Great Irish Interiors

It has been fifty years since the St Leger family left Doneraile Court, closing the doors of this magnificent house and transferring it into the care of the State.

The real challenge, however, lies in filling it with furniture, paintings and precious artefacts now scattered in private and public collections all over the country.

Russborough House is home to one of Ireland's most famed and coveted Art collections. It includes priceless works by Goya, Vermeer, Peter-Paul Rubens and Vernet.

Located just outside Wexford town in Ireland's sunny south-east, Johnstown Castle is a stunning example of the Gothic revival architecture of the 19th century.

Now under the care of the OPW, Mary Heffernan and a team of experts are exploring the history of the Conolly family, while supervising the return of several paintings.

The house was eventually sold to businessman Jim Calleary in 1979. He has left the house's contents and it has since become a priceless archive of famine records.

Originally built by Strongbow, in 1173, Kilkenny Castle was eventually the ancestral home of the Butlers of Ormonde.

Glebe House and Gallery in Co. Donegal was the home of the renowned artist Derek Hill. He lived there for 30 years, an escape from the hustle and bustle of London.

This year, Mary Heffernan of the OPW and her team are gearing up for one of their busiest seasons yet.