Restoration Works at Clonalis House
Clonalis stands proudly in the heart of Roscommon as a symbol of heritage, resilience, and sanctuary as if driving a deep fissure through variegated seams of time.
Designed by Frederick Cockerell Clonalis House is a fine expression of Victorian Italianate style, it is one of the first concrete houses constructed in Ireland and as the seat of the O’Conor Don family, one of the most historical houses in Ireland. The use of the entrance tower with a pyramidal roof, embellishing pilasters and balconies is representative of the Italian influence that became popular in the mid- nineteenth century. The ruins of one of the ancestral homes of the O’Conor family dating from the late 17th century remains on the estate lost to natures steady growth but a reminder of the continuity of habitation enjoyed by this estate.
Old historic homes require constant love, it is our responsibility to not only preserve them but to honour their history, breathing new life into their very soul and embracing their age. Old homes are so vulnerable these days they can become stripped of their soul, personally we prefer the unspoilt, the age worn steps, the tell-tale stories of the families who lived in them, the patina that comes with lifetimes of families living under their roof. To embrace the nuances of the old is to embrace their warmth and homely allure.
This year alongside every year since we have returned home, we have undertaken preservation works at Clonalis with craftsmen, the gatekeepers to valuable traditional skills that have fallen into decline due to the rise of mass production. And yet, for a sustainable future, there are lessons for us all in the way things were done in the past and to celebrate these skills to keep them alive. These skills are necessary to ensure the continuity of a profound connection to a home and a sense of place, as buildings can hold history embedded within their walls; capturing local vernacular in bricks and mortar.
Its time to look at the old with pride and happiness, to reflect on how far we have come since moving home continuing with a legacy of restoration and breathing new life into a historic home.
We are passionate about the cultural importance of our home and with the invaluable assistance of the National Heritage Council we have carried out extensive restoration projects since returning home over six years ago. In 2019 the entrance porch roof and balustrade was repaired. In 2020 a 30ft long lead roof valley in the single-story roof over the kitchen was addressed. In 2021 the 17th century stables were re-roofed, rotten beams replaced and walls stabilised. In 2022, we re-lead the floor, the balustrades and fit lead weathering to the cornices on each of the 2 bay window projections on the garden front. In 2022, we also restored 9 sash windows (a lot more to go) and leaded a dormer gable with new clipped and welted sheet lead. In 2023 roof repairs were carried out to the central valley and to three mass-concrete chimneys. Ones work is never done, and the restoration will continue with repairs planned to further chimneys (there is a lot of them) this year.
History is woven into the very fabric of our home, as its custodians it brings us joy to be a part of its rich tapestry and pay homage to our heritage. Looking after and caring for these buildings is a privilege, a vocation, one that takes great dedication and one that we remain deeply passionate about.
Carol-Anne O’Conor Nash
