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A Guide to Irish Country Houses (originally published as Burke’s Guide to Country Houses volume 1 Ireland by Burke’s Peerage Ltd. 1978); Revised edition 1988, Constable and Company Ltd, London. The balustraded area on the side of the house where tea and coffee are served overlooks a garden. Richard White had trained a militia in order to defend the area, and stored munitions in his house. However, it was stormy weather and not his militia that prevented the invasion.
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A wing was added to the house in 1820 in the time of the 1st Earl of Bantry. This wing is the same height as the original block, but of only two storeys, and faces out to the sea. It has a curved bow at the front and back and a six bay elevation at the side. This made space for two large drawing rooms, and more bedrooms upstairs.
Property details for 53030 Bantry Bay St
The story of Bantry House begins in the late 17th century, when a modest farmhouse was built on the site by Samuel Hutchinson, a prosperous merchant from County Cork. However, it was in 1701 when the property was purchased by Richard White, that the estate’s true transformation began. White, an ambitious and visionary man, embarked on an extensive expansion project, extending the original farmhouse and adding grandeur to the estate. You can stroll around the gardens, take a tour of the house, spend a night or try some of the Bantry House afternoon tea.
What is there to see near Bantry House and Gardens?
1816 Richard White elevated to the peerage (1st Earl of Bantry). 1820 to 1840 Richard White, Viscount Berehaven travels extensively and creates his collection. 1854 Birth of William White (Fourth Earl of Bantry) 1876 Birth of Edward Leigh White 1905 Birth of Clodagh Leigh White 1922 Irish Civil War. 1933 Birth of Egerton Shelswell-White 1939 to 1945 Second World War. During the war years, the house and stables were occupied by the Second Cyclist Squadron of the Irish Army.
Visiting Bantry House: Practical Information for Tourists
He brought back shiploads of exotic goods between 1820 and 1840. The house overlooks Bantry Bay which is formative in its history because thanks to its views, Richard’s grandson was elevated to an Earldom. The White family was not only dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of Bantry House, but they were also actively involved in the local community.
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A quick golf cart ride away from the country club, this property offers the ideal blend of luxury and convenience for those seeking the epitome of country club living. With its melancholic air of faded gentility, 18th-century Bantry House makes for an intriguing visit. From the Gobelin tapestries in the drawing room to the columned splendour of the library, it conjures up a lost world of aristocratic excess.
Exploring the Gardens and Grounds of Bantry House
Bantry House (originally called 'Blackrock') was constructed in about 1700 on the South side of Bantry Bay. In 1750, Councillor Richard White bought Blackrock from Samuel Hutchinson and changed the name to Seafield. The Whites had settled on Whiddy Island across the Bay in the late 17th century, after having originally been merchants in Limerick. The family prospered and considerable purchases of land were made in the area surrounding the house.
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During the Second World War, the house and stables were occupied by the Second Cyclist Squadron of the Irish Army, and they brought electricity and the telephone to the estate. William Henry Hedges-White married Jane Herbert in 1845, daughter of Charles John Herbert of Muckross Abbey in County Kerry (see my entry about places to visit in County Kerry). If it looks like the sort of place you can imagine staying in, you're in luck – the owners offer B&B accommodation in one of the wings. Bantry House is committed to sustainable practices and the conservation of its natural and historical surroundings. The estate actively promotes eco-friendly initiatives such as renewable energy, waste reduction, and the use of organic and locally sourced products. Bantry House also works closely with local heritage organizations and government bodies to preserve its historical and cultural significance for future generations to enjoy.
Look outs were posted on Both Mizen Head and Sheep's Head to send warning of an invasion. In the end the French armada never had a chance of landing. The weather was too severe, and even ship to ship communication was too difficult. One of these 'The Surveillante' remained on the bottom of Bantry bay for almost 200 years. In November 1853, over 33,000 acres of the Bantry estate were offered for sale in the Encumbered Estates Court, and a separate sale disposed of Bere Island.
Each of the rooms have an en-suite and overlook parts of the beautiful gardens and terraces. Guests also have access to a full Irish breakfast served each morning, as well as the refurbished billiard room and library. After many years at the helm of one of Ireland’s best-known grand houses, Brigitte Shelswell-White is enjoying the freedom she’s had since handing it over to the next generation. Now, instead of facing into a new year of never-ending renovations and upkeep, she’s looking forward to life in the small house she can lock up and leave whenever she feels like getting away. Brigitte and Egerton continued restoration of the house and started to tackle the garden. They repaired the fountain and started work on the Italian parterre.
During this period, the house’s impressive collection of art, furniture, and tapestries was carefully curated, and the interior spaces were renovated to reflect their original grandeur. Brigitte and Egerton continued with the work themselves, though it was a struggle. They thought they would sell up if none of the children wanted to take it on. They sold some of the remaining land to the council and created a B&B in one wing. They set up a tea-room, opened the house and gardens to tours, venue hire and weddings.
A European grant was obtained to start the restoration process. Bantry House is the ancestral home of the Earls of Bantry which is situated overlooking Bantry Bay in West Cork. The title lapsed in 1891 but the house is still owned and lived in by the direct descendants of the 1st Earl of Bantry.
They were philanthropists and benefactors, contributing to the construction of several churches and schools in the area. The family’s impact on the town of Bantry and its surrounding areas is still evident today, with many local landmarks bearing the White family name. Richard White was elevated to the peerage as Baron Bantry in 1797 and later became the first Earl of Bantry in 1816. During his tenure, the estate’s gardens were designed in the Italianate style, and many of the house’s magnificent furnishings and art pieces were collected.
You can easily spend half a day exploring the 37-acre island and its famous gardens with a number of historical buildings as well. The Tearoom is located in the west wing and is the perfect way to extend your time at the estate. Ticket-holders can enjoy tea, coffee, cakes and snacks in a lavash setting. The gardens were developed by the second Earl of Bantry and his wife Mary in the 1800s. The ongoing project saw seven terraces developed, with a hundred steps, fountains and beautiful flowering plants. Day visitors can simply buy tickets here on the day-there is no need to prebook a visit however groups of 8 or more are encouraged to book via email for efficiency of service.
But the gardens are its greatest glory, with lawns sweeping down towards the sea, and the magnificent Italian garden, with its staircase of 100 steps, at the back, offering spectacular views. The entrance is 1km southwest of the town centre on the N71. For those planning a visit to Bantry House, the estate is open to the public from April to October. Guided tours are available, offering a unique insight into the house’s captivating history and extensive art collection. The estate also features a charming tearoom, where visitors can enjoy refreshments in a picturesque setting. Bantry House is easily accessible by car, with ample parking available on-site.
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