Restoration of Clooney House Gates & Piers

Note : The gate/pier restoration project is not yet complete. The video above shows the location and setting of the project and the work in progress. We look forward to showing the finished result soon.
Clooney House

Clooney House was built in the 17th Century and after a fire in the mid 19th century, it was rebuilt in the Italianate style. A rectangular five-bay structure of two storeys over basement, its most distinctive feature is the Italianate portico. Clooney House was formerly the home of the Bindon family and the notable Francis Bindon. Today the house lies in ruins, having lain vacant since the 1920s. The former estate, now a private farm, also includes the ruins of two gate-lodges, a late medieval tower-house, numerous outbuildings and an overgrown walled garden.

Restoration Project : Gates & Piers

The gates and piers to the entrance of Clooney house are prominently located in Clooney Village and are the starting point of the Clooney House walking trail which is currently under development. The heritage committee of the Clooney Spancilhill Community Development Group have undertaken to restore these gates & piers in order to restore their original beauty, prevent further deterioration and ensure their survival for decades to come. This project would not have been possible without grant assistance from the Heritage Council, who recognise the importance of this work.

Photo Gallery – Restoration Work

Please note that the project is still work-in-progress, it is due to be completed by the end of August 2022. Photos will be updated to show the finished result.

The decorative structure of the gates is a fine example of wrought Iron gate structure of the 19th Century. The piers are an exquisite example of an ashlar stone.

When stripped, remnants of the original green paint were found on the gates, similar to Moss Green (see image below). The gates will soon be painted to this original green colour as recommended and advised by the Architectural Conservation Officer of Clare County Council.

This project would not have been possible without grant assistance from the Heritage Council, who recognise
the importance of this work.