Belvedere House and Gardens

Now that I’m here I enthusiastically continue to seek out events, walks and the unusual on a weekly basis – and plan for them.  On my list was the Belvedere House and Gardens.  Fortunately for us, it’s only a 45-minute drive away, so we were able to plan our trip on a good weather day (meaning mostly dry).

As it turns out, this is one of my favorite locations (so far).  The house and gardens are on the banks of Lough Ennell. The house, and terraces, are nicely positioned for full enjoyment of lake views. The house is impressive from a distance, but actually rather small once you get closer. I think this house could have been wonderful in its time.  The house yes, but not so much the history and original owner. I believe his 2nd wife still haunts the house.  It’s a sorted, sad and yet interesting tale.  All original furnishings were sold off years ago.

Mary Molesworth

Long story short - The house was built in 1740 as a hunting lodge by Robert Rochfort, 1st Earl of Belvedere.  Turns out he was not a nice man and was nicknamed ‘the wicked earl’.  After hearing the history, I believe he was rather a ludicrous little prick who spent his life and wealth trying to attain more distinction. After his 1st wife died of smallpox (1731) he married Mary Molesworth at the age of 16. She was young & popular and did not care for Robert, but turns out her father did not believe she was really his daughter and was glad to be rid of her, married her off to Robert. Poor Mary. Initially they lived at Gaulstown House with their 4 children, but Robert spent little time there, tired of family life and eventually became estranged after 8 years of marriage. He accused Mary of adultery and virtually imprisoned her in their home for 31 years without her children (they were allowed to visit occasionally). The story of Mary was one of the great Irish social scandals of the 18th century. After wicked earl died, Mary’s children freed her.  For more details of the story read HERE .

Jealous Wall

In addition to the house and landscaped grounds there are three ‘follies’ on the property. The Jealous Wall, the Gothic Arch and Octagonal Gazebo. (I’d never heard of a folly until I came here).  Robert had more money than he knew what to do with and his jealousy & ego was monumental.  He built the wall in such a location to block the view of his house from his brother who lived across the way.  The Jealous Wall is boasted to be the largest and most spectacular folly in Ireland.  The Arch is at the back of the property and frames the house.  The gazebo was never finished inside, served no purpose -but boasted of fine lake views – you see nothing but big trees now.  So three large, impressive structures that still do little to nothing but impress tourists today.

The Walled Garden is small and nicely cared for by many volunteering horticulture students. 

Walking along a path we came upon a rustic old tree house with a very small rope swing, over a very small creek.  Could not resist, and we each took a turn crossing the raging river.

There is a fairy garden as well.  At the time, it was filled with children’s laughter. I believe the Irish are certain of the little folk and do everything they can to make life good for them, otherwise they may become objects to their pranks.  Such is the feel of fairy gardens here.

PHOTO ALBUM