Skip to content

Heritage Ireland

Doneraile Court and Estate

North Cork’s ‘real-life Downton Abbey’

See all opening times

Doneraile Court and Estate

North Cork’s ‘real-life Downton Abbey’

See all opening times

Limited Access

Admission

Guided tour:
Adult : €8.00
Senior : €6.00
Student/Child: €4.00
Family: €20.00
Group rate: €6.00

Getting here

Doneraile
Co. Cork
P51 XR66

Get Directions

Follow us

Doneraile Court and 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.

Opening Times

Doneraile Court :

16 March – 03 November 2024

Please note that the last tour of Doneraile Court is at 14:00 when events are being held.

7 days a week from 10:00 to 16:00 with tours on the hour. Access by guided tour only max occupancy 18 per group

Call 046 9423174 to book or email donerailecourt@opw.ie Tickets also available at the door.

 

The surrounding historic parklands of Doneraile Estate are free to visit during the opening times listed below:

Spring/Summer (From 28 March) Monday – Friday 08:00 – 20:00

Saturday – Sunday 08:00 – 20:00

Bank Holidays 08:00 – 20:00

Autumn/Winter (From Sunday 31 October) Monday – Friday 08:00 – 17:00

Saturday – Sunday 08:00 – 17:00

Bank Holidays 08:00 – 17:00

Contact

Doneraile
Co. Cork
P51 XR66

046 9423174 / 046 9423175

Getting Here

11km north-east of Mallow
Go about 6km on the N20 to Limerick road. Turn right on Mitchelstown road (R581) and continue for about 8km. Take the R522.

Open location in Google Maps

Click the relevant icon below to open Maps directions

Facilities

  • Art
  • Café
  • Car park
  • Card Accepted
  • Coach parking
  • Guided tours
  • Lift
  • Picnic Area
  • Playground
  • Toilets
  • Wheelchair Accessible

Restrictions

  • Dogs on lead

Nearby sites to visit

You might also like

Heritage Card

Unlimited access to Ireland’s past

Buy one today

Join our mailing list

Subscribe

Keep up to date on our news, events, activities and publications.