The Shell House @ Curraghmore House

Places to See | Co. Waterford, Ireland

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About 26km/20 miles from Waterford City, near the village of Portlaw in County Waterford, you will a beautiful yet imposing Victorian mansion. Curraghmore House is the historic home of the ninth Marquis of Waterford. Lovers of Downton Abbey will appreciate a tour of this historic Irish house.

Hidden in a shrubbery near the main house at Curraghmore is an enchanting grotto — made entirely of shells! The Shell House was created by Catherine Beresford, Countess of Tyrone with ‘her proper’ hands in 1754. Lady Catherine herself charged Captains of ships sailing to and from the important Georgian Harbour at Waterford to collect and return shells to her from all over the World.

The decoration took her 261 days to complete and the intricate patterns of shells from all over the world still glow with colour above a fine marble statue of the Countess by John van Nost.

Address: Curraghmore House, Portlaw, Co. Waterford, Ireland

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