In the 1800s The MacMurrough Kavanaghs of Borris embarked on a lavish building programme that transformed their 18th century mansion into a Tudor revival showpiece. Peter Pearson views the more recent restoration of Borris House, Co Carlow
The Blackstairs mountains roll gently across South Leinster separating the counties of Wexford and Carlow. The land around these granite hills is sweet and well wooded and is watered on the Carlow side by the river Barrow. Here, the village of Borris stands above the river, on high ground which offers clear views of the Blackstairs mountain and Mount Leinster. Borris lies in a quiet corner of Ireland and benefits from the fact that it is not really on the way to anywhere, at least not to any major town. Its old granite built houses and Victorian shop fronts have remained largely intact and authentic. Most of the town’s buildings stand on the north side of a steeply rising main street, overshadowed by the presence of the very substantial demesne wall of Borris house. Borris is that rare thing – a genuine and unspoilt Irish village
