When we moved to Malahide in 1993 The Casino (a two storey thatched cottage built in 1803) was in beautiful condition, having been re-thatched in 1976. The grounds were home to two donkeys: Salt and Pepper. I admired it every time I walked past it. I told my wife and kids more than once that we would buy it some day!
Unfortunately things went downhill after that. Salt was killed in a vicious attack in 1998 (the perpetrator was given a 2 year jail sentence), Pepper was sent to a sanctuary in Cork, and the house was unoccupied since 2000. It has since been deteriorating noticeably.
The good news is that a local benefactor (Michael Gaffney) left €1.5 million in his will for the purpose of purchasing and renovating the house on condition that the Fry Model Railway be located there (the railway, which is owned by Dublin Tourism, was removed from the Castle and was destined for Busárus apparently!).
The latest news is that good sense has prevailed and Mr Gaffney's generous bequest will be honoured. So I won't have to buy it myself as we will all own it (it is interesting to note that we are purchasing the house from ourselves as it has been NAMA'ed)
So the Fry Model Railway will return to Malahide and The Casino will become a "heritage, educational and recreational amenity". I am simply delighted.
