Our Story
Carol-Anne O’Conor Nash
THE O’CONOR FAMILY HAVE LIVED ALONG THE BANKS OF THE RIVER SUCK FOR OVER 1500 YEARS...
Now home to the 27th generation of O’Conors since the last High King of Ireland, Clonalis is a real family affair, a home hung with portraits of ancestors, a place of living history with Richard and his wife Carol-Anne taking the custodian helm from Richard’s parents Pyers and Marguerite, who still reside on the estate, and continuing the relaxed and friendly approach that guests have come to love.
It is elegance but without the formality; guests are greeted like old friends and the passion of the owners rubs off on the staff, many of whom have resided at Clonalis for years, delivering genuine, unpretentious, yet impeccable service. A member of Hidden Ireland for over 30 years, the family’s dedication and passion for preserving their history and sharing it with guests are evident the minute you walk through those beautiful front doors.
“From God Every Help”
Our family motto has connected to different objectives over the centuries - be it to serving Ireland and it’s people, charity, justice or education.
The family crest is made up of a sword, arm and crown. The crown stands for royalty, the sword and arm for strength, valour and might in battle. The flag of Connacht also bears the arm and sword of the royal O’Conor clan. They have both served us well and continue to do so as our story unfolds.
THREE GENERATIONS
Under the stewardship of Pyers and Marguerite Clonalis has been sensitively restored over the years and transformed into a cultural highlight in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. As well as opening its doors to guests and the public, Clonalis is also a family home. Three generations of the O’Conor family live in the house and on the Estate working together to continue to restore and maintain a historic home and conserve our diverse natural habitat with an emphasis on sustainability at the core.
A LIVING PLACE
Sculpted over centuries by ancient woodland, gardens and meadows the landscape at Clonalis is both tamed and gently wild. We are committed to building a balanced approach of preserving a historic home through low impact enterprises while conserving the natural environment of our Estate.
