The History of
Parsonstown Estate

1769

The Blackburne Family

George Blackburne of County Meath, who died in 1769, was patriarch of the family associated with Parsonstown. His son Anthony Blackburne, a barrister, later settled at the estate. Under the Blackburnes, the 190-acre demesne was well maintained and established as a respected landed residence in the region.

1829

High Sheriff of Meath

Anthony Blackburne (the younger) served as High Sheriff of Meath in 1829 while connected to Parsonstown, reflecting the estate’s political and social standing.

1835

The Original House

In 1835, Parsonstown House was described as:
“Substantially built and comfortable.”
Although the original two-storey slate-roofed residence was later demolished, much of the estate’s structure and landscape endured.

Early illustration of Parsonstown House and estate in County Meath around 1835

John Brinkley connected to Parsonstown Estate during the Brinkley family era in the 19th century

Early–Mid 1800s

The Brinkley Era

The estate passed to the Brinkley family.

John Brinkley, Ireland’s first Royal Astronomer and later Bishop of Cloyne, was connected to the family. His son Matthew Brinkley lived at Parsonstown in the mid-19th century.

One of Matthew’s sons, Francis Brinkley, later became an influential figure in Japan, publishing the Japanese Mail and contributing to early Anglo-Japanese relations.

1845

The “Leviathan of Parsonstown”

A notable historical coincidence: the famous reflecting telescope built at Birr Castle in 1845 was called the “Leviathan of Parsonstown,” as Birr was formerly known by that name.

Historic Leviathan of Parsonstown telescope at Birr Castle in Ireland, built in 1845

Portrait of the Donovan family who owned Parsonstown Estate in County Meath in the 1850s–1870s

1850s–1876

The Donovan Ownership

By the 1850s, Parsonstown passed into the hands of James Tertius Donovan.

In 1876, Donovan held 642 acres in County Meath. The family resided at the estate into the early 20th century, as recorded in the 1901 and 1911 censuses.

19th Century

Estate Community and Employment

At its height, Parsonstown likely supported between 50–100 people directly or indirectly, gardeners, millers, foresters, household staff, labourers, and tenant farmers reflecting its role as an economic hub within the region.

Historic photograph of estate workers and families working on the grounds of Parsonstown Estate, County Meath

Horse breeding at Parsonstown Estate in County Meath during the late 19th and early 20th century

Late 19th–Early 20th Century

Equine Excellence

A new era of horse breeding began under later ownership. County Meath’s fertile limestone soil and gently rolling pastures made Parsonstown ideal for raising and developing racehorses.

20th Century

Landscape Restoration

Under the McArdle familily, approximately 20,000 predominantly native hardwood trees were planted, restoring biodiversity and strengthening the estate’s arboreal character.

Historic photograph of the McArdle family at Parsonstown Estate, County Meath

2025

The Meade Family

Meade Farm is rooted in generations of Irish farming in the Boyne Valley, County Meath.

Parsonstown Estate continues that legacy thoughtfully restored to preserve its character while embracing modern living.

Today, farm and estate stand in balance: heritage honoured, a new chapter welcomed.

The History of Parsonstown Estate