Bantry House is a magnificent mansion built in 1700 on the south side of Bantry Bay. Built on the edge of the Atlantic, the house overlooks the bay, and boasts superb architecture and outstanding formal gardens overlooking a fabulous panorama of the region…
It all began in 1700, when Samuel Hutchinson, a wealthy Irishman, moved into his new home: Bantry House. The mansion is huge, with a dozen rooms and sumptuous gardens overlooking Bantry Bay.
Originally named “the Blackrock”, the house eventually took the name Seafield, when Richard White, a wealthy British politician, bought the mansion in 1750. He wished to extend his property, and by 1780 owned more than 320 km² around Bantry House.
When Theobald Wolfetone (1763-1798) tried to bring his fleet of 45 ships (with 13,400 men on board) to Bantry Bay to fight for an Irish Republic in 1796, it was Richard White who posted lookouts around the bay and Mizen Head to thwart Wolfetone’s plans.)
Over the centuries, Bantry House was finally abandoned, then restored and opened to tourism in 1946. As early as 1990, it even began offering overnight accommodation with Irish-style breakfast…
You can visit the main rooms of the manor house, including the living room, kitchens and some bedrooms… All is decorated in 17th century style, with period paintings and furniture of remarkable quality.
The gardens at Bantry House were particularly influenced by European gardens, and in particular, “French gardens”. During your visit, you’ll discover geometrical gardens, with 7 terraces surrounding the house.
Fountains and azalea and rhododendron hedges make these gardens superb walking areas, some overlooking Bantry Bay.
Essential information to help you plan your visit, including key landmarks, access information, and booking options.
Seafield, Bantry (County Cork) - Republic of Ireland
51.677149, -9.465445
45 minutes
Here are a few useful places to stay so you can extend your trip and stay close to the sights you want to visit.
