Built on the grounds of Belvedere House, The Jealous Wall was intentionally built to look like a ruin. This type of folly was a popular feature on estates in the mid-1700s. Also called a “sham ruin,” the Jealous Wall is the largest folly in Ireland.
It was built by Earl Robert Rochfort, who always had trouble with one family member or another. He locked his wife Mary indoors for 31 years when she was accused of adultery with his brother Arthur. He then sued Arthur and had him tossed in a debtors prison when he couldn’t pay. When his other brother George built a grander house next door, Robert built the enormous folly so he wouldn’t have to look at it.
The Jealous Wall is on the grounds of Belvedere House Gardens and Park. The back side can be viewed on the walk from the car park to the visitor centre; to view the front, admission is required. The site features a very nice historic home, restaurant, shop, gardens, paths, picnic areas, and two other follies.
- Belvedere House Garden & Park: The Belvedere Story
- National Inventory of Architectural Heritage: The Jealous Wall
Written by Liam Hughes
Liam splits his time between the US and County Tipperary, Ireland. In addition to providing private tours of Ireland, he spends much of his time hunting for broken dishes which he crafts into beautiful shard jewelry. Liam’s Tips | Website
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