Dr. William Henry “Harry” Barrett, a veterinarian from Port Dover, discovered through a classified ad in the Toronto Star that he had inherited an estate from a distant relative in Ireland.
Harry sold his Irish estate and used the proceeds to begin planning the construction of Clonmel Castle, which is said to be a faithful replicate of the one in Clonmel, Ireland that he inherited.
1929
After four years of construction, Clonmel Castle was complete with 12,000 square feet of elegance and sophistication.
Harry hosted a truly grand opening with more 1,400 guests coming to celebrate the architectural masterpiece.
1930
The stone wall surrounding the castle was meticulously laid by a group of local men using slate from a nearby quarry.
1930s–2010s
Over the decades, Clonmel Castle entered a period of neglect and disrepair with its grand presence fading into memory.
2015
The current Chatelaine of Clonmel Castle, Lynnee, took ownership and embarked on an eight-year journey to restore the castle to its former glory, balancing historical preservation with modern enhancements.
Today
Clonmel Castle stands proud in its fully restored state, offering guests a unique blend of history and luxury and inviting visitors to step into a legacy nearly a century in the making.
MORE FACTS
The castle was built during the Great Depression and Harry's employment of local tradesman, artisans and shipbuilders became a beacon of inspiration and resilience for the community during difficult economic times.
Shipbuilders carved intricate woodwork with eleven types of timber throughout the house, and added a “galley” to the dining room as a nod to Port Dover’s maritime roots.
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