A DAY OF FUN AT SPOOKY LOFTUS HALL THIS SUNDAY

IN 2012, the Quigley family bought the imposing Loftus Hall and opened it to the public for the first time in 20 years.

To celebrate six years since the resurrection of the building there will be a family fun day at the mansion on Sunday, July 15, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. when visitors will be able to get free entry to the newly restored walled gardens.

In the six years since the house has been under the tenure of the Quigley family the grounds have been restored to their former 17th Century glory in addition to an interactive visitor centre being developed.

There is also a cafe and barbecue area while guided tours relay the creepy stories associated with the building’s past.

The birthday celebrations will feature lots of fun family-friendly events including the whacky circus collective ‘Ravishing Rapella’s Magnificently Misfit Circus’.

Speaking about the upcoming event owner, Aidan Quigley, said: ‘When we bought the house in 2012 it had stood derelict and unloved for over 20 years. However, it wasn’t our intention to make any radical changes to the house itself [and] we have instead preserved it - thus preserving the mystique and enigma surrounding the legend of Loftus Hall.’

He acknowledged the work, perseverance and ‘amazing skills’ of head gardener Barbara Kelly in making the grounds look outstanding.

‘ They now feature a Victorian water feature garden and Parterre garden.’ he said.

‘We’ve also added luxurious yurts and camping pods so people can be part of the true Loftus Hall experience at night,’ he added.

‘We’re delighted to celebrate our sixth birthday with the public who have shown us great support since we took ownership of the building in 2012.’