The restoration team found that their biggest challenge was factoring in the services. It was essential that Cashel Palace was upgraded with modern day heating, electricity, plumbing and wifi without changing its look, and without making holes in the walls or damaging the wonderful timber panelling.
Much of the timber panelling was original early-18th century panelling and it was in excellent condition. All we had to do was repair a few large holes which had been made for services in the past. The original panelling can be found in three areas, including Cashel Palace’s new reception area. Panelling had existed elsewhere throughout the house but this had been removed a long time ago, probably the 19th century, when upgrading was carried out on the interiors and panelling was perceived as old fashioned.
We are delighted that the hotel still retains many of the building’s original internal doors as well. Several date from the late-18th century and others from the early-19th century, reflecting the many changes. Where we needed new fire doors, we added them, but these all replaced newer doors that were most likely added in the 1990s. The fireplaces at Cashel Palace are exceptional features and these have been carefully restored by a small team of experts and stone conservationists. They have not just been brought back to life, they have had detailed restoration work done, such as the splicing together of stone and specialist polishing to ensure they look as impressive as when they were first unveiled all those centuries ago. The large fireplace in the main hall contains a backplate that is embellished with the Bishop of Cashel’s coat of arms; this beautiful detail provided us with the inspiration for Cashel Palace’s distinctive logo.