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Description
A grand, mid 18th century mansion set on a slope
above Bantry Bay with the mountains behind.
Wander formal Italianate gardens with a tall stone stairwell to the
sky. Sip tea in plush wicker chairs
while watching the rain wet rose petals outside. Browse the leather-backed books in the
library where tapestries woven for Marie Antoinette drape the walls. Learn about the history of the Surveillante
in the French Armada Centre.
Or stay overnight in a fully restored room.
The descendents of the White family still live in this
home. It has been in their family since
the early 1700s. It was built foremost
as a family home and also to reflect the status and wealth of the Earls of
Bantry. It has served many purposes
throughout history: serving as a Hospital during the Civil War and as barracks
during the Emergency. In 1947, Clodagh
and Geoffrey Shelswell-White opened its doors to the public. Restorations in 1978 help make the house both
accessible to tourists and a location for functions and events. It has since served as a setting for
world-class festivals.
How to get there
By car:
From Kenmare, take N71 south to Bantry.
From Cork, take N22 west to outside Crookstown. From Crookstown, take R585 southwest to
Kealkill to main N71 highway. Take N71
south to Bantry.
By bus:
See www.buseireann.ie
website for all current travel details and restrictions.
Opening times
Open daily; March – October, 10AM to 6PM.
Admission Fees
House, Gardens, and Armada Centre: 10 euro
Gardens and Armada Centre: 5 euro
Children under 14 years of age accompanied by and adult:
free
Dogs must be kept on a lead.
Address
The Bantry House and Gardens
Bantry, Co. Cork
Tel: +353 037 50047
Email:
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Web: www.bantryhouse.com
When to go
Callino Quartet and Friends in April. West Cork Chamber Music Festival at the
beginning of July – highly recommended.
Masters of Tradition in mid August.
Written by Liz O'Malley - Summer of Travel 2007
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