The dispersion of artefacts, through the sale of Irish country house contents, happened often with the destruction of Irish country houses (1919–1923).

Later, post war sales and fires resulted in the destruction of further contents while large auction sales from the 1950s through to the mid 1990s resulted in the loss of further contents.

Post the beginning of the Celtic Tiger era (c 1995 onwards), the sale of contents has been more rigorously catalogued with all but the most exceptionally valuable lots staying in the hands of other home owners within the state.^[1][2]

In the early 21st century, both the National Gallery of Ireland and the National Museum of Ireland have had first refusal and prior notice on important items which have been placed on the market for sale.^[3]

• British country house contents auctions
• Desmond FitzGerald, 29th Knight of Glin