The Jealous Wall, Gothic folly at Belvedere House, Mullingar, Ireland
The Jealous Wall is a Gothic folly on the Belvedere House estate that mimics the appearance of a ruined medieval cathedral. The structure rises prominently from the grounds with pointed and rounded windows arranged across its facade, creating the impression of authentic historical ruins.
Robert Rochfort built this structure in 1760 specifically to obstruct the view of his brother George's nearby house following a family quarrel. This dramatic action represents one of the most extreme architectural responses to a personal feud in Irish history.
The name references a bitter family dispute that shaped how the Irish gentry displayed power and control over their landscape. Visitors walking the grounds can see how resentment between relatives literally translated into stone and architecture.
The structure sits on the grounds of Belvedere House and can be viewed as part of a walk through the estate. Being an outdoor structure, it is best visited during good weather, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring the full property.
This is considered Ireland's largest folly, built as an extraordinarily expensive response to a family argument. The entire structure was designed to deceive, deliberately crafted to look like the weathered remains of an authentic medieval castle.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
