Doneraile Estate
North Cork’s ‘real-life Downton Abbey’
10:00 – 18:00
Site Closed
Closed for season from 01 November 2020
Admission
Park entry free of charge.
Admission fees for Doneraile Court Guided Tour
Adult €8
Senior/Group €6
Student €4
Family €20
Doneraile Estate
Doneraile Court towers majestically over the glorious Doneraile Park, a 160-hectare landscaped parkland and wildlife estate.
The house was built by the St Leger family around 1645 on the site of a ruined castle. By the time it was refurbished in the mid-eighteenth century it had become an outstanding example of Georgian architecture. Its associations range from links to the famous St Leger Stakes in horse racing and literature, with famous Irish writers such as Elizabeth Bowen.
Thirteen generations of the St Leger family lived at Doneraile over three centuries. The family had some extraordinary members. For example, Elizabeth St Leger made history when she became the first woman Freemason in the world in 1712.
The fine parklands are designed in the naturalistic style of the famous Capability Brown. They include many beautiful water features, plus a parterre walled garden and gardeners’ cottages. There are numerous pathways and graded walks. Lucky visitors might just spot some of the red deer, fallow deer, sika deer and Kerry cattle that live on the estate.
Highlights

Gallery
Opening Times
Doneraile Court House Opening Times
27 March – 25 October 2020
Open Thursday to Sunday only from 3 September 2020
10:00 – 18:00
Last admission 16:45
Average length of visit 45 minutes
Seasonal Opening Times
- Park Opening Times – Summer
Monday – Friday 08:00- 20:00
Weekends 08:00– 20:00
Bank Holidays 08:00- 20:00- Park Opening Times – Winter
Monday – Friday 08:00 – 17:00
Weekends 08:00 – 17:00
Bank Holidays 08:00 – 17:00
Contact
Doneraile
Co. Cork
P51 A899
087 938 4907
donerailecourt@opw.ie
Facilities
- Art
- Cafe
- Car park
- Coach parking
- Guided tours
- Picnic Area
- Playground
- Toilets
Restrictions
Nearby sites to visit
Doneraile Estate
Fota Arboretum and Gardens
Explore an island oasis of rare and exotic flora
Approx. 40.4 km from Doneraile Estate
Barryscourt Castle
A fine Irish tower house bearing the scars of battle
Approx. 41.1 km from Doneraile Estate
Desmond Castle Adare
Discover a medieval masterpiece, built for defence
Approx. 41.2 km from Doneraile Estate