Our History

since c.1740

Nearly three centuries of stories, set in the heart of East Galway

Uncover our rich heritage

Explore the key historical milestones of Ballinderry Park through our captivating timeline.

1280-1740

Early history

In 1280, the tranquil grounds of Ballinderry Park first echoed with the prayers of Franciscan friars from Kilconnell Friary. For centuries, this land remained a place of contemplation until the winds of change swept through Ireland in the late 17th century. The Diocese of Clonfert became the new steward, soon entrusting the property to Henry Stafford, who in turn welcomed Lawrence Ward, a son of local soil, as its tenant.

1740-1871

The Comyn family

Fate and family ties brought Ballinderry Park into the capable hands of Nicholas Comyn, ushering in an era of growth and tradition. For over a hundred years, the Comyn clan tended the land, their days filled with the thundering of hooves and the excitement of the hunt. In 1871, as Ireland underwent significant changes, the Comyns seized the opportunity to purchase the freehold, cementing their bond with Ballinderry Park.

1871-1917

The Daniel O'Connell connection

The pages of Ballinderry's history took an intriguing turn when Andrew Comyn married Mary, granddaughter of the renowned Daniel O'Connell, "The Liberator." This union brought a hint of revolutionary fervor to the estate, culminating in Andrew Nugent Comyn's appointment as High Sheriff of County Galway in 1917.

1917-2000

A period of change

As the 20th century unfolded, Ballinderry Park weathered the storms of Irish independence and social transformation. The Comyn family continued their stewardship until 1945, when they departed, leaving the house to face an uncertain future. For decades, the once-grand estate stood silent, its rooms empty, its gardens overgrown.

2000-2024

Restoration and renewal

In 2000, George and Susie Gossip breathed new life into Ballinderry Park. Their careful restoration blended 18th-century charm with personal touches, including treasures from Susie's ancestral Dillon family. The grounds flourished once more, graced by specimen trees including a rare London plane.

2024-Present

A new chapter

In 2024, Rowan and Laoise purchased the property with a vision to breathe new life into Ballinderry Park as an exclusive venue for weddings, corporate events, and unforgettable stays. Today, Ballinderry Park stands ready to welcome a new generation, offering its timeless beauty and rich heritage for celebrations that will echo through the ages.

Documented Heritage

The history of Ballinderry Park

House: Ballinderry Park, a Georgian country house
Built: Circa 1740
Location: Near Kilconnell, East County Galway, Ireland
Name origin: “Ballinderry” — Irish for “townland of the oak trees”
Original owner: Kilconnell Friary (Franciscan foundation, 1280)
Long-resident family: The Comyn family (c.1700s–1945)
Freehold purchased: 1871, after the disestablishment of the Church of Ireland
Architectural record: National Inventory of Architectural Heritage

Ballinderry Park is a small Georgian country house dating from approximately 1740, set on the plains of East County Galway, Ireland, near the village of Kilconnell. The name Ballinderry derives from the Irish for “townland of the oak trees.” The lands originally belonged to Kilconnell Friary, a Franciscan foundation established in 1280.[1]

Following the dissolution of the friary, the property passed in the late 17th century to the Diocese of Clonfert, which leased it to Henry Stafford. Stafford in turn leased the house to Lawrence Ward, a member of a long-established local family. Ward’s tenancy passed through his sister to her son, Nicholas Comyn, and the Comyn family went on to farm the estate for more than a century, closely associated with horses and hunting.[1]

The Landed Estates Database, maintained by the University of Galway, records Ballinderry as the seat of J. Comyn in 1837; at the time of Griffith’s Valuation it was leased by Andrew Comyn from the Ecclesiastical Commissioners and valued at £16; it was the residence of Col. John Comyn in 1894 and the property of Andrew N. Comyn in 1906. The Comyns purchased the freehold in 1871, following the disestablishment of the Church of Ireland.[2] Andrew Comyn married Mary, a granddaughter of Daniel O’Connell, “The Liberator.” The family remained at Ballinderry Park until 1945.[6]

After several decades of vacancy, the house was bought in 2000 by George and Susie Gossip, who undertook a careful restoration — reversing earlier Victorian alterations to the façade and panelling the principal rooms in the early 18th-century style. Much of the interior detailing descended from the Dillon family of nearby Clonbrock, Susie Gossip’s ancestors. The restoration was advanced enough for the family to move in by 2005.[4][5]

In 2024 the house was purchased by Rowan and Laoise, who operate it as an exclusive-use events venue while continuing to care for its fabric and grounds. The parkland contains notable specimen trees, including a large London plane rarely seen in an Irish parkland setting. Ballinderry Park is recorded in the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage.[3]

References

“The most beautiful, welcoming place we've ever stayed”

4.97 average across Airbnb & Google · 250+ guests hosted

“We had the BEST weekend at Ballinderry House! Rowan and Joel went above and beyond — Joel actually created a full murder mystery party for us, complete with characters, clues, and a completely decked-out main house. It was so thoughtful and creative, and we had an absolute blast.”

