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Lisgordan House, Co.Limerick

Lisgordan House, Lisgordan, Rathronan par, SE of Shanagolden, N of Ardagh, Co.Limerick.
Also spelt "Lisgordon" or "Liscordane" or "Liscordan".

Sources yet to be consulted:
- [Cussen, 1962] says Lisgordan is mentioned in Begley's History of Limerick. But I cannot see any reference.

The "old house" at the back was built perhaps around 1760.
Lisgordan was home of Joseph Donovan (there as at 1799, died 1824).
[Cussen, 1962] says the old house was "a two storey thatched house. It was then slated with very heavy slates."

The "new house" at the front was built perhaps early 1800s.
Lisgordan was home of Dan Donovan (married 1831, died 1876).
[Cussen, 1962] says that "After marrying the Nolan woman" [1831] "Dan Donovan built the new addition".

Lisgordan was home of Michael Donovan (died 1895).
In 1901 census it is listed as having 10 rooms, 5 windows in front of house, with 12 out-buildings.
In 1911 census it is listed as having 8 rooms, 6 windows in front of house, with 8 out-buildings.

Lisgordan House on 1829 to 1842 map.

Lisgordan House on 1887 to 1913 map.

The old house

The old house, at the back on the W side.
This was always called "the old house", indicating Donovan lived in it.
It has fireplaces in it. So it is clearly a building to live in, not a barn or farm building.
Photo 2013. See full size and close up.

The old house (red cross) on 1829 to 1842 map.
Indicates that the new house is not yet fully built.

The old house (red cross) on 1887 to 1913 map.
The new house is fully built.

The old house, E side view.
Photo 2013. See full size and other shot.

Close-up of E side shows unusual window ledge.
Photo 2013. See full size.

The extension to the NE side.
Photo 2013. See full size and other shot.

The old house, W side view.
Photo 2013. See full size.

Very unusual arrowslit windows on the W side.
Could this be built around part of an old castle? Or could these windows be salvaged from some old castle ruin?
There is a ruined castle to the NE of Lisgordan, in Ballyegny. See old map and modern satellite view and street view.
Photo 2013. See full size.

A fireplace inside shows this was a family home.
Photo 2013. See full size.

The new house

Lisgordan House (the new house).
Photo 2013. See full size.