Fingal opens restored Heritage Glasshouses and Garden Room at Newbridge Demesne

The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr.Tony Murphy, today officially opened the newly restored range of Heritage Glasshouses and Garden Room at Newbridge Demesne. Newbridge Demesne represents one of the best-preserved 18th Century Landscape Parks in the Country comprising the fully furnished House, 365 acres of Parkland and the famous Traditional Farm with its wide range of rare breeds of cattle, sheep, fowl and other domesticated animals.

The project involved the restoration of an extensive range of buildings including The Messenger Peach House Vinery, The Messenger Propagation House, The Melon House , The Aviary Yard Vinery and The Ivy House Garden Room. The restoration works have been undertaken in alignment with the Conservation Management Plan for Newbridge Demesne and they build on other projects completed by the Council to sensitively restore aspects of Newbridge House and the 18th Century Landscape Park and Farm.

The Mayor of Fingal Cllr. Tony Murphy commented: “This collection of restored buildings represents a unique and authentic example of our architectural and horticultural heritage here in North County Dublin. Conserving our built heritage for future generations is incredibly important, and I'm delighted to see these buildings restored to their former glory for all to enjoy"

In his speech the Mayor paid tribute to the Council Staff as well as the Specialist Consultants and Contractors responsible for delivering the transformation of buildings which were in need of very extensive works. The Council employed specialist consultants Bluett & O’Donoghue to steer the project through planning, design, procurement and construction. Specialist contractors Lambstonge undertook the construction, joinery and metal work .

Kevin Halpenny, Senior Parks & Landscape Officer with Fingal County Council commented: “The faithful restoration works were possible, in part due to the extensive family records maintained by and made available to the Council by the Cobbe Family who were the original owners of Newbridge Demesne and who work closely with the Council on projects relating to the heritage property”.

Fingal County Council Chief Executive AnnMarie Farrelly expressed her satisfaction with the project saying: “ I am very pleased that the Newbridge Demesne glasshouses have been so carefully restored to their former glory. The Council opened Newbridge Demesne to the public back in 1985 and since then many thousands of visitors have marvelled at the House and extensive grounds. Preserving our heritage is vital and this latest project demonstrates the Council’s continuing commitment to the conservation and restoration of all aspects of this amazing public amenity.”

Newbridge House and Farm will host the Flavours of Fingal 2026 event on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th of July, see https://www.flavoursoffingal.ie/