The current Georgian mansion, built in the 18th century, replaced an earlier fortified house that had served the family through centuries of political and social upheaval. The Walls, who later became the Blakes of Wallscourt, managed to maintain their position through the Cromwellian period and Penal Laws; a remarkable feat for a Catholic family when many of their contemporaries lost everything.

The house itself showcases classic Georgian architecture with its symmetrical facade, tall sash windows, and elegant proportions that speak to the confidence and wealth of the Anglo-Irish gentry during their heyday. Inside, visitors would have once found elaborate plasterwork ceilings, marble fireplaces, and a grand staircase that swept through the heart of the building. The estate, which once encompassed thousands of acres, included formal gardens, a walled garden for kitchen produce, and parkland that stretched towards Lough Corrib, providing both beauty and income through agriculture and fishing rights.

Like many of Ireland’s great houses, Wallscourt’s fortunes declined dramatically in the 20th century. The combination of land reform, economic pressures, and changing social conditions saw the break-up of the estate and the eventual abandonment of the house. Today, Wallscourt House stands empty and deteriorating, its roof partially collapsed and its once-grand interiors exposed to the elements. Despite various proposals for restoration over the years, this architectural gem remains at risk, serving as a poignant reminder of a vanished way of life and the ongoing challenge of preserving Ireland’s built heritage.