Barretstown Castle

County Kildare, Ireland

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Barretstown Castle in County Kildare, Ireland, is built on the site of a late 12th-century Anglo-Norman castle and was first mentioned historically in 1547 after the Dissolution of the Monasteries when it was confiscated from the Archbishop of Dublin by the Crown.

The castle was then held by the Eustace family on permanent leases for about two centuries. In the 17th century, it passed to the Borrowes family through marriage, who owned it for over 200 years, with the last family resident being Sir Kildare Borrowes in the early 20th century. After the Borrowes family left in 1918, the estate was purchased by Sir George Sheppard Murray, who converted it into a stud farm and planted many exotic trees on the grounds.

In 1962, the castle was bought by perfume magnate Elizabeth Arden, who renovated and redecorated it extensively. After her death, it was owned by billionaire Garfield Weston, who improved the grounds by adding a large lake.

Today, Barretstown Castle is known not only for its historic architecture blending medieval, romantic, and Gothic styles but also for hosting the Barretstown camp, a special place that provides a therapeutic and fun environment for children with serious illnesses.