It was built in c.1806 for Luke White, an Irish politician and bookseller and was the centrepiece of a 3,400-acre estate, but was demolished in 1941 after many years of vacancy.

[7] Niven laid out two Victorian formal gardens of gravel walks, terraces and exotic trees decorated with statues of Greek and Roman gods.

[7] A second walled garden in a vale in the woods below the house contained more fountains and a range of glasshouses designed by Richard Turner.

Lord Massy employed a small army of staff, ranging from coachmen, stablemen, house servants, gardeners, cooks, and gamekeepers.

Having removed the slates, timbers and floors, the builder demolished the house, in the sight of Hamon Massy who was still living in the nearby gatehouse.

[12] No substantial remains of Killakee House exist today, and the estate gardens are mostly overgrown and in a state of dereliction.

Other bird species recorded there which are rare breeders in Ireland include the common redstart and the wood warbler.