A Rich History Spanning Centuries
In 1588, John Briscoe originally from Crofton Hall in Cumberland built Scragh (or Srah) Castle near Tullamore, Co. Offaly. Srah Castle, Tullamore’s oldest house is situated on the banks of the Grand Canal and is a beautiful example of a tower-house built with a heavy focus on strategy/defence. Similar to many Irish tower houses, Srah Castle suffered severe damage in the 1650s, though its remains are still prominent. Following the damage, the Briscoe family, abandoned the site and moved elsewhere in the county.
The plaque/stone lintel (marriage stone) carved with the initials of the newly married couple John Briscoe & Eleanor Kearney of Scragh and the date of their marriage are recessed into the wall of Mount Briscoe. Mount Briscoe has passed down through the generations and has been in the family since the 1600s. The present Georgian house, built in the 1830s replaced an abandoned 18th century one. This handsome residence is situated in its own grounds, substantially set back from the road with tooled limestone Palladian style sweeping wall to the driveway.
Whether you want to rest here for a night, explore the farm, or join one of our guided experiences, we’re glad to call you guest.
