- Virginia Park Lodge joined Historic Houses of Ireland.
- The property is owned by chef Richard Corrigan.
- The estate covers 100 acres on the shores of Lough Ramor.
- Historic Houses of Ireland represents close to 250 houses and estates.
- The gardens are managed without chemicals under botanist Daphne Shackleton.
Virginia Park Lodge in Co Cavan has joined Historic Houses of Ireland alongside properties including Ballyfin Demesne, Bantry House, Castle Leslie, Ballyvolane House and Glin Castle. The 18th-century hunting lodge owned by chef Richard Corrigan has undergone an extensive restoration of the house and its 100-acre estate on the shores of Lough Ramor. The membership recognises a commitment to conservation, sustainability and the preservation of Ireland’s historic houses and gardens.
Historic Houses of Ireland represents and advocates for close to 250 houses, estates and owners across the island. Founded in 2008 the charity supports the future of historic homes, buildings, estates, gardens and archives that remain in private ownership. Members play a role in protecting Ireland’s biodiversity and native habitats with many estates safeguarding parklands and woodlands.
Richard Corrigan acquired the estate in 2014 having married his wife Maria there in 1991. The estate was originally owned by the first Earl of Bective, Lord Headfort, who landscaped the gardens and forestry from his personal collection of plants and trees sourced around the world. The team has planted hundreds of native and speciality trees and replanted the extensive gardens and walled garden. Rare breed Oxford Sandypigs are reared on the grounds and the gardens are managed without chemicals under consultant botanist Daphne Shackleton.
Thomas Emmet shared “Historic Houses of Ireland is delighted to welcome Virginia Park Lodge as a member. We are a growing organisation and Associate Members like Virginia Park Lodge, who take the utmost care with restoration and preservation of the house and gardens and are a community asset and local tourism anchor are a vital part of keeping heritage in private ownership going into the next generation.”
Richard Corrigan shared “I’m honoured to be a custodian of Virginia Park Lodge and to join this incredibly impressive group of properties. The work Justin and the board do behind the scenes is crucial to preserving Ireland’s culture and heritage, and I have long admired their efforts.”
