the little‑known architect Whitmore Davis, the Georgian neo‑classical mansion featured a seven‑bay façade, an Ionic porch and full‑height bow windows overlooking the river.
A fire in 1901 destroyed much of the interior. The High Victorian architect James Franklin Fuller rebuilt the house, removing the upper storey but preserving the external grandeur. In 1946 Major Michael Beaumont and his wife Doreen acquired the estate and embarked on a major restoration programme. They introduced furnishings from their former home at Wotton, Buckinghamshire, and installed a rare 17th‑century Chinese wallpaper and Tudor paneling, giving the interior a unique eclectic character.
The La Touche family’s legacy extends beyond finance. John La Touche, a devout Baptist, built a church, manse and school at Brannockstown and even demolished the nearby Portlester Castle to reuse its stone. The house also hosted the celebrated Victorian writer and art critic John Ruskin, who fell in love with Rose La Touche, a precocious daughter of the family. Their ill‑fated romance adds a romantic footnote to the house’s storied past.
Today the Beaumont family continues to care for the estate, balancing agricultural activity with heritage tourism. The house is also promoted as a film location, offering a dramatic backdrop of Georgian symmetry and Victorian interiors for productions seeking authentic Irish settings.
What to See & Do
- Guided House Tours – A half‑hour guided tour takes visitors through the double‑height front hall into the library, drawing‑room, dining‑room and other reception spaces. Highlights include mahogany doors, inlaid floors, French and Italian furniture, and the striking Chinese wallpaper that lines one of the upstairs chambers.
- The Walled Garden and Cottage Walk – Restored in the 1940s, the walled garden offers a tranquil stroll among mature fruit trees, herb borders, and a small cottage that once housed estate staff. Seasonal plantings provide colour from spring through autumn.
- River Liffey Walks – The demesne’s riverside path provides scenic views of the Liffey and the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains, ideal for a quiet pause or a picnic.
- Wildlife Spotting – The extensive woodlands are a haven for red‑deer, badgers and a chorus of songbirds. Early morning visits often reveal deer grazing near the riverbank.
- Film Location Tours – While the house is regularly hired for film and television, occasional open‑day events allow visitors to glimpse the sets and learn about the production process.
- Special Events – Harristown House is available for family celebrations, meetings, and garden workshops. Seasonal open days often feature local craftspeople and historical reenactments.
Practical Information
The house opens to the public for a limited season each year. Opening dates, times and the closed‑Thursday policy are summarised in the table below.
| Season | Dates | Opening Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | 3 May – 27 May | 10:00 – 14:00 |
| Autumn | 5 Sept – 29 Sept | 10:00 – 14:00 |
The house is closed on Thursdays throughout the season. Group visits should be arranged in advance.
Admission – Admission fees are not listed on the official site; visitors are advised to contact the house directly for current pricing.
Contact & Booking
- Phone: +353 45 483 614
- Email: hwbeaumont@gmail.com
- Website: www.harristownhouse.ie
Accessibility – No specific accessibility information is provided on the website.
Getting There – Harristown House is located near the village of Brannockstown, a short drive from the M7 motorway. Parking is available on the estate grounds for visitors arriving by car. The nearest town centre is Kildare (approximately 8 km), and the house can be reached by local bus services to Kildare followed by a short taxi ride.
Nearby Attractions
While exploring Harristown House, consider adding a few of County Kildare’s other highlights to your itinerary:
- Donadea Forest Park – A 2 km woodland walk with historic ruins and a lake.
- Carbury – Hilltop ruins and panoramic views over the surrounding countryside.
- Carton House – Grand country house set in a 1,200‑acre estate, now a luxury hotel and golf resort.
- Castletown House – Ireland’s largest Palladian mansion, with extensive gardens and a visitor centre.
- Great Connell Priory – Impressive medieval ruins set beside the River Liffey.
These sites are all within a 30‑minute drive, making Harristown House an excellent base for a day of heritage and nature in Kildare.