The Argory, Derrycaw, Dungannon, Northern Ireland

The MacGeough Bond family lived in the house on this riverside estate from the 1820s until 1986 and a lot of the house’s original Victorian features have been restored since it was handed over to the National Trust.

The Argory was built in the 1820s for the MacGeough Bond family. It was designed by Arthur and John Williamson of Dublin and built in the Neoclassical style. In 1822, the family commissioned James Davis to build a finger organ with barrels for the first floor lobby, the idea being that a small chapel would eventually be built in the grounds. However, these plans never came to fruition and the family continued to gather in the upstairs lobby for morning and evening prayers. During a tour of the house you might be able to play a few notes on the organ, which has been in use since 1824, or, if you prefer, try out the rosewood Steinway grand piano in the Victorian drawing room. Most of the rooms are fully furnished with original Victorian mahogany furniture and acetylene gas lights, which were installed in 1906. Mr Bond lived in the house until 1986, when he passed away and the house was given to the National Trust. 

Outside, you can wander through a little box-hedged rose garden or the Lime Tree Walk, best enjoyed in spring when the snowdrops and daffodils are out. You can also walk along a path by the River Blackwater, just beside the house, or pop into the Walled Garden, so discreet that visitors sometimes miss it. 

The Argory, Derrycaw, Dungannon
The Argory, Derrycaw, Dungannon

Opening Hours

Monday:
11:00 - 17:00
Tuesday:
11:00 - 17:00
Wednesday:
11:00 - 17:00
Thursday:
11:00 - 17:00
Friday:
11:00 - 17:00
Saturday:
11:00 - 17:00
Sunday:
11:00 - 17:00
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