The Hermitage CROGHAN

Killukin Boyle (Roscommon)

Eirmeatáiste Chruacháin aka The Hermitage, Croghan is a fine example of a Georgian residence to have survived in this parish. Little has changed on this site over the centuries, to include its winding driveway, extensive manor courtyard, and rolling grazing land.

The three-storey Georgian house, comprising 3,500 square feet, still retains many of its Georgian features, such as ornate cornicing, panelled doors, high ceilings, original woodwork, Georgian windows and central staircase. The manor courtyard incorporates an extensive range of outbuildings, featuring beautiful stone faces and cut stone arches from this period.

Nearer the road, the Hermitage had a gate lodge [GV1c] and beautiful gardens, no longer extant.

It was one of the principal properties of the Lloyds of Croghan, who held a large estate here and in Co. Leitrim. Sadly, Lloyd's own manor house, Croghan House, is no longer extant. So, the Hermitage plays an important role in giving us a glimpse at Croghan's history.

In 1816 [Mason], it was the seat of Thomas Kirkwood Esq. of Woodbrook – an in-law of the Lloyds. 

In 1829, Owen Thomas Lloyd Esq. of Hermitage applied to the Voter's Register with a £50 freehold for "the lands of Hermitage and Ardmore Lecarrow, Barony of Boyle". Lloyd, also of  "Fair View, Croghan" [TA1835], was actually residing at 4 Harcourt Street, Dublin and sub-letting his gentlemen's seat at Croghan.

In 1831 and 1832, the Hermitage lease was advertised, naming Edward Barlow Esq.  aka Lieutenant Edward Barlow (d.1844) late of Rockmount House, as being on the premises. 

TO BE LET 

From the FIRST DAY of MAY NEXT: For such Term may be agreed upon. The House, Offices & Demesne Lands of HERMITAGE, Situate between Elphin and Boyle, Carrick-im-Shannon and Frenchpark, all Market and Post Towns, about equal distance from each. The House and Offices are in perfect order, and the lands are so well known that they need no comment; The Demesne, contains about Seventy Acres, all in good heart. 

For particulars to Frederick Robertson, Esq., Abbey Boyle; to Edward Barlowe, Esq., on the premises; and to Owen Thomas Lloyd, Esq, 4, Harcourt-street, Dublin. (If by letter, postpaid.) who will close with a tenant, when the value is offered. January 27, 1831. [R&L Gazette]

TO BE LET 

The House & Demesne of HERMITAGE, Will be let from the 29th day of September or 1st November next FOR SUCH TERMS AS CAN BE AGREED UPON. Proposals (in writing only) will be received by Owen Thomas Lloyd Esq. 2, Upper Charlemont Street, Dublin or by Edward Barlow, Esq. at Hermitage who will shew the premises and forward to Captain Lloyd. May 26. 1832.  [R&L Gazette]

In 1836, Thomas William Lloyd gave the Hermitage as his address (while Owen T. Lloyd was residing at "Sandford Place, Dublin") [Chancery1836]. 

In 1837, Lewis records The Hermitage as the seat of Owen Thomas Lloyd Esq. who on the magistrate list for Croghan Petty Sessions in 1847 [DA] and 1862 [Thoms]. 

In the 1839 Primary Valuation, the Hermitage, valued at  £16 18s, was home to James Kirkwood Esq. of Woodbrook. 

In 1857, the Kirkwood's of Woodbrook still had an interest in the house; Sarah Mary Kirkwood was recorded as the immediate lessor of the Hermitage (from James McFadden) albeit she was residing at Carrick-on-Shannon's Woodbrook House.  

The address "Hermitage, Croghan, Boyle, Co Roscommon" was used by other interesting residents on the grounds of the property. This included the Catholic clergy of Croghan RC parish, namely Rev. Fr. Peter O'Connor PP  and his curate Rev. Fr. Thomas O'Beirne C.C.  At the time of Griffith's Valuation, Fr. O'Connor was residing at 1b The Hermitage in "part of a house" valued at £2 (combined with 1a, a "herds house" also valued at £2, in the name of Sarah Mary Kirkwood). O'Connor was vocally opposed to Guy Lloyd during and after the Great Famine. Yet, the O'Connor family endured here right up until the 1980s.

[Research by Rua Mac Diarmada 2017]

~ Ancestors from Croghan, Boyle? If YES ... post your connection below ~

 

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