AN investigation has been launched after one of Ireland's best-known country houses was destroyed by fire overnight.
Donaghmore House in Castlefin, Co. Donegal was engulfed by flames before three fire units from Letterkenny, Stranorlar and Strabane brought the blaze under control after several hours.
The mansion was completely gutted in the inferno.
An investigation has now been launched into the cause of the fire at the vacant 10-bedroom house.
It is believed the home was associated with the Spence family from around 1750 until 1800 and was used as a rectory in the 1860s.
What a terrible waste. A gorgeous Donaghmore House gutted. pic.twitter.com/EiaDFRN745
— North West Newspix (@NWNewspix) February 21, 2018
The building in its present, more substantial form was built around 1870 and sits on a 90-acre (36-hectare) estate.
Among the estate's features are walled gardens, two gate lodges, a cast-iron conservatory and a number of outbuildings.
Although the house itself had been renovated over the years, it included many of its original features – including Victorian cornices, fireplaces, high ceilings and sliding sash window frames.
Donaghmore is presently owned by the Tinney family and had been vacant for some time prior to the blaze.
The mansion had been on the market for €1.2million (£1m) through estate agents Sherry FitzGerald.
