The origins of International Women’s Day date back to the early 20th century. We look back to that time, and before, to honour the remarkable women who worked behind the grand facades of Ireland’s historic estates.

At the properties in our care—Strokestown Park House, Fota House, and Johnstown Castle—generations of women played essential roles in sustaining these great houses. Though often overlooked in history, their tireless work and resilience were the backbone of these estates.

On International Women’s Day, we celebrate their legacy. We celebrate HERitage.

Generations in Service at Fota House in Cork

In 1948, a photograph captured the staff of Fota House, then over 50 strong. Among them were the many women who orchestrated the daily rhythm of the house from behind the scenes, their roles essential yet often unsung.

These women managed everything—from tending to the family’s personal needs to preparing and serving lavish meals, maintaining the interiors, laundering and mending clothes, and much more. Governesses, housemaids, laundry maids, dairy maids, lady’s maids, cooks, and parlour maids all played a crucial part in the running of Fota House. Their work demanded long hours, precision, and speed, always ready to respond to the call of the bell.

Choosing a life in service meant accepting a steady wage, demanding work, and a place within a rigid servant hierarchy. Rank determined not only responsibilities but also wages and living conditions.

At the top of the female servant hierarchy stood the Housekeeper—like Mrs. Kevin above. Well respected and responsible for the management of the staff, the Housekeeper enjoyed superior living quarters (bedroom, shown).

At the lowest end, scullery maids toiled exclusively between the kitchen and scullery, never setting foot beyond into the main house.

Ellie Butler worked as housemaid for Arthur Hugh Smith Barry. Her daughter, Peggy, followed in her footsteps, continuing in service to the family. Peggy appears in the 1948 staff photograph, a testament to the generations who dedicated their lives to Fota House.

Ellie’s niece, Patty (Patricia), also joined the household in 1947. She remained until 1975, becoming one of Fota’s longest-serving staff members.

Their stories, along with the spaces they worked in, can all be discovered on a Fota House tour.

A Full Time Job at Johnstown Castle

Johnstown Castle has a long history of women in service within its grand Gothic Revival estate. One such woman was Maisie Doran (later O’Donoghue), who passed away in 2019 in her 99th year.

Maisie began working as a housemaid for Lady Maurice Fitzgerald in 1939 at just 18 years old. Though she later had to leave her role to care for her own family, she fondly recalled her time at Johnstown Castle.

She spoke of her weekly half-day off, which began at 3pm. She used this precious time to cycle 23 miles to visit her family in Templenacroha—only to spend an hour with them before making the 23-mile return journey. If she arrived back at the castle after 10 p.m. she would be locked out!

Maisie was paid just twice a year—£9 per payment, totalling £18 annually. In the accompanying photograph, she stands outside the main castle entrance during a visit to the estate.

Domestic Service at Strokestown Park House

Strokestown Park House was home not only to aristocracy but also to generations of hardworking staff who kept the estate running. Their contributions are remembered in a new exhibition that features those who served within its walls—from housemaids rising before dawn to light fires and prepare the house, to skilled cooks whose expertise sustained both family and staff.

Among them was Mary Perry, who worked as a housemaid and laundry maid in 1844, earning just 5 guineas a year—equivalent to less than €10 today.

Rose Delane served as a dairymaid, earning 4 guineas a year. In 1803, she transitioned to housemaid, with Jane Smith replacing her in the dairy. Jane, however, was discharged in 1807 due to ill health.

Mary McDermott held the role of cook from 1794 to 1800, earning £10 annually. She was eventually discharged due to illness but was fondly remembered for her excellent soups.

The kitchen also provided work for Anne Chapman, a baker from 1796 to 1804, who earned 3 guineas a year and played a key role in the estate’s daily sustenance.

The kitchen gallery was used by the lady of Strokestown Park if she needed to address the cook or to throw down the lunch or dinner menus to the staff below (as shown).

This kitchen is the last preserved 18th-century gallery kitchen in Ireland. It, and those who worked there, are the focus of an exhibition opened in 2024 that sheds light on servant life highlighting kitchen workspaces, food preparation, and serving.

Even walking around this remarkable kitchen, and adjoining larders, and scullery evokes the memory of these dedicated women. We might even consider renaming the exhibition Food, Feasts & Powerful Females!

It also highlights the contrasting existences of the gentry in the dining room and those who toiled here behind the scenes.

And behind the scenes they truly were.

Such were the lengths taken to keep servants out of sight, that tunnels were created to ensure that they would not be seen going about their tasks.

The servants’ tunnel at Johnstown Castle – a remarkable 86-metre (282-foot) underground passageway leading to the castle kitchens – has become a fascinating part of the castle tour.

Strokestown Park House also had a tunnel – though not as long – which linked the inner stable yard to the kitchen yard.

Honouring Their Legacy

In 1881, 48% of employed women in Ireland were in service. Going into service was one of the only career options for the lower classes and was considered appropriate work for single females. A job in service at a large estate was considered to have huge benefits including long-term career prospects, learning new skills, and being paid while provided with bed and board.

As late as 1911, domestic service was still the second largest employer, particularly of women with 125,783 indoor servants in Ireland. It wasn’t until the middle of the 20th century that there was a major decline in numbers.

As we reflect on International Women’s Day Ireland, it is essential to remember the contributions of these women whose labour and lives helped sustain Ireland’s great estates. Their legacy is preserved not only in historical records but in the very fabric of the houses they served. Today, visitors to Strokestown Park House, Fota House, and Johnstown Castle can explore their stories, gaining insight into the often-invisible world of domestic service.

By celebrating these women, we acknowledge their place in HERitage and ensure their resilience and dedication are never forgotten. This International Women’s Day, we honour the countless women who were at the heart of heritage and whose work helped shaped our past.

Read more about the origins of International Women’s Day and some of the women who lived upstairs at our special heritage places.