A Taste of Orange continued - Duntryleague Golf Course

Duntryleague Golf Course is a championship 18 hole layout. An historic Club only minutes from the CBD of Orange and approximately 260 kilometres West of Sydney.

My interest was not to play golf, but to take some photos and learn a bit about this mansion's history.

What a prize this must have been back in 1867 when James Dalton built it as a new home for his wife and eleven children, at a cost of $100.000. John had made his fortune as a successful food distributor, reputedly the biggest, west of the Blue Mountains.

James Dalton moved to Orange having previously owned and operated a small store in the nearby village of Lucknow. He later went on to establish a number of flour mills in Orange in partnership with his brother Thomas, and later, his half-brother Michael. Over the years, the Daltons acquired substantial land holdings in and around the Orange district. James Dalton purchased the property and built the house where it stands today in 1876.

(Detail of the stained glass panels either side of the front door) 

James Dalton moved to Orange having previously owned and operated a small store in the nearby village of Lucknow. He later went on to establish a number of flour mills in Orange in partnership with his brother Thomas, and later, his half-brother Michael. Over the years, the Daltons acquired substantial land holdings in and around the Orange district. James Dalton purchased the property and built the house where it stands today in 1876.

The name Duntryleague was taken from his birthplace near Galbally in County Limerick and means "The Fort of the Three Pillar Stones". It refers to the burial of King Cormack, who was the King of Munster in the 11th century. The original spelling of Duntryleague was Doon-tri-liag.

The house was built over three levels from bricks made on the property and features a magnificent stairway, wrought iron lace embellishments and iron lace portico. The pride of the building is a stained glass window which features in the stairway and was a gift to James Dalton upon his investiture as a Papal Knight in recognition of his services to the Catholic Church. The window had been presented to Dalton by Pope Gregory and carries his papal crest and motto, "Inter Cruces Triumphans in Cruces".

(Still functional, but in its' original condition, the dining sideboard and cabinets).

(The dining room overlooks the expertly maintained golf course).

The Clubhouse features a licensed bar area, barbecue area and four tennis courts. Duntryleague is a private golf club, however visitors are welcome

Duntryleague is not just about golf and tennis. Located right in the middle of the City of Orange it offers the ideal meeting place for locals and visitors. Spectacular views from the Restaurant and Clubhouse prove very popular with both members and visitors.