Knockdrin Castle

Knockdrin Castle

History of Knockdrin

A historic castle…

Knockdrin Castle – Gavigan – cc

The château’s origins date back to the late 18th century. Sir Richard Levinge, Lord Lieutenant of the County of Westmeath and a member of the Orange Order, ordered the construction of a neo-Gothic castle, with crenellated towers, in a park of over 4,856 hectares… At the time, Rochard Levinge was planning to settle the land issues that had arisen as a result of Cromwell’s conquests… (Many Irish landowners were expropriated by force).

Since then, the estate has been considerably reduced in size, and turned into a hunting ground where Winston Churchill’s parents were invited to hunt… Winston Churchill himself visited the castle during the Irish War of Independence…

During the Second World War, Knockdrin was requisitioned by the Irish Army to house its 6th Infantry Division. The army only left the château in 1945, returning the building to the hands of the Levinge family, who had owned it for several centuries… But in 1946, the Levinges sold the estate to Paddy Dunne-Cullinan, who lived there until 1961, when he sold the château to a German couple, Hans and Irene von Prondzynski.

Visit Knockdrin

A castle unfortunately closed to the public

A pity, but the château is currently closed to visitors. As the latter is inhabited, the Prondzynski family intends to live in peace and quiet, away from prying eyes… The castle can still be admired from the road – a small consolation, but one that will give you a glimpse of the architectural marvel of the building!

If, however, you like this style of castle, we recommend a visit to Ashford Castle, another neo-Gothic castle in a similar style, located in County Mayo!