The History Of Decoy Country Cottages
This ordinance survey map from 1836 shows Decoy House, 2 wings of Decoy Country Cottages and The Decoy Field that gives both their name
Older History of Decoy House and Decoy Country Cottages
We often get asked where the “Decoy” in the name Decoy country Cottages comes from and the answer is that the cottages and my own house are named after a field called The Decoy that was used for trapping ducks to feed the family table
As you can see from this ordinance survey map that dates back to 1836, the Duck Decoy is clearly shown but went out of use shortly afterwards
Duck Decoys were widely used from the 1660’s until the 1780’s and on the map you can see my house (Decoy House) and 2 wings of the courtyard. The other wings were added at a later date. In 1886 approximately twenty two Duck Decoys were recorded in the country but all had been discontinued for a long period at this stage
Decoy House and lands was once part of the Lismulin Estate which was owned by the Dillon family. According to Dillon family history, William III, Prince of Orange and King of England, spent a night at Lismullin House immediately after his victory at The Battle of The Boyne on 11th July 1690
Before departing the following morning, The King left 5 objects as a mark of appreciation and these items are on display at The National Museum of Ireland at Collin’s Barracks.
Lismullin House was burnt down during the civil war on 4th April 1923 whilst Sir John Dillon and his wife were sitting down to dinner. The House was later rebuilt and is now Lismullin Conference Centre and is owned by Opus Dei
Modern History of Decoy House and Decoy Country Cottages
Conor and Paula Irwin purchased Decoy House and courtyard in 1999 after relocating back to Ireland after meeting and marrying in the UK
The idea to convert the courtyard came about after a holiday in Devon in a similar property and a desire for Paula to be able to step back from her role as a dentist and spend more time with their 3 young children
In 2003 planning permission was secured and in 2006 the build started and in 2007 we welcomed our first guests.
We have survived many challenges – the global financial crisis and Covid 19 being the biggest but thankfully business continues to grow and we are thankful to all our guests past and future who trust us with their accommodation needs and return time and again – you make all the work worthwhile!
