The concept of the Model farm Prevalent throughout England in
the 19th Century offered landlords an opportunity to display best
farming practice on their estates and demonstrate the latest developments in
machinery to their peers against the backdrop of architecturally
designed farm buildings.
The development of this model at Castlebar, Ballinrobe and
Kilmeena evolved against the backdrop of the social and economic changes that
were happening both during and after the famine. The Linen industry in Castlebar was in
decline and with a large population loss, a livestock economy developed that
Landlords were keen to capitalise on. A new style of farming evolved and
co-existed alongside the smaller holdings of lesser quality. For the third Earl of Lucan, it was a scheme
he approached with great zeal.
Correspondence and drawings show the planning of the model farm took place shortly after the Earl arrived at Castlebar and as early as 1840. The social and economic difficulties created by the onset of the famine were to have consequences for the development which was underway at this time. Decisions taken by the Earl in pursuit of the development have formed part of his legacy. The belief that this form of agricultural development and the philosophy it embodied were considered a solution to recurring shortages and famine cannot be discounted. Details on this site cover the period of the third Earls construction of and tenure at the Model Farm, Gorteendrunagh, Castlebar from 1839 to 1888. The Great depression of 1879 and financial difficulties led to the demise of the farm. Following the Death of the 3rd Earl the 4th Earl began a process of returning the land to the people and tenants of Castlebar. The Bacon Factory was constructed on the site in 1914 and the Sisters of Mercy purchased Lawn House in 1924. Two stone cut pillars facing the N5 at Gorteendrunagh are all that remain of the model farm.
This site attempts to highlight the model farm concept and recreate an impression of what the farm owned by the 3rd Earl of Lucan may have looked like. The impact this method had on the landscape will also be highlighted. Improvements that were taking place in agricultural methods and education is also shown. Two other locations where the Earl had farming interests are also included. The site also highlights that this concept was prevalent in Ireland in the mid 19th Century as Landlords attempted to emulate what was happening in England. Examples of this type of farmyard can still to be found locally at Fisherhill house, Breaffy, Castlebar and at Coachfield, near Belcarra, Castlebar. Both of these locations have incorporated modern farm buildings. Despite the presence of the modern buildings at these locations the distinct layout and architectural features associated with the model farm concept act as a reminder of these earlier endeavours.
Correspondence and drawings show the planning of the model farm took place shortly after the Earl arrived at Castlebar and as early as 1840. The social and economic difficulties created by the onset of the famine were to have consequences for the development which was underway at this time. Decisions taken by the Earl in pursuit of the development have formed part of his legacy. The belief that this form of agricultural development and the philosophy it embodied were considered a solution to recurring shortages and famine cannot be discounted. Details on this site cover the period of the third Earls construction of and tenure at the Model Farm, Gorteendrunagh, Castlebar from 1839 to 1888. The Great depression of 1879 and financial difficulties led to the demise of the farm. Following the Death of the 3rd Earl the 4th Earl began a process of returning the land to the people and tenants of Castlebar. The Bacon Factory was constructed on the site in 1914 and the Sisters of Mercy purchased Lawn House in 1924. Two stone cut pillars facing the N5 at Gorteendrunagh are all that remain of the model farm.
This site attempts to highlight the model farm concept and recreate an impression of what the farm owned by the 3rd Earl of Lucan may have looked like. The impact this method had on the landscape will also be highlighted. Improvements that were taking place in agricultural methods and education is also shown. Two other locations where the Earl had farming interests are also included. The site also highlights that this concept was prevalent in Ireland in the mid 19th Century as Landlords attempted to emulate what was happening in England. Examples of this type of farmyard can still to be found locally at Fisherhill house, Breaffy, Castlebar and at Coachfield, near Belcarra, Castlebar. Both of these locations have incorporated modern farm buildings. Despite the presence of the modern buildings at these locations the distinct layout and architectural features associated with the model farm concept act as a reminder of these earlier endeavours.