TV Auction from Castle Durrow

Images of Castle Durrow and County Laois were beamed into homes across Britain when a new series called Country House Auction premiered on More4.

The four-part series, which is supported by Tourism Ireland and Northern Ireland Screen, will follow various fine and extraordinary antiques as they are repaired, valued and then bid for at the Country House Auction.

The auction, which was curated by renowned auctioneers Sheppard's Irish Auction House of The Square in Durrow, was held in the spectacular 18th-century Castle Durrow last year. Viewers saw castle owners Tessa and Robin Leidig prepare to open their doors to host the auction at their 300-year-old home before buyers, sellers, historical homeowners and self-proclaimed auction addicts congregated at the castle to watch antiques go under the hammer.

The series features footage of the beautiful County Laois countryside and, while Sheppard’s, Durrow and its castle are the stars of the show, other locations featured include Swifte’s Heath and Burnchurch House in County Kilkenny, Limerick Museum and Gloster House in County Offaly.

Julie Wakley, Tourism Ireland’s Head of Great Britain, said: 

“Tourism Ireland was delighted to support the production of this new four-part TV series Country House Auction. With a large audience across Britain set to watch the series on More4, it’s a great way to shine a spotlight on Castle Durrow and Co Laois, highlighting our rich heritage and history.”

James and Michael Sheppard of Sheppard's Irish Auction House are shown during filming for Country House Auction at Castle Durrow.