Inside life at Ireland’s castles: Blackwater, Birr and Glin owners share their stories

From North Cork to Limerick and Offaly, three families reveal the passion, challenges and legacy of living in Ireland’s castles

Alicia Clements, Daughter of the Earl of Rosse at Birr Castle. Pic. Brian Arthur

Banquets, candlelight, turrets, and princesses — castles are the epitome of romance and fairytales. But they can also mean draughty rooms, leaky roofs, inadequate heating, and endless costly maintenance.

“You have to be an idealistic lunatic to take on a castle,” laughs Patrick Nordstrom, the owner and custodian of Blackwater Castle in North Cork. “But you also need to be very realistic and have a strong concept of how it will work for itself.”