Initially, it was relatively modest in size but over the years was enlarged, firstly in 1849 by John Fitzgerald and subsequently in 1875 and 1895 when the east and west wings were added.

[citation needed] The island and the castle remained in the FitzGerald name for almost eight centuries, until they were sold in 1966 to the Igoe family (Aberfoyle Plantations).

[citation needed] They completely refurbished the castle and the cottages on the island - for example "Seaford" is located beside the jetty and the ferry-man lived there.

[citation needed] Prior to the Igoe era, in 1956, John and Betty Williams came from Lough Ree near Athlone and took on the island from Princess Maria D'Ardia Caracciola on a lease arrangement.

They managed a herd of 40 cows, shipping the milk across the river by prong every day to the Gaultier Creamery co-op.

[citation needed] They grew barley and wheat, which they brought by barge (M71) to the mill in Waterford in the late winter time.

All machinery was carried across the river in a "cattle boat", the remains of which can be seen lying on the mud just down-river from the landing place.

[citation needed] The head of the family, Bill Igoe, was from Nenagh, while his forebears came from near Bonniconlon in County Mayo.

[citation needed] As time passed, this was replaced first by a World War II DUKW (an amphibious two ton truck), then by another World War II vessel, a landing craft which could transport vehicles as large as oil tankers; and eventually by a purpose built chain ferry constructed by Verolme shipyards in Cork.

Horticulture consisted of 5 acres (20,000 m2) of modern glasshouses growing flowers for the export market, and outdoor crops such as salads, daffodils, raspberries and asparagus.