New in paperback in a compact format, an atmospheric portrayal of ten remarkable houses and castles that have survived the vicissitudes of Ireland's history and are still in the hands of their original families. From cabinets filled with generations of monogrammed heirloom china to canopy beds keeping the chill of an Irish winter at bay to cabbage-rose slip-covered sofas nestled under tall Gothic windows, this book takes the reader on a tour of ten grand Irish country houses, providing an intimate look at a marvellous hotchpotch of rooms and decoration. Specially commissioned, evocative photographs by James Fennell show inviting living rooms and tousled bedrooms, print-lined hallways and well-trampled mudrooms. The houses are not the instant creation of trendy decorators they have evolved over generations, furnished with heirlooms and cherished hand-me-downs, and exuding the mossy scent of peat fires. ''This is a book for lovers of Ireland, history or decoration. An intimate glimpse inside ten wonderful Irish country houses''. (Min Hogg). ''Packed with beautiful pictures, this page-turner allows us all to dream superb''. (''The Irish Times'').''A vivid picture of a unique culture, this is an unrivalled opportunity to tour some of Irelands most atmospheric houses''. (''Country Life'').