The Turret Lodge, controlling access between Kilrush town and the Vandeleur Estate demesne, was originally built in 1845.

It lay vacant and derelict from around the mid-1980s until 2020.

Under the Historic Towns Initiative 2019, The Heritage Council awarded funding to Clare County Council for refurbishment of the building.

Following an award-winning restoration process, the refurbished building was officially opened during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic on 22 September 2020, and later handed over under licence by Clare County Council to Kilrush and District Historical Society.

The Turret Lodge is now used by KDHS as a heritage and genealogical centre and by the committees of KDHS and other local organisations as a venue for meetings.

Those using our heritage and genealogical services in the centre and online are invited to make donations towards the running and upkeep of the centre, which can be made on site or via PayPal.

The Turret Lodge is located in the townland of Feagarroge, behind the Teach Ceoil and Kilrush Churchyard; for precise directions use the Eircode V15 E773.

To arrange a genealogical consultation, please telephone our genealogist and Public Relations Officer Paddy Waldron on +353 87 254 7230; to book the Turret Lodge for a meeting, please telephone our chairperson Lisa O'Sullivan on +353 87 294 0985.