Fota House and Gardens
Click here to
Call us
Click here to
Email us
Details
Fota House offers you a special visiting experience. With its wealth of treasures, you can immerse yourself in a world of elegance and beauty. From daily house tours to regular outdoor events, there's always something happening!
Fota House was originally built as a modest two storey hunting lodge for the wealthy and powerful Earls of Barrymore. During the 1820s, the house was extensively remodeled by John 'The Magnificent' Smith Barry into an elegant Regency mansion. The sumptuous interiors from tha period have recently been restored to their former glory and give the visitor a privileged look at the best of 18th and 19th Century Irish craftsmanship.
Fota remained in family ownership until the death of Mrs Dorothy Bell in 1975. Since then, the Fota Estate has passed through various phases of ownership involving University College Cork and the Fota Trust. In December 2007, the Irish Heritage Trust took ownership of the house and invested in major restoration and conservation work since then.
You can uncover the fascinating history of the Smith Barry family and their servants in 'Aspects of Fota' - a trio of guide books published by the Irish Heritage Trust and for sale in our shop and here.
Opening hours
Call us or check our website link below for details on opening times
Our Social Profiles