House & Family History: Borris House was badly damaged during the 1798 Rebellion and rebuilt in the early 19th century by the Morrisons—father and son—for the Kavanagh family. In 1778 Lady Eleanor Butler, later one of the famous Ladies of Llangollen, was kept a virtual prisoner at Borris House after she and Sarah Ponsonby (the other Lady of Llangollen) had tried to run away together. Eleanor was kept at Borris because it was the home of her sister, the wife of Thomas Kavanagh (Eleanor and Sarah later made a successful escape together and ultimately made their way to Wales, where they formed a famous literary salon at Plas Newydd). In the 19th century Borris was the home of the remarkable Arthur MacMorrough-Kavanagh, a man born without arms or legs, but who soared to great heights: he was an MP, a privy councillor, an excellent shot, a top-notch horseman, and a man who traveled all over the world. MacMorrough-Kavanag family, former Celtic kings of Leinster, remain seated at the Tudor style Borris House today.

John Preston (J.P.) Neale, published under the title of Views of the Seats of Noblemen and Gentlemen in England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, among other titles: Vol. VI, 1823.

House Listed: Unknown

Park Listed: Unknown

Current Seat / Home of: Sara and Morgan Kavanagh

Past Seat / Home of: Thomas Kavanagh, 18th century; Arthur MacMorrough-Kavanagh, 19th century.

Current Ownership Type: Individual / Family Trust

Primary Current Ownership Use: Private Home

Ownership Details: Available for tours, weddings, and accommodation.

House Open to Public: By Appointment

Phone: 0599-771-884

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://borrishouse.ie

Historic Houses Member: No