Clanricard's Castle

Portumna House, Co. Galway

Jane Fenlon editor

This richly illustrated book brings together ten essays by experts in the fields of architecture, history, archaeology and art history, each throwing light on a different aspect of the planning, development and features of one of Ireland’s most important seventeenth-century buildings. Portumna House was commissioned by Richard Burke, fourth earl of Clanricard, and this volume also examines his life and career in the context of his place in Irish society and his links with court circles in England. A major campaign of archaeological excavation in the grounds of the house has revealed fascinating insights into the layout and arrangement of the buildings and gardens, while carefully executed architectural conservation works have helped to preserve this significant structure and enhance the visitor experience.

Contributors: Bernadette Cunningham (RIA), Martin Ellis (Birmingham Museums & Art Gallery), Jane Fenlon (UCD), Victorian Ginn (QUB), Mark Girouard (ind.), Andor Gomme (Keele U), Paula Henderson (ind.), Michael McCarthy (UCD), Paul McMahon (OPW), Donald Murphy (ind.), Timothy Wilks (Southampton Solent U).

Jane Fenlon, Humanities Institute of Ireland, University College Dublin, writes and lectures on Irish art and architecture of the 16th and 17th centuries.