Rockhill House can trace its roots to the 17th Century plantation of Ulster. Seat of the Chambers family for 172 years, the property was acquired in 1832 by the aristocratic ornithologist, John Vandeleur Stewart. Stewart engaged famed Dublin architect, John Hargrave, to design a radical extension and remodelling of the house, and the new owner carried out comprehensive draining, planting and cultivation of the lands to create the lush, Georgian idyll that remained in his family until the 1936 break-up of the Estate and sale of the property and 100 acres to the Commissioner of Public Works.

 

A headquarters of the Irish Defence Forces through to early 2009, the Army’s exit began a period of vacancy that allowed Rockhill House to slip into disrepair and decay. The Estate, too, was a shadow of what it was during its days of care and plenty under the Stewarts.

 

When today’s owners, the Molloy family, got the keys in 2014, a vast task met them. When they first stepped into the house, it was possible to stand in the basement and see the roof, three storeys above!

 

This began a three-year labour of love for the Molloys, whose sensitive restoration, while being true to Rockhill’s rich past, now takes it into a great new heyday. Once again, the great halls and galleries of the Big House are filled with light and the colours and textures of its Georgian tastemakers.

 

Original features – from cornices, ceiling roses, and spiral staircases to picture rails, ironwork and fireplaces – have been salvaged where possible, and historically replicated wherever the original has been lost to time. The Estate is springing back to life, with verdant gardens adorned with Temple and fountain; and lost woodland walks uncovered for new exploration.

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In the era of the Stewarts (which called Rockhill their home for over a century), a family wedding at Rockhill was an epic, exquisite affair – flower-strung halls, high spirits and warm embraces, fine food and wine, and a glorious celebration to hold forever in the heart.

 

Today, you take up that baton and continue the grand tradition with your bespoke wedding in your own private Manor House, with our warm and skillful staff attending to your every wish.

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The Donegal backdrop is incredible, and breathtakingly photogenic in every light and season. The northern light here colours everything crisp and bright – it’s beyond anything we see anywhere else. That sense that you’re on the edge of Europe; the edge of the world is powerful and immense – you can see it, you can almost touch it.

 

We get great sunshine in Donegal but, of course, are prepared for all weathers and can provide outdoor cover so that you can get that perfect shot – even if there’s rain. Although, with such splendour inside Rockhill House, surrounded by the people you love, you might easily forget the world beyond is there at all!

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The hospitality you’ll enjoy here is something else – Donegal is the friendliest, most kind and convivial of places and we’re proud to uphold that tradition. You’ll love the food – stylish and modern but hearty and straight from the land – and the drinks will be elegant, zesty and flowing (or smooth, creamy and flowing if it’s the Black Stuff you’re after!) 

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Get in touch to arrange your personal consultation, when you can begin to share your ideas and dreams, and to discuss your choices and preferences for booking Rockhill House exclusively for your wedding. 

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It is also a chance to soak up the unique atmosphere here and to consider the possibilities of some of Rockhill’s amazing, varied spaces!  In turn, the consultation allows us to become attuned to your vision and to begin forming a plan that chimes with that vision.