Background

Bantry House: A Stately Home with Breathtaking Bay Views

Discover history and stunning scenery at Bantry House, a stately home on the Wild Atlantic Way with breathtaking views of Bantry Bay.

4.5

Bantry House, a historic stately home in Bantry, County Cork, has been owned by the White family since the mid-18th century. Overlooking Bantry Bay, this elegant house boasts impressive art collections, elaborate gardens inspired by European travels, and a rich history connected to the French invasion attempt of 1796.

A brief summary to Bantry House

Local tips

  • Climb the Hundred Steps for rewarding panoramic views of Bantry House, Bantry Bay, and the surrounding landscape.
  • Enjoy afternoon tea in the tearoom for a taste of Irish tradition in an elegant setting.
  • Check the Bantry House website for special events, such as music festivals and theatrical performances.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Bantry town centre (The Square), Bantry House is approximately a 1km walk west along the N71. Alternatively, Bus Éireann route 236 connects Cork City with Bantry Town Centre. From there, you can walk to Bantry House. A single fare on Bus Éireann from Cork to Bantry is approximately €15-€25. A taxi from Bantry town to Bantry House will cost approximately €8 - €12.

  • Walking

    From Bantry town center, head west on the N71. Bantry House is located about 1km outside of town on the left-hand side of the road, overlooking Bantry Bay. The walk is relatively flat and takes approximately 15-20 minutes.

  • Driving

    Bantry House is located just off the N71, approximately 1km west of Bantry town. Limited parking is available on-site. Parking is free. Be aware that during peak season, parking can be challenging.

Unlock the Best of Bantry House

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Bantry House

Bantry House, originally named 'Blackrock,' was built around 1710 and later acquired by Richard White in 1750. The house has been expanded over the centuries, most notably in the 19th century, and has been open to the public since 1946. Today, descendants of the White family still live in and manage the estate. The house showcases a diverse collection of art, furniture, and tapestries acquired by the second Earl of Bantry during his travels in Europe. Visitors can explore rooms filled with these original pieces and learn about the family's history. The gardens at Bantry House are a highlight, featuring seven terraces that descend towards Bantry Bay. Inspired by Italianate design, the gardens include manicured lawns, fountains, and the iconic Hundred Steps, a grand stone staircase surrounded by azaleas and rhododendrons. Climbing these steps rewards visitors with panoramic views of the house, Bantry Bay, and Whiddy Island. Bantry House also has historical significance related to the attempted French invasion of 1796. Richard White, the owner of the house at the time, played a key role in alerting authorities and organizing local defenses. An Armada Centre on the grounds commemorates this event with exhibits about the French expedition and artifacts from the French frigate Surveillante, which sank in Bantry Bay.

Popular Experiences near Bantry House

Popular Hotels near Bantry House

Select Currency