Teach an Tobair Naofa aka Holywell is a Georgian Country House built in the townland of Cortobar the 1790s. The house, originally smaller, is thought to have been extended by William Farrell who also designed the old courthouse in Carrick-on-Shannon.
In the early nineteenth century, the St. George estate let the house to Patrick Dockery Esq.
DEATHS Edward, son of Patrick Dockery Esq. of Holywell Carrick-on-Shannon [Wednesday 07 July 1847 ]
Dockry, in turn, sub-let it to doctors in Carrick-on-Shannon - Dr George Munns M.D. and later Dr P.R. Kiernan.
CO. LEITRIM. FRIDAY, April—Executor's Sale of the entire new furniture of gentleman's mansion (but recently supplied Messrs BeckeyX together with the outdoor effects—cattle, hones, vehicles. Ac, at Holywell, Carrick-on -Shannon, consequent on the demise of the late Captain Hanley. [Irish Times - Saturday 19 March 1870]
In the late 18th century, it was the home of Dr. P. R. Kiernan:
AARONE REEFS, LIMITED.
Today at the Four Courts before Mr. Justice Holmes and a common jury, the case of Aarons Reefs, Limited, v. Kiernan was heard. It was an action brought by the Aarons Reefs, Limited, a company owning a mining concession in Venezuela against Dr. P. R. Kiernan, of Holywell, Carrick-on-Shannon, to recover £9O alleged to be due on calls on shares allotted to the defendant. The principal evidence in the case was stated to be to the same effect as that given in the case of the company against Mr. Twiss, hoard on the previous day, and it was arranged by counsel on both sides that the evidence in that case as recorded in his lordship's notes should be taken so as it went as applying to the present action. Dr. Kiernan was examined by Mr. O'Connor on his own behalf, and he stated that he received a circular letter from a Mr. Gilbert recommending him to take shares in the Aarons Reefs Company. Acting ou that circular and on the prospectus which was enclosed with it he applied for the shares. In reply to his Lordship witness said that he applied for the shares in the hope that it would recoup him for losses which he sustained in previous transactions with Mr. Gilbert. As a matter of fact, it was not the reading of the prospectus, but it was Gilbert sending the circular which led him to apply for the shares. The SOLICITOR-GENERAL, who appeared for the plaintiffs, asked for a direction on the evidence. Mr. Justice Howiss said that on the evidence given by the defendant himself be should direct a verdict for the plaintiffs. Mr. O'Connor pressed his Lordship to leave questions to the jury as to the connection of Gilbert with the plaintiff company, but his Lordship refused to do so. A verdict for the plaintiffs was duly found by the jury by direction of the Judge.
[Irish News - 29 October 1892]
At the time of the 1901 Census, Holywell house was home to the family of Robert Hurl, a farmer from Co. Derry. It was the only 1st class house in Cortober and 8 rooms were occupied by the family. By 1911, Robert Hurl Jr and his sister Rosanna were all to remain, occupying 7 rooms.
In 1923, it was home to Mr. G. Clarke.
Hollywell is now a charming country guesthouse run by the Maher family.
References
Hollywell Country House | Ireland | VIEW SOURCE |