Russborough rates

FRANK GILES, an editor of The Sunday Times during the ’80s wrote: “The welcome at Russborough was invariably warm. Alfred and Clem, warned no doubt by the sound of the Jaguar’s tyres on the gravel, would be at the ready in the great hall, genuinely delighted by the sight of their guests.”

Giles was one of many illustrious figures to pull up outside Russborough House (Mick Jagger, Jackie Kennedy, Coco Chanel and Fred Astaire were others). And Alfred and Clem were, of course, Lord and Lady Beit — one of the most dashing couples of their day.

Now, I can’t claim to drive a Jaguar. But thanks to the Irish Landmark Trust, which has beautifully restored the Beits’ living quarters at Russborough, I can finally say that I and my family have spent a weekend as guests at a Palladian mansion.