The Buildings
Historic Homes
Fota House
Contact Details
| Address | Fota Island, Co. Cork. |
| Telephone | |
| Opening Hours | 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Last admission at 4.30 p.m. |
Fota House and Gardens is located on Fota Island off the N25 to Rosslare and adjacent to Fota Wildlife Park. The House was originally built in the 18th century for the Smith-Barry family as a hunting lodge at the centre of their estate, which covered the whole of Fota Island, some 780 acres.
Early in the 19th century it was greatly extended by the prestigious country house architects Richard Morrison and his son William Vitruvius Morrison when it became a permanent home for John Smith-Barry. As well as providing a home for the Smith-Barry family, a programme of work was embarked upon to improve the island estate by creating parkland, woods and pleasure grounds. Buildings such as kennels, stables, walled gardens, glass houses and various outbuildings were constructed as part of this development. Subsequent generations of Smith-Barrys added the famous arboretum and the orangery as well as adding a gallery and a billiard room to the house.
The house, which was remodelled by the Morrisons has a sumptuously richly decorated interior, with ornate plasterwork, gilded and painted ceilings, 19th century wallpaper and scagliola (artificial marble) columns. The original 18th century 5-bay (that is 5 windows wide) house at the centre of the complex can just be discerned by the careful observer.
A guided tour takes you through two floors of this extensive country house, including formal rooms and servants quarters, the restored original kitchen and game larder.
Free children's Discovery Trail Booklet to complete.
Explore 12 acres of our wonderful Arboretum and gardens and dine in our relaxing Cafe.