Bantry House & Gardens

About

A stately home overlooking Bantry Bay, home to the White family (Earls of Bantry) since 1739 and open to the public since 1946. The formal terraced gardens, designed by the second Earl of Bantry and inspired by continental palazzo gardens, climb the hill behind the house via the well-known hundred stone steps, which give one of the best views over the bay and Whiddy Island in the town. The house itself holds the family's collection of furniture, tapestries and paintings gathered on their European travels. The estate also runs an East Wing B&B and afternoon tea.

Highlights

• ✓hundred-steps-view
• ✓formal-gardens
• ✓house-collection
• ✓east-wing-bnb

Tips

• →Estate open 10am-5pm daily in season, last admission 4:30pm; check the website for seasonal closures and private events before travelling.
• →Climb the hundred steps behind the house for the best view over the bay to Whiddy Island.

Best Season

More Heritage Activities

Heritage

Kilnaruane Pillar Stone

Free 8th-century carved pillar stone with a rare early currach carving, just outside town.

30 to 45 minutes1.6 km from Bantry town centreEasy

Heritage

Bantry Museum

Small local-history museum behind the Fire Station, run by the Bantry Historical Society.

30 to 60 minutesEasy