Lismore Castle today

Lismore Castle today is very much a family home from home. My wife and I visit as often as we can and our son William’s exciting initiative in developing Lismore Castle Arts and its gallery in the West wing has meant that he has been at Lismore a great deal too. Our daughters and my sisters also visit with friends most years. So all in all the Cavendish family are making good use of this most romantic of places.

One of the spectacular refurbished bedrooms

Over the past five years my wife and I have undertaken a major refurbishment of all the bedrooms and bathrooms; mostly they have been completely redecorated, with showers installed and heating now everywhere. Paintings from the family collection at Chatsworth have been hung throughout the castle, complemented by a significant part of our own modern collection of pictures, ceramics and silver.

One of the refurbished bathrooms

In the garden, David Nash is the latest artist from whom we have commissioned work for Lismore, and my wife, my son and I hope that more artists will have the opportunity to respond to this remarkable place in the years ahead.

A new piece of art in the garden by David Nash

We have installed a billiard room and a games room in the lower floor with its own drinks bar and sitting room. Broadband internet connection is available in some rooms, notably the Study which also houses a good library of books on Irish History and culture.

Lismore is a modern home in an historic setting, combining the best of this and past centuries for a perfect holiday.

The Duke of Devonshire, CBE