Visiting Bantry House, County Cork

Bantry House ( bantryhouse.com) )is a historic house located nearby Bantry, County Cork. Originally built in 1710 and named Blackrock House, the house was bought by Councillor White in 1750 who renamed the house "Seafield". During that time, the White family bought a lot of land around the house and by the 1780's, they had purchased approx. 80000 acres.

in 1946, the house was opened to tourists and more recently, the house was opened up as a B&B. The house overlooks beautiful Bantry Bay, unfortunately on the day we visited this magnificent house, it was overcast.

The gardens, which were developed by the second Earl of Bantry, are amazing. Where they had fallen into disrepair, they have been lovingly restored since 1997.
Located at the back of the house, the garden is created over 7 terraces which provide any visitor with wonderful views across Bantry Bay.

The fountain within the parterre is surrounded by Wisteria which provides a colourful display during the summer months. The 100s of steps which lead guests towards the woodland is just as impressive, just as the North terraces with their 14 round beds providing a year round colourful display. It is here that the priced statues and pots Richard brought back from his travels are on display.
The gardens are huge, and although I like gardening, I say it is a mammoth task to maintain these extensive gardens. The house itself has been beautifully restored. The grandeur of the house is reflected in all the rooms. From the entrance hall where relics from Richard's travels are on display.
From the dining room to the bedrooms, the historic furniture and huge portraits which are on display will provide you with a view into the lives of Bantry house it's occupants.

After viewing the house, we decided to have lunch in Bantry House tearoom, but it was a bit to busy for our liking. So we decided to walk towards the walled garden. And in contrast to the busy tearoom, we were totally on our own in these gardens.
Back at the car, we decided to head into Bantry and have Lunch in the Bantry Bay Hotel.