Clonalis House facts for kids
Clonalis House (Irish: Teach Chluain Mhalais) is a very old and important house in Castlerea, County Roscommon, Ireland. It's the family home of the O'Conor Don family. This family is special because they are direct descendants of ancient Irish kings, including Cathal Crobhdearg Ua Conchobair, who was a King of Connacht. He was also the younger brother of Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair, who was the very last High King of Ireland!
Contents
Clonalis House: A Historic Irish Home
Clonalis House is more than just a large home; it's a living piece of Irish history. It has seen many important events and holds many secrets from the past. It stands as a symbol of a family that has been part of Ireland's story for centuries.
Who Lives at Clonalis House?
The O'Conor Don family has lived at Clonalis House for a very long time. They are direct descendants of the ancient kings of Connacht, one of the old kingdoms of Ireland. This means their family line goes all the way back to powerful rulers who shaped Ireland's past. Imagine living in a house that has been in your family for so many generations, connected to such important historical figures!
Building Clonalis House
The house you see today was built in 1878. It was designed by an architect named Frederick Pepys Cockerell. The family decided to build a new house because their older home on the same spot often got damaged by floods. The new Clonalis House was made using a strong material called mass concrete. Its design mixes different styles, including Italianate and Queen Anne Style architecture. This gives the house a unique and grand look.
Clonalis House and Irish History
Clonalis House has been part of some exciting and challenging times in Irish history. During the Irish Civil War, which was a conflict in Ireland in the early 1920s, the house was even occupied by a group called the Irish Republican Army. Later, it was shelled and taken over by forces from the new Irish Free State. This shows how important and central the house was to events happening in Ireland at the time.
A Treasure Trove of History
One of the most amazing things about Clonalis House is its huge collection of historical items. The O'Conor Don family has kept a massive archive and library there. It holds about 100,000 books and documents! This makes Clonalis House a very valuable place for studying Irish history. It's like a giant time capsule, filled with stories and information from centuries ago. Researchers and historians often visit to learn from these precious records.
