Jigginstown Castle, Naas - Sinnott Design

Jigginstown Castle ,Naas Architectural reconstruction

Jigginstown Castle, Naas
Jigginstown Castle, located in the west of Naas, is a fascinating historical site with a rich heritage. Constructed in the 1630s by Thomas Wentworth, the Lord Deputy of Ireland, it was originally intended to be a royal residence for King Charles. The castle’s proximity to the Tow Path Heritage Trail and its picturesque setting by the canal make it an intriguing stop for history enthusiasts and visitors alike.

Working with architects, builders, Developers and Estate Agents…
In these illustrations we set out to re-reate an artist’s impression of how the Castle if it was ever finished might have looked.

The very first large scale red brick building in Ireland.
With Jigginstown House, on the old Newbridge road just outside the town of Naas, made architectural history when it was built in the late 1630s as it was the very first large scale red brick building in Ireland. Wentworth had planned the building with the idea that it could be home to the king on royal visits to Ireland. From 1632 to 1639, Wentworth instituted a harsh rule as Lord Deputy of Ireland. Recalled back to England, he became a leading advisor to the king, attempting to strengthen the royal position against parliament. Stafford was accused of treason by enemies in the House of Commons and never lived to see if indeed he housed a king, as he was sentenced to death after Charles I signed the death warrant and Wentworth was executed before a crowd of about 200,000 on 12 May 1641.

The Castle that was never Finished
After the death of Thomas Wentworth there is still controversy today as to whether Jigginstown was ever really finished however it was described as ‘In a manner finished’ at a cost of £6000..Cromwell in his ‘Excursions through Ireland’ credits the construction to a member of the Allen family – most likely John Allen, who was noted for his taste in architecture. A reasonable explanation for this conflict regarding the constructor of Jigginstown is that Allen was responsible for the planning of the building while Johnson carried them out. The building itself measures 448ft in length and consists of fine vaulted cellars and a number of tall rooms on the ground floor, reached by an outside stairs.

They can frame a stage, define separate areas, create a memorable photo opportunity or turn an empty venue into an environment that feels completely different. We look beyond individual pieces to consider their scale, position, finish and relationship with the surrounding architecture. The result feels deliberately placed within the space rather than simply added to it.