31st Oct: Great Irish Interiors – Ormond Castle 8.00pm, RTÉ One
Joined on to an earlier medieval riverside castle, Ormond Castle is the finest example of an Elizabethan manor house in Ireland. Built in 1565 by Thomas, 10th Earl of Ormond, in honour of his distant cousin Queen Elizabeth, the castle has since undergone significant conservation and preparation for a new era of visitation. While tapestries have been sourced and plasterwork mended, photographs and architectural details provide invaluable insight into the functions of each room and life within the walls, complimented by the discovery of original poetry from the time.
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 Ormond Castle.