Peter Bruce Photography

About the Speaker

Randal McDonnell, 15th Earl of Antrim, is an investment manager and heritage steward with a deep commitment to Ireland's heritage. Educated at Worcester College, Oxford, where he studied Modern History, McDonnell now serves as Chairman of the Partners at Sarasin & Partners LLP. Since taking on responsibility for Glenarm Castle, the McDonnell family's ancestral estate in Co Antrim, he has led its successful revival, an experience that has shaped his broader passion for heritage conservation. He was appointed as Vice President of the Irish Georgian Society in 2025.

About the Talk

Randal McDonnell will discuss the family and architectural history of his ancestral home, Glenarm Castle. Located in Glenarm, Northern Ireland, the castle was built by Randal MacDonnell, the 1st Earl of Antrim, in 1636 and has remained in possession of the family ever since. Today the castle is home to Randal and Aurora McDonnell, the 15th Earl and Countess of Antrim. Unravelling nearly 400 years of family history, Antrim will reflect on the turbulent events of his ancestry and how they have revitalized the estate to bring it into the modern era. Glenarm is now open to the public with a newly restored award-winning walled garden, an addition to the castle from the 1820s.

Schedule

6:00pm — Reception

7:00pm — Dinner

Ticketing information to follow

Thursday, October 29th, 2026

The Casino Club

195 E Delaware Pl,

Chicago, IL 60611