A new BBC television series starting tonight will feature the owners of a historic house in Co Carlow as they attempt to finance repairs and restoration.
Antiques to the Rescue will showcase a number of old country houses in Britain and Ireland over the coming weeks, with expert John Foster of Antiques Roadshow advising owners on the objects they can sell to raise cash.
The only Irish property to be used is Borris House in Co Carlow, ancestral home of the High Kings of Leinster, the MacMorrough Kavanaghs, now owned by Morgan and Sara Kavanagh.
“This is our ancestral home . . . financing its upkeep isn’t easy,” said Ms Kavanagh.
Choosing which antiques to sell was difficult, she added.
They have close to 900 sheep and events contribute towards the upkeep, which costs up to €250,000 a year.