The house incorporates some of the fabric of an earlier 17th century structure to a structure which is mainly 19th century in origin with other additions also having been made in the 18th and 20th centuries.[1]
In 1624, Captain Forbes constructed an 'L' shaped house, 55 metres to the south east of the present castle. His son Arthur Forbes, 1st Earl of Granard later added extensively to it over the next few decades including adding pleasure gardens before he died in 1696.[5][6][7]
The castle underwent a severe siege and was badly damaged during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 with all of the British tenants of the Forbes in County Longford used to defend the castle.[8]
There is trace of 18th century furnishings and structural additions to the castle from the 18th century indicating works were also carried out during this period.
After a fire occurred during works in 1825, the castle wings were later remodelled by John Hargrave between 1819-30 resulting in the family of the 6th Earl of Granard living mainly in the wings.
The main house appears to have again only been finally remodelled around 1860-80 by James Joseph McCarthy who also designed a new gatehouse.[9]
It was restored and remodelled again by the London architect William Foster around 1923-25 following fire damage for Bernard Forbes, 8th Earl of Granard.[10] The interiors including the dining room, drawing room and library were also refurbished around this time with the help of the London firm of Lenygon and Morant and with the assistance of Beatrice Forbes, Countess of Granard. The Dublin firm of Kaye-Parry and Ross also assisted with some additions at this time.[11][12]
In the 21st century, parts of the historic forest which covered the estate were felled.[13]
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