Historic auction items on show at Slane Castle

A decorative collection of arts and furnishings from Irish country houses have transformed Slane Castle into a set from a period drama.

More than 700 pieces due to go under the hammer on Tuesday at the Co Meath venue have been on display for budding collectors.

Dining chairs, carpets, model boats, paintings and a ceremonial Swedish sleigh are among the lots to be sold at Adam’s Irish Country House Collection Sale. Prices range from €100 up to €30,000.

James O’Halloran, managing director of Adam’s, said visitors at Slane arrive to what almost feels like the set of Downton Abbey.

“Furniture and collectables are displayed to their greatest potential, in period-like interior settings, laid out room by room,” he said.

“Irish country houses and their antique and exotic contents have, for years, been the inspiration and attraction to many people decorating and collecting for their homes.”

Highlights include an Imperial Russian silver Cloisonne spoon given by the Empress Alexandra Fedorovna to the governess of her four princesses, Margaret Alexandra Eagar from Limerick, in 1904.

The Tsarina and her family were later murdered during the Bolshevik Revolution. The spoon could fetch up to €5,000.

The christening robes of a British peer whose father believed he was a teapot are also expected to be sold for €5,000.

The rare satin and silk embroidered suit, pillow, quilt, and bonnets was worn by the fourth Earl of Darnley, John Bligh, in 1767. Bligh was one of seven children of the third Earl of Darnley, also named John Bligh.

Adam’s said the MP for Athboy believed he was a teapot and that his spout could break off in the night.

Elsewhere a bust of Daniel O’Connell, an ornate Irish Georgian giltwood mirror worth up to 25,000 euro, a set of hall chairs from Rokeby Hall, drawing room furniture by the celebrated Dublin cabinet-maker James Hicks, and several items from the estate of Senator Edward McGuire, the former owner of Brown Thomas’, will be auctioned.

Mr O’Halloran added: “Irish colletables continue to command both national and international buyers’ attentions and we expect this year’s auction not to disappoint with the quality and rarity of the items consigned.”