Three fine examples are to be seen in our local area and they represent a stone heritage in our local history. They are Derryowen House, Blakemount House and Loughwood House.
Derryowen House.
It was originally and L-Shaped thatched cottage. In 1880 a two storey hipped slated house was built and was joined onto part of the original building.
The Lopdell family were associated with these lands and a member of the family is buried in the land a few kilometres from his home. On the flat gravestone is this inscription:
"Under this flag lies the remains of Christopher Lopdell of Derryowen Esq. Wishing to be buried on his own estate which he got by inheritance. He was appointed magistrate for the counties of Clare and Galway in the year 1801 and continued in the Commission until his death though there were a great number of magistrates superseded in that period.
He died the 7th day of August 1836 aged 71 years".
Another surname associated with this big house is deBlacquiere (French family). The house and lands are now in the hands of the Earley family.
Blakemount House.
This demesne originally comprised of some 1000 acres and was connected with the Blake family. It appears that they moved from the parish in the 1800's. It is a 2 storey house.The house was inhabited until recently. A keystone on the coalhouse dates to 1879.
Loughwood House.
Also called Lughid House, in remembrance of Lughid the leader of the Dalcassians in the invasion of Thomond over a 1000 years ago.
This estate also belonged to the Blakes of Galway. There was also a mill on the river. The house has now been demolished but there are some traces of the mill including two fire millstones.
