Clonalis House (seat of the O'Connor Don)

HISTORIC HOUSES Co Roscommon – YouTube

Clonalis House (Teach Chluain Mhalais) is the ancestral seat of the O'Conor Don, who are direct descendants of the last High King of Ireland, Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair.  Theirs is one of the oldest genealogies in Europe. The O'Conor Dons are the only Royal Gaelic family left in Ireland, who are still living on part of their lands.

In 1749, the Census of Elphin records Margaret O'Conor as residing in Clonalis.  In 1820 the ‘Ballanagare’ O’Conors succeeded to the O’Conor estates at Clonalis when the ‘Clonalis’ branch of the Family became extinct in the male line and, with this, the Ballanagare O’Conors succeeded to the ‘O’Conor Don’ title. At the time of Griffith's Valuation, Charles Owen O'Conor, the O'Conor Don, lived here when the pre-existing house (dating back to 1750) was valued at £35. As it had been frequently damaged by flooding, Charles Owen O'Connor replaced it with a 'new' house in 1878.

The family have played a pivotal role in Ireland’s history, from the early warrior Kings, founders of Castles and Abbeys, to the present family, custodians of a vast array of heirlooms, artifacts and documents. Some 100,000 volumes are contained in the family archives and library of the O'Conor Don which are still held at Clonalis House, making it a valuable repository of Irish history.  The history of the 'new' Clonalis House also reflects the turbulence of Irish history having once been occupied by the Irish Republican Army before it was shelled and captured by Free State Forces during the Irish Civil War.

A day visit to Clonalis is a must for those interested in Ireland’s History, Heritage and Culture. Guests at Clonalis House can experience the unique atmosphere of this beautiful family home whilst enjoying heritage accommodation combined with the comfort of modern living.

Information for Day Visitors:

Open from: 1 June to 31 August
Monday to Saturday: 11.00 am to 5.00 pm
Last Tour: 3.45 pm
All Tours are Guided

Admission Charges:

Adults – €7 per person
Senior Citizens – €6 per person
Students – €6 per person
Children – €5 each
Under 7 yrs – free

Group/Family Rates Available