Bryce House on Garnish Island
Explore the restored home of Garnish Island's creators and discover the history of this horticultural paradise in Bantry Bay, County Cork.
Bryce House, located on Garnish Island (also known as Ilnacullin) in Glengarriff Bay, is a restored Edwardian cottage that was once the home of John Annan Bryce and his wife, Violet. Today, it serves as a museum showcasing the history of the island and the Bryce family's vision in creating its extraordinary gardens. Visitors can explore the house through guided tours and gain insight into the island's unique horticultural heritage.
A brief summary to Bryce House
- Garnish Island, IE
- Visit website
Local tips
- Book your ferry tickets in advance, especially during the summer months, as space is limited.
- Bring cash, as credit cards are not accepted for admission to the island.
- Allow ample time to explore both Bryce House and the gardens; a visit of at least 90 minutes is recommended.
- Wear sturdy shoes, as the island terrain includes a mixture of grass, gravel, and concrete paths.
- Keep an eye out for seals and white-tailed sea eagles during the ferry journey to the island.
Getting There
-
Ferry
To reach Bryce House, you must first take a ferry to Garnish Island from Glengarriff. Several ferry services operate from Glengarriff Pier, including Harbour Queen Ferry and Blue Pool Ferry. The ferry journey takes approximately 15 minutes and offers views of Glengarriff Castle, Seal Island, and potentially white-tailed sea eagles. Typical cost for a round-trip ferry ticket is between €12-€15 per adult. Upon arrival at Garnish Island, there is a separate admission fee of €5 per adult to enter the island gardens and access Bryce House. Note that payment on the island is cash only. Ferries operate from March to early November. Check the specific ferry service's timetable for departure times, as they vary throughout the season. It is advisable to book in advance, especially during peak season.
Discover more about Bryce House
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