Doneraile House Cork
Doneraile Court is a late-17th-century country house near the town of Doneraile in County Cork. It remained the seat of the St Leger family from the time of construction until the mid-20th century. It stands on 160 hectares (400 acres) of parkland and gardens.
The estate was purchased in 1629 by Sir William St. Ledger, Lord President of Munster, who moved into the 13th-century Doneraile Castle. By 1645 the castle had been attacked and burned several times and was so badly damaged that it had to be abandoned
The present house was constructed in its place in the late 1600s, utilising some of the stonework of the old castle. It was extensively remodelled and extensions were added over time. The additions include cottages, lodges, farm buildings, and stables. The St. Leger family owned and bred horses for hunting and racing on the estate.
The grounds in the vicinity of the house are laid out in the style of the famous English gardener Lancelot (Capability) Brown whilst the deer park contains Killarney Red, Sika, and Fallow deer, and the meadows a herd of Kerry cattle.
In 1870 the Doneraile demesne covered some 3,200 hectares (8,000 acres) in and around Doneraile, but was gradually reduced in size by the sale of land to tenants under the various Land Acts of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The remaining land was sold to the government in 1943, followed by the house itself in 1969 when the last St Leger occupier left.
Facilities (Free)
- Doneraile Park and Garden walks are open all year with free admission.
- Children’s Playground
- Tea room in the Courtyard
- Toilets
Facilities (Pay)
- Doneraile House is open daily (10:00-16:00) and access is by guided tour only. Tickets are available at reception.
Official Website: Doneraile House and Gardens
