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Villa Nuova, near Caherciveen, Co.Kerry

Villa Nuova, N of Caherciveen (across the bridge), Co.Kerry.
Thought to be built by Dr. James Barry (born 1800).
Unclear when he built it. Possibly 1828. (See letter from Daniel O'Connell below.)
James is living at Caherciveen at his 1st marriage 1833.
He married 2ndly to Honoria Ponsonby in 1857.
"Mrs. Barry" is listed at "Villa Nova" in an item in Kerry Evening Post, March 16, 1864.
Dr. James Barry died there 1873.
His widow Honoria Ponsonby died there 1883.

The house was burnt by the Black and Tans. Whole interior is post-1922.
Still inhabited as at [Houses of Kerry, 1994].
Then fell derelict for some years.
In 2025, Luke Conlan started a project to restore it.
Restoration documented on Villa Nuova YouTube channel. Also on Instagram.

Villa Nuova, N of Caherciveen, on 1887 to 1913 map.

The W gate.
From street view.

Letter from Daniel O'Connell on 30 Apr 1828.
Refers to James Barry buying materials to build a house. This may be Villa Nuova.
From pp.380-381 (letter 1458) of [Correspondence of Daniel O'Connell, vol 3].

First video about the restoration, July 2025.
From Villa Nuova channel.

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References

• VILLA NUOVA in [Houses of Kerry, pp.239-240].