Russborough House among Wicklow landmarks to share nearly €170,000 in funding for upkeep
The Wicklow PeopleA significant investment in the county’s architectural legacy has been confirmed this week, as Russborough House and the Old Lacken School House were awarded a combined €168,250 under the 2026 Historic Structures Fund (HSF).
While the funding originates from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the survival of these projects now rests on the shoulders of Wicklow County Council. Acting as the essential bridge between national policy and local preservation, the council’s Heritage and Planning departments are responsible for the rigorous selection and technical oversight of these conservation works.
For a project to reach this stage, it must first pass the scrutiny of the council’s architectural conservation officer. The council manages the initial application process, shortlisting sites that demonstrate the highest heritage value and community impact.
Once funding is granted, the local authority’s role shifts to enforcement and expertise. Under the HSF framework, no funds are released until the council verifies that the works, ranging from specialised lime rendering to structural timber repairs, adhere to the national Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines.
This oversight ensures that the Pathways to Heritage strategy is upheld, keeping traditional Irish building crafts alive through local employment.
The 2026 allocation highlights the diversity of Wicklow’s built environment, with one funded structure being a Palladian mansion, and the other a 158-year-old schoolhouse.
Russborough House, awarded €101,817, is often described as the most beautiful house in Ireland. This 18th-century Palladian masterpiece is a cornerstone of Wicklow’s tourism economy.
Managed by the Alfred Beit Foundation, the house requires constant, expert-led intervention to protect its world-renowned Lafranchini stuccowork and structural integrity.
While the house recently received €19,000 for immediate external repairs under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme, this more substantial HSF grant is intended for major enhancement and structural reuse projects.
Old Lacken School House, awarded €66,433, is a project that represents the vernacular heart of the county. Built in 1868, the schoolhouse was once the educational centre for the Blessington Lakes area.
After being decommissioned in 2010, the building was reimagined as a community centre. The council’s support for this site ensures that a building of deep social significance remains a functional, safe space for the residents of Lacken.
Wicklow County Council’s success is part of a broader €4.42 million national investment across 40 projects this year. By successfully advocating for these two sites, Wicklow County Council has ensured that the county remains a leader in heritage-led regeneration, where historic buildings are not merely preserved as museums, but maintained as active contributors to the local economy and social fabric.