Step Into Living Wicklow History

Pic: David Brannigan

t’s one of Ireland’s most captivating and curious historic buildings, and it just happens to be right on our doorstep.

Situated in sunny Kilpedder, Altidore Castle will be celebrating its 300th birthday soon, and for the month of May, you can step into that deep, absorbing history.

There are also special events happening over the summer, including a Charity Day for Focus Ireland, a free National Biodiversity Week guided walk and a themed tour as part of the upcoming Newtown 1798 Commemorations.

Just in case you actually needed an excuse to go visit this Wicklow wonder.

But first, a little history…

Altidore Castle was built in the 1730s by the Lovett Pearse family. It belonged to several owners – and was even, for a brief period, a tuberculosis sanatorium – before being bought by the Emmet family in 1944.

Exiled from Ireland after Robert Emmet’s 1803 rebellion, the family have lived in Altidore for four generations. They now open the unusual castellated Georgian house for tours across the year, as well as biodiversity walks and other events.

The house will be open for Heritage Week from Saturday August 17th to Sunday August 25th. There are two tours a day at two o clock and four o clock. Tours are done by members of the Emmet family themselves.

The guided house tour comprises several rooms on the ground floor filled with artefacts from both sides of the family and finishes with the Emmet gallery, a collection from the family relating to Robert and Thomas Addis Emmet.

Altidore is very much lived in and combines being a historic house while also a comfortable family home. It is a proud member of Historic Houses of Ireland.

Tours cost €10 per person with a concession rate of €5 for children and students. Tours sell out quickly so, booking is essential, here.

Open 1pm to 5pm daily August 17th to 25th, you can find out more about Altidore Castle on Instagram here and Ye Olde Facebook here, explore some of its history here, and here, its organic farm here, and get in touch directly on email here. More Heritage Week shenanigans here.