The ceiling is coved and has a central square moulding as in the Hall. The cantilevered Portland stone staircase was built in 1760 under the direction of Simon Vierpyl (c.l725-1811). Three of the brass banisters are signed and dated by their maker, 'A. King Dublin 1760'. (The staircase was restored by Mr and Mrs Lennox Barrow).

The walls are decorated with plasterwork in the baroque manner typical of the work of the Swiss-ltalian stuccadores the Lafranchini brothers. Shells, cornucopias, chinese dragons and masks, (possibly symbols of the four elements), are included in the decoration, pride of place being given to a bust of Tom Conolly at the foot of the stairs. The four seasons are represented on the piers and on either side of the arch.

'The Boar Hunt' by Paul de Vos (1596-1678) is framed by Lafranchini plasterwork. This picture has much in common with the work of Frans Snyders, the artist's brother in law. Originally there were paintings in the other frames also.

Below the stairs is an eighteenth-century English slab table, (donated by Mrs George F. Baker of New York). The carved mask of Vesta is similar to those over the doors.

All text copyright of Dr. Paul Caffrey. Copies of the guidebook are available from Dr. Caffrey at caffreyp@ncad.ie