Richard Corrigan’s Virginia Park Lodge Joins Historic Houses of Ireland

The 18th-century hunting lodge, owned by chef Richard Corrigan, joins the association in its mission to celebrate, preserve and share Ireland’s rich history and heritage.

Virginia Park Lodge, County Cavan has announced its membership of Historic Houses of Ireland. The 18th-century hunting lodge, owned by chef Richard Corrigan, joins the association in its mission to celebrate, preserve and share Ireland’s rich history and heritage.

Virginia Park Lodge joins a distinguished collection of historic properties, including Ballyfin Demesne (Co Laois), Bantry House (Co Cork), Castle Leslie (Co Monaghan), Ballyvolane House (Co Cork) and Glin Castle (Co Limerick).

Thomas Emmet, Events and External Relations Officer, said:

“Historic Houses of Ireland is delighted to welcome Virginia Park Lodge as a member. We are a growing organisation and Associate Members like Virginia Park Lodge, who take the utmost care with restoration and preservation of the house and gardens and are a community asset and local tourism anchor are a vital part of keeping heritage in private ownership going into the next generation.

“Historic Houses of Ireland represents and advocates for close to two hundred and fifty houses, estates and owners across the island – through education, lobbying and a diverse events programme the charity aims to raise awareness, build a community network of owners and support these owners in conserving, sharing and future proofing these iconic homes, gardens, small businesses and rural tourism hubs.“

Founded in 2008, Historic Houses of Ireland supports the future of the country’s historic homes, buildings, estates, gardens and archives that remain in private ownership. Its members also play an important role in protecting Ireland’s biodiversity and native habitats, with many estates safeguarding centuries-old parklands and woodlands that provide a haven for the country’s diverse flora and fauna.

Commenting on Virginia Park Lodge’s appointment Richard Corrigan said:

“I’m honoured to be a custodian of Virginia Park Lodge and to join this incredibly impressive group of properties. The work Justin and the board do behind the scenes is crucial to preserving Ireland’s culture and heritage, and I have long admired their efforts.

These houses are about community and the role they play in sustaining it. They support local jobs, provide livelihoods for many people, and help keep rural communities thriving. Their contribution goes far beyond the buildings themselves; it’s about the people, skills and traditions they sustain for future generations. I look forward to contributing in whatever way I can.”

Corrigan at the helm

The renowned chef acquired the 100-acre estate in 2014, having married his wife, Maria, there in 1991. Set on the shores of Lough Ramor and nestled within Deerpark Forest, the estate was originally owned by the first Earl of Bective, Lord Headfort, himself a key contributor to the Royal Horticultural Society, landscaping the gardens and forestry at the Lodge from his own personal collection of plants and trees sourced around the world.

Since its acquisition, Richard and his team have undertaken an extensive restoration, working to return the house to its former glory – reinstating the Jacobean dining room for example, and its seven-foot-high fireplace – and the historic grounds to the botanical marvel they were set out to be.

Food and self-sufficiency are at the heart of Virginia Park Lodge

With Corrigan at the helm, food and self-sufficiency are at the heart of Virginia Park Lodge and the team have worked tirelessly to plant hundreds of native and speciality trees across the estate, while also replanting the extensive gardens and walled garden. Rare breed Oxford Sandypigs are reared on the grounds, roaming freely among the apple trees, while productive polytunnels yield an abundance of produce, from aubergines to peppers; melons to tomatoes to leeks. Guided by consultant botanist Daphne Shackleton, the gardens are managed entirely without chemicals, and everything is recycled on-site.

The kitchen garden and fruit orchards, featuring rows of vegetable beds and apricot, plum, peach and apple trees, are consistently improved and nurtured with organic compost and manure and the use of herb gardens, cutting gardens and the polytunnels extends the seasons further, reflecting a long-term commitment to creating a thriving, sustainable estate year round.

“Seeing the return of red squirrels, bumblebees, rare birds and other wildlife has been one of my greatest joys,” Richard Corrigan

Virginia Park Lodge is open year-round for private events, retreats and seasonal pop-ups, including its annual HOMEGROWN Festival, which has welcomed the likes of Dame Prue Leith, Raymond Blanc, Angela Hartnett, Darina Allen, Tom Parker-Bowles, Mary Coughlan and Liam Ó Maonlaí. Whether you’re seeking the luxury of a suite in the main house, the independence of a self-catering Courtyard cottage or the charm of a shepherd’s hut, there’s something to suit every guest visiting.