Sarah Mulcahy

4 months ago

“From the whimsical artwork to the ample gardens, Ballinderry Park was a treat through and through. Upon our arrival, Rowan started a fire in both outdoor and indoor fireplaces and invited us to use all of the amenities of this lovely B and B.”

Karyn Miller Brooks

8 months ago

“We had a fantastic weekend. The hosts were incredibly welcoming and made us feel right at home. The food was outstanding — the ratatouille on the first night and the roast dinner the next day were both delicious. The views were breathtaking.”

Lucky Horse

1 year ago

“We booked Ballinderry Coach House for a friend's birthday. When we arrived the accommodation was clean, warm and very comfortable. The host Ro and his family were very welcoming and accommodating.”

Eoin

1 year ago

“I stayed here for a weekend with friends for a board game event. It was an incredible venue for it. Many rooms, and big tables, and we were kept warm and cosy throughout. The facilities were perfect.”

Brian OConnell

1 year ago

“This is a great spot. The house and grounds are beautiful, we were given really nice home cooked food. The common spaces were large enough for a group, comfortable and warm due to the log burning stove.”

James Cusack

1 year ago

“I stayed here for a stag do with a group of lads. The hosts provided dinners on Friday and Saturday and a fully stocked kitchen. It is a fantastic old manor house but is modernized with all mod cons and the grounds are beautiful.”

Paul Fitzsimons

11 months ago

“Absolutely gorgeous venue with great facilities, our hosts for the weekend were extremely nice (and cooked dinner for 18 people, twice!), had a wonderful time and would definitely come again and wholeheartedly recommend.”

Graham O'Malley

1 year ago

“Had the best experience ever. Phenomenal hosts. Highly recommend the murder mystery!”

Stephen O'Mahony

4 months ago

Sarah Mulcahy

4 months ago

Karyn Miller Brooks

8 months ago

Lucky Horse

1 year ago

Eoin

1 year ago

Brian OConnell

1 year ago

James Cusack

1 year ago

Paul Fitzsimons

11 months ago

Graham O'Malley

1 year ago

“Had the best experience ever. Phenomenal hosts. Highly recommend the murder mystery!”

Stephen O'Mahony

4 months ago

“Brought my team here for a night and it was an incredible stay! The host Rowan organised a dinner and breakfast for us and we all had a blast.”

Zack O'Rourke

11 months ago

“A beautiful old country house in the heart of rural east Galway, it is a stunning retreat away from the noise of the towns and cities. The hosts were phenomenal, very welcoming!”

Eimhin Hick

1 year ago

“This is an amazing place to stay, really accommodating and welcoming. Food was beautiful, home cooked and healthy but v tasty. Had a ball at this place, really recommend it.”

Alan Ó Riada

1 year ago

“Wonderful house, food and location! Could not recommend it enough. Stayed here with a large group of friends and were expertly looked after.”

Ian Moss

1 year ago

“Brilliant space for events, Rowan is a great host would highly recommend!”

Daniel Hartshorn

10 months ago

“Amazing atmosphere, cozy surroundings, and an easy connection to nature!”

John Margetts

1 year ago

“Amazing house, food and hospitality. Thank you!”

John Hughes

6 years ago

“New owners are fantastic. Laoise and Rowan.”

BC Lynch

3 months ago

“Fantastic place with a wonderful host.”

John Hindley

7 years ago

“Brought my team here for a night and it was an incredible stay! The host Rowan organised a dinner and breakfast for us and we all had a blast.”

Zack O'Rourke

11 months ago

“A beautiful old country house in the heart of rural east Galway, it is a stunning retreat away from the noise of the towns and cities. The hosts were phenomenal, very welcoming!”

Eimhin Hick

1 year ago

“This is an amazing place to stay, really accommodating and welcoming. Food was beautiful, home cooked and healthy but v tasty. Had a ball at this place, really recommend it.”

Alan Ó Riada

1 year ago

“Wonderful house, food and location! Could not recommend it enough. Stayed here with a large group of friends and were expertly looked after.”

Ian Moss

1 year ago

“Brilliant space for events, Rowan is a great host would highly recommend!”

Daniel Hartshorn

10 months ago

“Amazing atmosphere, cozy surroundings, and an easy connection to nature!”

John Margetts

1 year ago

“Amazing house, food and hospitality. Thank you!”