Tipp castle is up for heritage award

Knockelly Castle outside Fethard has become the first ever finalist from Tipperary in the Castleacre-Historic Houses of Ireland Heritage Award this week. Three finalists were chosen from a record number of applications this year.

The award, which will be announced on Tuesday, March 24, aims to reward historic houses that have demonstrated a dedicated commitment to preservation, innovation and community engagement.

Knockelly Castle was bought by Jeremy and Sybil Emmet Booth and has been an ambitious restoration project over the past five years. They are also open to the public for lime restoration workshops and many other community events.

Mark Hewlett, Chief Executive Officer of Castleacre Insurance, said “It’s been a privilege to support the work of Historic Houses of Ireland for so many years and to be sponsoring this prize. To ensure their continued survival Ireland’s historic houses must be viable and vital, not just for the families who live in them, but also as an important focus for their communities. This award is designed to celebrate this work and we sincerely hope this award will lead to wider recognition of the extraordinary people who safeguard these unique buildings for Ireland’s future generations.”

The inaugural Castleacre-Historic Houses of Ireland Heritage Award judging panel comprised noted writer and lecturer Robert O’Byrne, architectural historian and conservationist Christopher Moore, and Historic Houses of Ireland External Relations Officer Thomas Emmet.

Robert said “I’m delighted to be once again amongst the adjudicators for this year’s award. The preservation of heritage, and especially private heritage that a family inherits or comes to passionately, has always been a subject close to my heart. Innovation is I believe also hugely significant- imagination and creativity are vital in not only continuing traditional usage but also in the repurposing of buildings so they can have a new life. Community engagement allows houses to be shared with the public and to contribute to the local economy and rural tourism. We have three fantastic finalists this year who exemplify these criteria!”

Sybil Emmet Booth, finalist and resident of Knockelly Castle said “ I cannot believe it! I am delighted to have our work recognised nationally. We are deeply passionate about Knockelly and keeping it going into the next generation, as well as providing a community resource."

The Castleacre-Historic Houses of Ireland Heritage Awards Ceremony will take place on Tuesday, March 24, at the Merrion Hotel in Dublin.