History
The history of Ballyragget Lodge formerly The Mercy Convent, Ballyragget.
The Mercy Convent, best known as Ballyragget Lodge, was built in 1788 by Robert Butler, a brother of most Rev. James Butler. Robert Butler was a catholic and was a large subscriber to the building of the old Cathedral of Kilkenny in 1771.
In 1774, he built (at his own expense) the old chapel in Ballyragget. When asked if he wanted any portion of it for himself, he said: “heir are no reserved places in heaven”. Later this Church was accidentally burned down.
Robert also built the old Parochial House and presented it free of rent to the clergy. He never lived in the lodge and was married but had no family. He died in London in January 1788 shortly after the mansion was built.
Robert Butler willed his estate to two surviving brothers, in succession during their lifetimes, and the remainder to his cousin, Thomas Kavanagh, of Borris House. Robert Butler’s wish was to secure continuances of the estate in catholic hands to the exclusion of his relatives; the Ormond and Mount Garret families, who had embraced the protestant religion. Before Robert was ten years dead, Thomas Kavanagh become a protestant.
James Butler, brother of Robert, was ordained into the priesthood in 1771 in Paris. He became Arch Bishop of Cashel at the age of 33 years. He died in 1791 and is buried in England where an inscription stating he was from Ballyragget can be seen.
The ground and scenic surroundings of the lodge contain some beautiful walks. One well known walk was called the “Beach Walk.” The land is now arable land. It remained in the hands of the Kavanaghs until 1946 when it was purchased by the Mercy Order of Nuns.
This property has been maintained in very good condition and is now the Aislinn Addiction Treatment Centre.