original 18th century features. From the start, the estate was laid out to a formal design. This is still reflected in the remnants of the extensive lawn and terraces with a shaped pond in the middle to the north of the house. Meanwhile, to the south there is a more naturalistic prospect with rolling fields, serpentine lakes and mature woodland. It remains an almost intact example of an Irish demesne from this period, with features such as the Walled Garden, the ice-house and the lime kiln. There is a 2 km maze, craft courtyard of artisan studios and The National Bird of Prey Centre. Fire On 7 February 2010, a fire severely damaged the west wing and caused part of the roof to collapse. No art was damaged, being removed along with furniture to allow for restorations to the west wing. Initial examinations of the damage suggested an electrical fault from wiring in the roof may have sparked the fire. Art robberies Portions of the Russborough collection have been stolen four times. These include thefts in: 1974 by an IRA gang including British heiress Rose Dugdale; in 1986 by Martin Cahill (nicknamed "The General"); in 2001, and in 2002 by Martin Cahill's associate Martin Foley. Two paintings, Gainsborough's Madame Bacelli and Vermeer's Lady writing a Letter with her Maid, the latter probably the most valuable painting of the collection, were stolen twice across the thefts, although each was subsequently recovered (the latter in 1993, the same year as the recovery of Goya's Portrait of Dona Antonia Zarate). In popular culture Russborough House was used as a setting in 2011 film Haywire, and the 2016 film Love & Friendship. The house was featured in Travel Channel's Mysteries at the Castle. See also Poulaphouca Reservoir Notes Further reading External links Russborough House - official site Conservation Plan - issued by the Heritage Council of Ireland Houses in the Republic of Ireland Country houses in Ireland Museums in County Wicklow Gardens in County Wicklow Historic house museums in the Republic of Ireland Art museums and galleries in the Republic of Ireland Palladian architecture in Ireland Richard Cassels buildings