Knocknamoe House Restoration

Knocknamoe House was built in 1841 by the second Viscount de Vesci, as part of a twenty five house complex, known as Temperance Street, for rental to elderly people and widows at a minimum rent. It was used for this purpose throughout the years until 1968 when it was handed over to the care of the County Council. A shortage in County Council finances meant that over the years many of the houses fell into disrepair, Knocknamoe House being one of them. As the town progressed to its status as a heritage town, the decision was made to renovate the house and in due course the house was restored to its present condition. In its new life, Knocknamoe has become a home to the Abbeyleix Parish Development Company. Also, in the last few years it has been a house to the Abbeyleix Parish Centre.