Mount Vernon

A mere stone’s throw from Galway Bay, Mount Vernon was built in the late eighteenth century as a residence for Colonel William Persse of Roxborough. In spite of serving on the “wrong” side in the American War of Independence, he became a friend of George Washington with whom he shared an interest in plants and gardens. The walled garden contains Cypress trees thought to have been a gift from the American President. The house eventually came to Lady Augusta Gregory, Persse’s great-granddaughter and an avid supporter of the arts. During her tenure, she entertained such luminaries as W.B. Yeats, George Russel and George Bernard Shaw. The house contains several architectural features, fireplaces, an Arts and Craft staircase, Batiks and painted panels of that era. Current owners Mark Helmore and Ally Raftery have caringly renovated and extended the house to include five very smart bedrooms featuring antique furniture and stylish collectibles from their world travels. Go to Doolin to catch a boat to view the Cliffs of Moher or head for Kilfenora to learn all about the Burren landscape.