Towards the close of the eighteenth century the head of the family wished to have a more modern house than the old fortress, but not deeming it worth while to go to the expense unless he had a son to succeed him, he delayed the commencement of the work until the very day when his son and heir was born.
The insurgents of 1798 attacked the residence, and a picture hangs in the hall of Castle Boro which has holes in it that were made by the rebels’ pikes.
Mr. Robert Carew was raised to the peerage in 1834, and in 1840, during the absence of the family, the newly-erected house was burned down, the fire having originated in a chimney. The west wing containing the library was the only portion saved.
Building operations were at once commenced under the direction of Mr. Robertson. The present mansion is in Classic style, having a centre block four storeys in height with wings at either side of a storey less. The drawing-rooms are especially handsome apartments, and are being decorated by the present Lady Carew with embroidered panels of Early English design.
In the gardens are a number of trees which have been planted by distinguished visitors, amongst whom were the late Duke of Clarence, the present Prince of Wales, the Duke of Aosta, the Count of Turin, the Earl of Halsbury and the late Sir H. M. Stanley.
A very handsome granite gateway gives access to the grounds.
The present Lord Carew is the 3rd Baron.
| Authorities Consulted. |
| W. Flood, “History of Enniscorthy.” |
| MS. Ordnance Survey of Ireland. |
| Parliamentary Gazetteer. |
| Joyce, “Irish Place Names.” |