The conservatory historically was a glass house used to grow more exotic plants used to warmer climes. Sometimes they were also used to grow citrus fruit which would grow and ripen under the sheltered environment inside the conservatory or orangery. In England and Ireland they were in fashion primarily during the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Usually constructed using cast iron and glass in many have survived in some form to this day many of which have been restored to their former ornate glory. The fully intact Palm House in the National Botanic Gardens Glasnevin, was designed by Richard Turner the same designer as the derelict Castlebridge Conservatory in Wexford.
A fine example of a fully restored Victorian Conservatory also by Richard Turner can be seen at Woodstock Gardens in Inistioge Kilkenny. The results can be truly spectacular.