A contract valued at nearly €400,000 for works at Mallow Castle has been awarded to Glas Civil Engineering Ltd, Clonmore, Cahir, Co. Tipperary. The works which commenced this week are expected to be completed within four months.
The works will be confined to the formal gardens, terrace and entrance avenue and forecourt and back avenue. The works consist of new hard landscaping, repair of existing hard landscaping, installation of new external lighting, and repair of garden structures.
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.
Tom Stritch, Director of Services for North Cork signs the contract with Glas Civil Engineering Ltd on behalf of Cork County Council in the presence of Mayor of County Cork Cllr. John Paul O’ Shea, Members and Executive of the Kanturk/Mallow Municipal District.
Commenting on the commencement of the re-development works at Mallow Castle, Mayor of County Cork Cllr. John Paul O’ Shea said “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. I am delighted to see Phase 1 commencing which will in itself open up the Castle Grounds to the people of Mallow and the people who visit Mallow.
Mayor O’ Shea added “The house itself and various outbuildings will present further opportunities to develop Mallow’s heritage and tourism potential over the coming years. It also presents opportunities for the development of educational, community and enterprise services and supports over the coming years”.
