An urban explorer has discovered an abandoned mansion in Ireland with a unique history and its very own two-storey library.

Rebecca Brownlie found the property through one of her followers, claiming the home was built in 1790 for the 1st Earl of Donoughmore.

The Georgian manor, located in County Tipperary, Ireland, has sat abandoned since 2017, falling into decline.

Sharing the video on Instagram (@abandoned_ni_ ) she gained over 4,800 views from her 8,500 followers.

“I first visited three years ago to document the building and then the decay was quite advanced,” the pharmaceutical worker, from Northern Ireland, told http://NeedToKnow.co.uk.

“But even in its crumbling state, it took my breath away.

“It has the most intricate plasterwork and ceiling roses I've ever seen.

“It also has a two-storey library and you can still walk along the library balcony, but you have to find the secret door first in the bookshelf to enter, this was magical!

“It's supposed to be one of Ireland's largest homes and actually spans the equivalent of 40 average-size, three-bed houses."

Named Knockloft, the home was transferred from the Earl to the Lord of Donoughmore.

Remaining in the house with his wife until he was 71, they were allegedly visited by masked men who kidnapped his wife and hit him over the head.

Rebecca claims they were part of the IRA, the two being kidnapped to influence a policy relating to the ongoing hunger strike at the time.

Held for four days, it's believed they befriended their captors and were released unharmed in a field in Dublin.

Seven years after the hotel, Lord Donoughmore died, leaving Lady Donoughmore and their family to move out.

The property was bought in 1984, when the owner transformed the house into apartments and a hotel, adding a pool, which is when the pool and the squash court were added.

Knocklofy sold again in 1990 where it continued to run as a 17-bedroom hotel before its decline and closure in 2017.

She said: “It was recently bought over by Tony Donlan, who has now started work on fully restoring Knocklofty to its former glory.

“He may turn it back into a hotel, or possibly a retirement home.

“I returned recently to document it once more before the work begins and I will follow its progress as it goes.”

Exploring the ground floor of the property, she discovered a large entrance hall, reception rooms, a two-storey library, and a swimming pool.

The library can be seen with empty shelves, rotting wallpaper, and a grand staircase.

Upstairs, Rebecca found old bedrooms, beautiful old fireplaces, vines growing through windows, and golden plasterwork.

Rebecca shared this video of her findings to Instagram, where it gained over 260 likes, and tones of comments from fans.

Rose said: “How beautiful! Imagine having a home like that! Would love to have seen it in all its glory when it was built.”

Lobas commented: “This is just amazing. And what an exciting story. LONG LIVE KNOCKLOFTY.”

Ines added: “So beautiful!!! Well done in helping it be saved.”

“Oh my goodness Rebecca! This is amazing,” said Kate.

“Love this,” wrote Lynn.

ENDS