Contents of Howth Castle open for public viewing ahead of historic auction

The contents of Howth Castle are open for public viewing this weekend ahead of the historic auction next week.

This sale, conducted by Fonsie Mealy Auctioneers, will feature over 800 years of various items collected by the owners of the castle.

Amongst the key items in this extremely rare collection are a 1735 portrait of Jonathan Swift, large medieval tapestries, paintings, rugs, objet d’art, important George 2nd gilded furniture, a clock owned by Marie Antoinette and a mourning dress worn by Queen Victoria.

The viewing also includes the very rare militaria section of the sale, which includes the mythical Great Sword of Howth, medals, swords, military uniforms and ceremonial costumes.

The auction, entitled ‘Family Contents’ will be a two-day sale (8th-9th September) and will take place in the Grand Hotel, Malahide, Co. Dublin.

It will feature the extensive and wide-ranging family contents of the castle.

One of the most important items in the sale is the portrait of Johnathan Swift, painted by Irish gentleman painter, Francis Bindon (c.1690-1765).

The painting is believed to be one of the most important and finest 18th century Irish works of art to come onto the open market.

The painting features Johnathan Swift with the people of Ireland honouring him. The painting has been at Howth Castle since 1735.

Another very rare painting is described as a ‘Bird’s Eye view of Howth Castle’.

It is believed to have been painted in 1740 and presented as a gift from the Earls of Howth.

Other items include chairs and ceremonial items involved in the visit of Queen Victoria and other royal notables who have visited Howth Castle.

The auction also includes rare Asian artworks, pottery and ceramic items.

Members of the public can view the contents at Howth Castle from Saturday, 4th September to Tuesday 7th September between 10:00-18:00.

Admittance to the viewing is by catalogue only.

A second auction entitled ‘The Library Sale’, will take place 22nd-23rd September. The centrepiece of this auction is an extremely rare collection of 24 original letters by John Henry Newman (1863-1878).