James Franklin Fuller
& his work around Ballina, Co. Mayo
Errew Grange was constructed in 1872 by Granville Knox
using the funds of his wealthy heiress wife. No expense was spared during its construction
which led to Granville being declared bankrupt before it was completed.
Accreditation- The National Library of Ireland
After the gas leak and fire in 1949, the house stood
as a ruin for a number of years before its restoration began in the 1970s.
Today the house is divided into a number of apartments that enjoy spectacular
views of the nearby Lough Conn.
Accreditation- Photo by David Hicks
After the departure of Granville Knox the, house was
converted in to ‘The Lough Conn Hotel’ which was operated by Maurice
Fitzgerald. He had hoped to attract English fishermen to the beauties of the
locality but it is questionable whether the business was a success. The house
served as a school between 1912 and 1916 after which it was again operated as a
hotel until a disastrous fire in 1949.
Accreditation- The National Library of Ireland
Today Errew Grange has been restored and extended; its
attic storey now includes numerous dormer windows which detract from the beauty
of the original building which was designed by James Franklin Fuller.
Accreditation- Photo by David Hicks
Accreditation- Photo by David Hicks
Accreditation- Photo by David Hicks
The interior of the nearby Mount Falcon is a more reserved and restrained affair as the building was always in use since it was built it retains it original internal features.
Accreditation- Photo by David Hicks
The entrance gate to Belleek Castle in Ballina which
was also designed by James Franklin Fuller in the 1870s, for another branch of
the Knox family.
Accreditation- Photo by David Hicks
The impressive monument design by James Franklin
Fuller and erected over the grave of Arthur Knox Gore who died in 1873. It is
surrounded by a waterless moat and a rumour persists that he was buried with his
horse.
Accreditation- Photo by David Hicks