Castletown House lands bought by OPW

Ottoline Spearman

The OPW has acquired the lands at the historic Castletown House following a years' long standoff.

The lands in question have been privately owned and, over the years, the OPW has sought to purchase them without success. Most recently, in 2022, the OPW was outbid in a commercial best bids process and the lands remained in private ownership.

Since then, issues around access to the Castletown Estate have arisen and as a result, Castletown House was closed to the public in September 2023.

Deputy Joe Neville, who represents Kildare North, said Wednesday's resolution is a great result, not just for the people of the local area, but for the many visitors to Castletown House from across the country.

Mr Neville said: “This is an end to an issue of access which had a deep impact on the community and all who loved visiting Castletown House.

Mr Neville said that the purchase of the OPW of the 235 acres, in addition to the 227 acres that the OPW already owns, "results in the reunification of the lands at Castletown House".

“This is wonderful news for North Kildare and demonstrates the state’s recognition of the valuable historical significance of this site and amenity for the area.

He said that the next step is to restore the car park at the M4 to ensure visitors can access and visit this site as soon as possible. Work must also be done to ensure the coffee shop reopens and jobs are restored in time for the Christmas season.

Mr Neville said that he will be working closely with the OPW to impose a timeline for all works to be completed.

John Conlon, Chairman of the OPW said: “The benefits will accrue to the local community and visitors to the area for generations to come. I look forward to the OPW re-establishing Castletown House and Estate as a premier heritage attraction to be enjoyed by the people of North Kildare, as well as national and international visitors in the years ahead”.