Birr Castle’s Lady Rosse: ‘I would be very sad if the castle was empty or turned into a museum’

Artist Alison Rosse, aka Lady Rosse of Birr Castle, speaks of her love for painting and being the custodian of an historic property

Lady Rosse at Birr Castle, a property that dates back to the 17th century. Photo: Mark Condren

‘This is a room I keep warm,” says Lady Rosse – the title used by artist Alison Rosse – in the comfort of her study, complete with stove, at Birr Castle.

“In winter, we keep a few rooms warm and the kitchen has a big Aga, so it is always warm, and then we just run from one room to the other,” she adds with a laugh.