Michael Flatley is restoring Castlehyde an eighteenth century country house he has made his home.
Castlehyde near Fermoy in County Cork dates from 1780 and was constructed for the Hyde family, ancestors of the first President of Ireland Dr Douglas Hyde.
Riverdance and Lord of the Dance star Michael Flatley purchased the house in 1999. As the new owner, he has to date spent €20 million restoring the house, which is in a parkland setting, to its former glory.
Builder David Higgins of Cornerstone Construction previously worked on the restoration of Farmleigh House. This is a different project, with the focus firmly on refurbishment and conservation, a painstaking feat which has taken one hundred and forty workers two years to complete.
Michael wanted the real genuine article back here and and he has got it now.
Peter Inston is the architect and interior designer. He has looked after the restoration of houses owned by Michael Flatley in London and the south of France, and his next project is a home for the dancer in Barbados.
A collection of books will be housed in the double-storey library which contains a secret door to the Moroccan room and is described by Pater Inston as,
The ultimate chill out room.
It will be possible to enjoy a view of the river Blackwater while taking a bath, and from the master bedroom, which has many of its original Georgian features. Peter Inston says Castlehyde is a unique house in the sense that it contains,
All the original fireplaces which are priceless.
There is a cinema, gymnasium, swimming pool, wine cellar and whiskey room.
It is estimated that Michael Flately has contributed €10 million in wages to the local economy, which was acknowledged by Fermoy Town Council last year in a special ceremony honouring the dancer. Michael Flatley would love if the Taoiseach could officially open Castlehyde
My doors will be open to Bertie all the time.
A 'Nationwide’ report broadcast on 12 May 2004. The reporter is Jennie O’Sullivan.
