Castle MacGarrett was built in 1811 as the family home for a wealthy land-owner. It later became a nursing home for nuns, and features ornate ceilings.
Visited February 2019 Claremorris, County Mayo, Republic of Ireland Abandoned
Castle MacGarrett (sometimes spelt MacGarret or Castlemacgarrett) was built and owned by the Browne family, who had occupied the land for over five centuries. The remains of the original castle can still be found within the grounds, close to the river. The original castle was abandoned towards the end of the 17th century when it was deemed to be unsafe. A new residence was built further from the water, and served successive generations until 1811 when it was destroyed by fire. [1]
The current Castle MacGarrett, constructed following the fire, retained some parts of the previous building. A vaulted room which had been built in 1700 was incorporated into the new castle, which forms part of the guest’s dining room and retains the original vaulted ceiling. [2]
Front exterior view of CastleMacGarrett
In 1785, Dominick Browne was born here and would later become the first Lord Oranmore Browne, the title of Oranmore being taken in light of the family lands and property at Oranmore, Co. Galway. He was appointed Privy Councillor of Ireland and became one of the 28 elected representative Irish Peers.
Archive image of CastleMacGarrett in Claremorris
The third Baron Geoffrey Browne (1861-1927), was responsible for building the main part of the present manor, early in the 20th century. In 1902, the ‘modern’ wing to the left hand side of the main entrance was erected. In this wing you will find the Oratory and reception room, which ceilings are replicas of those in Leinster House.
Around 1965 the castle itself, with a large farm attached, was bought by nursing sisters, and it was known as Castlemacgarrett Nursing Home until it was sold again for development in 2006. It now lies vacant.
Castle MacGarrett, Ireland – The 1902 extensionCastle MacGarrett, Ireland – Mary Mother of Jesus mosaicCastle MacGarrett, Ireland – The grand main staircaseCastle MacGarrett, Ireland – The main staircase, looking backCastle MacGarrett, Ireland – Top of the staircaseCastle MacGarrett, Ireland – Top of the staircaseCastle MacGarrett, Ireland – Reception roomCastle MacGarrett, Ireland – The ceilings are replicas of those in Leinster HouseCastle MacGarrett, Ireland – Doorway to the OratoryCastle MacGarrett, Ireland – The oratory with another ornate ceilingCastle MacGarrett, Ireland – An oratory is a small chapel for private worshipCastle MacGarrett, Ireland – Collapse inside the fireplaceCastle MacGarrett, Ireland – The new-wing corridorCastle MacGarrett, Ireland – Original reception roomCastle MacGarrett, Ireland – Another grand ceiling and fireplaceCastle MacGarrett, Ireland – Bar / Servery in the dining roomCastle MacGarrett, Ireland – This vaulted area of the dining room was once part of the original houseCastle MacGarrett, Ireland – Part of the expansive kitchensCastle MacGarrett, Ireland – Range in the kitchenCastle MacGarrett, Ireland – Kitchen calendar dated 2006Castle MacGarrett, Ireland – These telephones were positioned throughout the houseCastle MacGarrett, Ireland – The second staircaseCastle MacGarrett, Ireland – Staircase and lobbyCastle MacGarrett, Ireland – One of the dormitoriesCastle MacGarrett, Ireland – Bedroom with curtain railsCastle MacGarrett, Ireland – Bedroom with curtain railsCastle MacGarrett, Ireland – Another bedroomCastle MacGarrett, Ireland – Bedroom with hospital style bedCastle MacGarrett, Ireland – Decaying roomCastle MacGarrett, Ireland – The small infirmary had a small table remainingCastle MacGarrett, Ireland – View from the servant’s accommodation towerCastle MacGarrett, Ireland – Stable block
2 thoughts on Castle MacGarrett, Claremorris, Ireland
I am Dayne Browne my family originated from Ireland, my family’s surname oranmore browne was shortened by my grandparents. Our family owned this castle
Claremorris, County Mayo, Republic of Ireland Abandoned 
I am Dayne Browne my family originated from Ireland, my family’s surname oranmore browne was shortened by my grandparents. Our family owned this castle
What is happening with it now ? I moved by it and it’s history intrigues me.