Celbridge Abbey, Georgian Gothic manor in Celbridge, Ireland
Celbridge Abbey is a Georgian manor with six bays and two storeys above a basement, its roughcast walls adorned with pointed arch panels and decorative shields. The building is now operated by the Brothers Hospitallers of Saint John of God, who have provided services for people with intellectual disabilities there since 1952.
Bartholomew Van Homrigh, Lord Mayor of Dublin, built the original structure in 1697. Bishop Richard Marlay undertook a major transformation in the 1780s that gave the property its present form.
The house is closely tied to Esther Vanhomrigh, who lived there in the early 18th century and was immortalized as 'Vanessa' in Jonathan Swift's poetry. Her presence there shaped the place into a location of literary significance that visitors still connect with today.
The grounds contain an ancient bridge that crosses the River Liffey, making the site historically significant. Visitors should expect uneven pathways and check ahead to confirm if the property is open to the public.
The bridge on the grounds is the oldest surviving bridge crossing the River Liffey, dating from an era when such structures were rare. Its survival makes it a valuable record of early infrastructure in the region.
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