Having bought the old convent on College Road, Fermoy from the Presentation Nuns back in 2020, proprietors Fiachra Ó Cinnéide and Debbie Gaffney have been steadily transforming the site, promoting The Richmond Revival and developing it as a multi-faceted creative space.
The venue continues to play host to concerts, comedy, poetry and spoken word, with the house and grounds allowing for accommodation, tearoom/cafe and open garden/smallholding, literally providing a space for every kind of activity in the town centre location.
The extensive garden has been ‘a massive undertaking’ as there are 7 acres of parkland, woodland, kitchen garden and herbaceous borders. In addition, there is a smallholding with sheep, goats and hens – something all children should get a chance to experience.
“So many of Fermoy’s locals have fond memories of visiting the garden whilst attending Presentation Primary School in their childhood,” Debbie Gaffney notes.
ITALIANATE STYLE HOUSE
The house is steeped in history and holds a place in the heart of many Fermoy residents. The house bore witness to difficult and bloody times in Irish history and from the house, the burning of the British barracks by IRA irregulars would have been seen back in 1922.
The house was built in 1837, so falls into the late Georgian/Regency Period, by millers by the name of Smyth. It is designed in an Italianate style. Ballyvolane House (Castlelyons) is another house in the locality that has very similar features and this points to the likelihood of it being the same architect Richard Rolt Brash that designed both, though Richmond has the enviable Bath Stone to the exterior.
FREE ENTRY THIS WEEKEND
Debbie Gaffney extolls the undoubted potential of Richmond House and the buy-in of the public, who continue to show support at the multitude of events that take place there. And, with a café now affording a chance for families to enjoy refreshments while on site – open Thursday to Sunday until the end of summer – this weekend will see free entry with the public encouraged to turn out and view the outdoor space.
“This weekend, Saturday, August 2nd and Sunday 3rd, the venue is open to the public free of charge, so come over see the beautiful outdoor space and sample a coffee and cake in a historic setting,” Debbie says.
“Meet our animals – Liam and Noel the bad to the bone goats – experts at escaping their enclosure and entertaining one and all with their head butting antics. Lucy and Eunice, the delicate ladies from St Kilda. These Soay sheep, though shy and retiring, have extraordinary abilities, more mountain goat than sheep and you could say they are ‘woolly jumpers’, very agile and nimble. We have a small brood of hens – these are no common or garden chickens but fancy fowl. So come and see Lady Clucksworth, Eggatha Christie and Hennifer Aniston, along with their sisters in the aviary.
“We will be opening the gardens and cafe every Thursday to Sunday from now until the end of the summer, all are welcome.”
Exciting times lie ahead for at this town centre location – with the website nearly up and running, the garden coming to life and a busy schedule of events planned in the house, Richmond House is well wort a visit. See you at the weekend – café open from 10am until 4pm this Saturday and Sunday!
