Episode Two: Johnstown Castle (Wexford):
Located just outside Wexford town in Ireland’s sunny south-east, Johnstown Castle is a stunning example of the Gothic revival architecture of the 19th century. It has a long and storied history of Norman invasions, Cromwellian conquests and the First World War.
When the Irish Heritage Trust took over the care of the stunning Johnstown Castle, Co. Wicklow, they could never have imagined the treasures and secrets they were about to reveal. This week on Great Irish Interiors, we join curator Matt Wheeler and his team as he pieces together the castle’s 800-year history, bringing Johnstown into the 21st century.
Series Overview:
After the great reception of the first season on RTÉ – a season that featured Doneraile Court, Kylemore Abbey and Emo Court – Great Irish Interiors is back with seven incredibly exciting properties.
Yet again, Moondance Productions has been granted exclusive access to follow a number of historical interior restorations around the country, through the eyes of those spearheading the projects.
There is huge public interest and curiosity in what once lay behind the doors, and within the walls, of the coveted ‘big house’. With these projects, the team is aiming to give people, young and old, the chance to physically witness the history of the Irish countryside.
We follow the team as they endeavour to return the interiors of these buildings to the condition and style they were in at the height of their glory. With the experts often just working from archives, and very little photographic evidence, they have to be creative, but accurate
Great Irish Interiors will be hitting the road with them, seeking out the furniture, ornaments and priceless artwork that once belonged to these houses. They’ll also travel nationwide to the conservators and experts in their employ to check in on the works being completed.
Great Irish Interiors is unique as it focuses firmly on the interiors. It is all about the chase to source the right artwork, paint and wallpaper and furniture, and reclaiming the special treasures that tell the incredible stories of these Great Irish Interiors.