Season 3, Episode 3: 26th Sept: Great Irish Interiors – Glenveagh Castle 8.00pm, RTÉ One
Nestled in the heart of Donegal’s Derryveagh Mountains, lies one of Ireland’s most famous mansions; Glenveagh Castle. Sorcha O’Donnell is one of the guides overseeing the care for the iconic castle that has been called home by many colourful characters, from an infamous landlord to an elite art collector. Of the extensive art collection, some paintings are in need of off-site restoration, while the frosty winter weather demands special care for the garden antiquities, including mythological statues shipped from Florence. The house has deep ties to its local community, who have been both scarred and entranced by the residents and famous guests.
Great Irish Interiors Season 3 Overview
Following the success of season one and two of Great Irish Interiors, once again, Moondance Productions have been granted exclusive access to chart a number of historical interior restorations around the country, through the eyes of those involved. Now entering its longest season yet, with an eight-episode run, Great Irish Interiors has broadened its horizons to include the incredibly stunning properties of Northern Ireland.
We follow the teams as they endeavour to return the interiors of these iconic houses and castles 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. They scour records and artefacts as the history of the houses unravel before their eyes. These buildings are frozen in time, a moment encapsulating the immense wealth, stunning craftsmanship and deep-rooted connections of Irish history.
Over the course of each episode, the featured properties grow into a richer and more immersive institution. Paintings are conserved, experts evaluate treasures stowed away and rooms are restored for the public eye. We discover hidden secrets in tandem with the team as they prepare for a new era of visitors.
In this season of Great Irish Interiors we visit Fota House, Castle Ward, Newbridge House, Glenveagh Castle, Florence Court, Malahide Castle, Mount Stewart and Dublin Castle.