An Taisce compares and constrasts two ruined Laois mansions

Two similarly ruined Laois grand houses have been highlighted by An Taisce, Ireland's national trust.

They urge a similar restoration of the historically important Arlington House in Portarlington as that which is underway for Tenakill House near Mountrath.

Both roofless stone mansions, Arlington House on French Church street is described as "completely ruinous".

The well known house got a paint makeover during Portarlington's focus on RTÉ's 'Dirty Old Towns some years ago.

An Taisce details its journey into ruin.

"Arlington House is a key historic building of Portarlington, County Laois and a Protected Structure. The oldest parts of the house date to the 1690s but the main front block was added in the mid-18th century and features an elegant pedimented five-bay facade with Diocletian window over the door.

"Having survived in good condition until the 1980s the house subsequently fell into a devastating state of ruin and in the early 2000s its roof and gable-end chimneys were removed. More recently, remaining plaster was removed from the facade exposing its stone construction, and windows and a front door were painted onto the opes," An Taisce say.

"The first-edition (1838) OS map shows the house with a large planted rear garden, with walks. Further buildings were added for its use as a school and later a luggage factory. A link road constructed in recent decades and other modern development now occupy the former garden, compromising the setting.

"Despite its completely ruinous condition and the encroachment of modern roads and development on its setting, Arlington House remains an important building of this Midlands Huguenot town and has a strong physical presence on French Church Street beside the Barrow river and its bridge. A recovery and restoration path is needed.

"The Portarlington Regeneration Strategy 2030 contains an objective to "Encourage and facilitate the appropriate reuse and regeneration of derelict, disused and vacant sites and prominent buildings including the Market House, the old cinema and Arlington House," An Taisce said.

They have more positive view on Tenakill House. It is birthplace to the political Lalor brothers James Fintan Lalor, Richard Lalor and Peter Lalor who led the Eureka Stockade rebellion in Australia.

"In contrast to the plight of Arlington House in Portarlington, the future looks brighter for another roofless historic house of County Laois. Tenakill House near Mountrath dates to c. 1770 and was the home of Patt Lalor, MP, known for opposition to tithe taxes in the 1830s, and several of whose sons also became noted politicians.

"A committee, including ancestral members of the Lalor family, was set up to promote restoration of the house on account of its important place in the history of Laois.

"With the aid of grants from Laois County Council and The Heritage Council, and through its own fundraising, the committee undertook work to the ruin in the late 2010s with the involvement of conservation specialists.

A sash window with antique glass and the front door of Tenakill House.

"Lime-based masonry repairs and structural securing were carried out, mainly to deteriorated upper portions of walling where water had penetrated, and it is hoped to subsequently re-roof the shell and that it will eventually form a restored visitor attraction."