Cork County Council has today (15th December 2010) agreed terms for the purchase of Mallow Castle and Grounds.
Independent Cllr. John Paul O’ Shea, who represents the Mallow Area on Cork County Council welcomed the purchase of the Castle and grounds and said “This is a major development in securing the future potential of Mallow Castle as a tourism and heritage resource for the town. Cork County Council has been in negotation regarding the purchase of the Castle for some years now and I am glad today, it has finally come to a successful conclusion. Cork County Council will now work closely with Mallow Town Council and the local community, particularly Mallow Development Partnership in unlocking the great opportunity that this investment will provide over the coming years for the town and its environs”.
The location of Mallow Castle and grounds in the urban area of Mallow town presents many unique opportunities to develop the buildings and grounds of approx 30 acres as an amenity for the town and its environs. The house itself and various outbuildings will present further opportunities to develop Mallow’s heritage and tourism potential over the coming years. It will also present opportunities for the development of educational, community and enterprise services and supports over the coming years.
In developing the potential uses for the house and gardens, there is significant opportunity to enable a number of community employment and specialist apprentice training programmes to be supported. It is opportune for this heritage asset for the town of Mallow to be taken into public ownership at a time when Mallow is making significant steps to develop its status as North Cork’s hub town.
The funding for the purchase of Mallow Castle and Grounds is €1.7m and will be provided through Cork County Council’s Capital Funds and the proceeds of land sales over the coming years.
Mallow Castle is a country house which is originally said to be part of an earlier 16th century stables to the fortified house that is Mallow Castle proper. It was built by Sir Thomas Norris who was granted Manor of Mallow during the Munster plantation. The fortified house was ruined during the Desmond rebellion in 1689, after which the family retreated to the stables, now known as Mallow Castle. Various additions from 17th, century onwards have transformed the original stables into a fine country house with associated parkland of historical significance. The parkland is home to the Mallow white deer herd, which are of significant historical importance, being the direct descendants of the two white deer given by Elizabeth the 1st in the late 15th century as a gift to her goddaughter Elizabeth Norrey.
Cllr. O’ Shea concluded “The acquisition of Mallow Castle with its parkland, white deer and the ruined fortified house, will be of tremendous benefit to Mallow and environs. While it will impose considerable responsibilities on Cork County Council, as guardians of our built heritage, it is incumbent on us, that this building is protected and safeguarded in the interest and on behalf of the community”.
