Irish arts minister Jimmy Deenihan has officially opened the new-look West Wing at Russborough House in Blessington, County Wicklow, following a major revamp and conversion project.

Originally built in part to house racehorses during the mid-18th century, the wing was entirely converted into residential accommodation after Sir Alfred and Lady Beit acquired the property in 1952.

The West Wing now offers two self-catering apartments accommodating up to 16 people and has undergone a refurbishment and conservation project after a 2010 fire caused extensive damage.

It had been decided in 2009 that the wing would house self-catering apartments, but it took 18 months to restore the building to its condition prior to the fire, with a further six months to undertake the intended restoration plans.

Deenihan said: "The west wing will add greatly to the tourist offering and potential of County Wicklow and the region."

The Irish Landmark Trust worked with the Beit Foundation on the project.

Click here for more information about the reopening of the West Wing at Russborough House.