Bindon was highly regarded by his contemporaries and was commissioned to design buildings and paint portraits for some of Ireland's most prominent figures.

[5] Several of his portraits of leading members of 18th century society hang in the National Gallery, while a number of his elegant Palladian mansions are dotted throughout the Irish countryside.

Born in Clooney House to a wealthy land-owning family, Bindon was well positioned to establish contacts that would ultimately benefit his career.

Two of his brothers, David (who was a writer on economic affairs) and Samuel, were members of Parliament for Ennis in 1731, a position Francis himself would hold in later life.

[6] Embarking on a 'Grand Tour' of Europe some time in his twenties, Bindon is recorded as being at Padua University on 28 October 1716 where he studied art and architecture.

Bindon died on 2 June 1765 leaving his house in Abbey Street, Dublin, and much of his possessions to his lifelong friend Francis Ryan.

The former estate, now a private farm, also includes the ruins of two gate-lodges, late medieval towerhouse, numerous outbuildings and an overgrown walled garden.