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Bantry House and Garden is a stately home overlooking Bantry Bay in the south west of Ireland. The House has been home to our family, the Whites, since 1739 and was opened to the public in 1946. We offer Bed and Breakfast accommodation in the East Wing from April-October annually. We have an important private collection of furniture and objects of art.
Accommodation
In the adjoining Gobelin drawing room, one panel of tapestries is said to have belonged to Louis Philippe, Duc D’Orleans, a cousin of Louis XV. Simon’s son Simon became a Colonel and married Sarah Newenham of Maryborough, County Cork. Young Simon’s sister Helen married a brother of Sarah Newenham, Richard, who inherited Maryborough. Another daughter, Martha, married Michael Goold-Adams of Jamesbrook, County Cork and another daughter, Frances, married General E. Dunne of Brittas, County Laois. The gardens, as we see them today, have gone from creation (by Richard White ,2nd Earl of Bantry), through neglect (from 1930’s-1970’s) to restoration (which began in 1997). Whiddy Island is located in Bantry Bay, just off the coast from Bantry Town and is the perfect place to explore from the House and Gardens.
Berkeley Castle
You’ll find Bantry House in Cork, just outside of Bantry Town. It overlooks the water in the bay and is conveniently opposite the Whiddy Island ferry pier. Whether you’re scouting places for your dream wedding or just looking for a day out in Bantry, here’s a quick guide to visiting Bantry House and Gardens. It’s a great place to stroll around or stop in for a fancy feed at the tearoom. It’s also a stone’s throw from plenty of other things to do in West Cork, which make it a great addition to a visit to the area.
Restoration and Revival: Bantry House in the 20th Century
Driving from Castletownshend, we entered the back way and not through the town. From the car park we walked up a path which gave us glimpses of the outbuildings, the west stables, and we walked all around the house to reach the visitors’ entrance. We were lucky that the earlier rain stopped and the sun came out to show off Bantry House at its best.
The town is home to several highly reviewed hotels and guesthouss. And the accommodation at Bantry House rivals many of the best hotels in Cork. One leads up to the top of the hundred steps called Old Ladies Walk and the other follows the stream to the Walled Garden. The northern terraces have 14 round beds flanked by replica statues. There are also two walks in the woodlands that you can ramble around.
Big buzz in Bantry as Graham Norton hosts wedding party in Co Cork - IrishCentral
Big buzz in Bantry as Graham Norton hosts wedding party in Co Cork.
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This stunning 18th-century stately home boasts an impressive collection of art, furniture, and tapestries, providing insight into the opulent lifestyles of its past inhabitants. A visit to Bantry House not only transports you back in time but also offers a chance to appreciate its breathtaking gardens and spectacular views over Bantry Bay. This comprehensive guide delves into the rich history of Bantry House, exploring its fascinating heritage and architectural grandeur. Today, Bantry House serves as a cultural hub for the local community and a popular tourist destination for visitors from around the world. The estate hosts a variety of events, such as the annual West Cork Chamber Music Festival and West Cork Literary Festival, both of which attract international audiences. Additionally, the house offers guided tours, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in its fascinating history and admire the breathtaking collection of art, furniture, and tapestries.
Copies of statues by Canova can be found dotted throughout the grounds, and the main lawn offers sweeping views over Bantry Bay. The gardens of Bantry House were developed by the second Earl of Bantry and his wife Mary. The gardens contain seven terraces; the house is located on the third. One hundred steps are located behind the house and are built to appear to rise out of a fountain and are surrounded by azaleas and rhododendron.
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The center also tells the story of Theobald Wolfe Tone, with extracts from his log and a life-size statue. Visitors can also enjoy the individual sound tour of the armada center. It is laid out in the Italian style over seven terraces, with the house sitting on the third terrace. A Parterre facing south surrounding a wisteria circle which again surrounds a fountain was also created. From there rise the famous Hundred Steps, a monumental staircase built of local stone, set amidst azaleas and rhododendron.
The White Family Legacy and the Creation of an Architectural Marvel
The gardens are glorious to stroll around and the tour of the house is a great way to spend a rainy morning (you can also follow it up with afternoon tea). The rugged and beautiful Beara Peninsula in southwest Cork is known for its stunning scenery from mountains down to the sea. Most people explore the peninsula on the Ring of Beara scenic route around the coast. It’s the perfect addition to a trip on the Wild Atlantic Way and goes from Kenmare to Glengarriff with plenty of stops to enjoy on the way. The gardens have been completely revived since the 1990s with ongoing works of improvement. The original seven terraces and main fountain still dominates the southern part of the house.
Bantry House is about 1km southwest of Bantry town on the N71. Bus 236 from Cork City goes to Bantry, but unless you sweet talk the driver, you’ll need to walk from the town centre back along the road to the house. Bantry House is an 18th century stately home, built and still owned by the White family. The House is also registered as an authorised civil ceremony venue, and hosts weddings in the summer and winter. Bantry House & Garden, The History of a family home in Ireland. This booklet includes an article by Geoffrey Shelswell-White, “The Story of Bantry House” which had appeared in the Irish Tatler and Sketch, May 1951.
The second Earl of Bantry, also named Richard White, inherited the estate in 1851. Like his father, he was an enthusiastic traveler and collector, amassing an impressive array of art, furniture, and tapestries, many of which remain on display in Bantry House today. Under his guidance, the house underwent further expansion and improvement, including the construction of the grand staircase, which was inspired by the one at the Palace of Versailles. The second Early of Bantry and his wife Mary developed the gardens at Bantry House, creating seven terraces and planting wisteria, azaleas and rhododendron amongst other plants.
By the 1780s, Bantry House comprised some 80,000 acres (320 km²) (though much of this would not be arable). Clodagh’s son Egerton had moved to the United States with his wife Jill, where he taught in a school called Indian Springs. The house was in poor repair, the roof leaking and both wings derelict. Jill decided to remain in the United States with their children who were teenagers at the time and settled into their life there. In summary, Bantry House stands as a testament to the rich history, architectural prowess, and cultural heritage of County Cork, Ireland. Its enchanting gardens, fascinating past, and the dedication of the White family have ensured its continued prominence as a captivating tourist attraction and cultural hub.
The Estate is unique since it is still lived in and managed by us as a family. The 20th century saw Bantry House undergo significant restoration and revitalization. The estate was opened to the public in 1946 by the sixth Earl of Bantry, Clodagh Shelswell-White, and her husband Geoffrey Shelswell-White. Their dedication to preserving the estate’s history and cultural significance led to the restoration of the house and its beautiful gardens.
They started a tearoom with the help of a friend, Abi Sutton, who also helped with the house. Egerton played the trombone and opened the house to musical events. They renovated the went wing and opened it for bed and breakfast guests. We missed the beginning of the tour, so raced up the stairs to join the once-a-day tour in June 2022.
The larger one, a twelve punter, is dated 1796 and was made Clyde Iron Works near Glasgow. Made at the Ruelle Foundry dated 1795, and was possibly captured from the “Surveillante” at the time of the failed French invasion. Some of the statues are copies of sculptures by Antonio Canova, some copies of classical works. In the middle of the first terrace you will find a rare 19th century copy of the Warwick vase, made out of Coade Stone. A side trip from the Ring of Beara is this incredible mountain pass known as Healy Pass.
Tone wrote of the expedition in his diary, saying that “We were close enough to toss a biscuit ashore”. Tone went to the U.S. and thought he might have to settle there but with others’ encouragement he continued in his work for liberating Ireland. The two smaller ones were made at Carrion Works in Falkirk, 1780 they are six pounders.
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