Bantry House Tours and Activities

Bantry House featuring château or palace, a garden and heritage architecture
Bantry House showing interior views and a house
Bantry House which includes a park
Bantry House showing heritage architecture, a house and interior views
Bantry House featuring a garden, heritage architecture and château or palace


This privately owned 18th-century estate looks out over Bantry Bay. Stay for the afternoon or splurge and spend the night.

Visit Bantry House for an impressive collection of art, lavish furniture, paintings and tapestries. Many of these treasures were collected from around the world by the second Earl of Bantry. The earl's travels also inspired Bantry House's garden. Italianate in style, the garden features a number of terraces, providing spectacular views of a wisteria-encircled fountain, the sea and Whiddy Island. The garden also features the Hundred Steps, a steep staircase which provides a great view of the house. Blackrock was Bantry House's original name when it was constructed at the turn of the 18th century. In 1765, the house was purchased and extended by Richard White, the first Earl of Bantry. The house has been in the family ever since. From 1946, the house and gardens have been accessible to the public.The house is a popular venue for events. Enjoy string quartets in the library, craft fairs in the stables, theater on the lawn and literary gatherings in the tearoom.Bantry House offers bed and breakfast accommodation during the warmer months. Spend a night in an en-suite bedroom, savor an Irish breakfast and use the same billiard room and library where earls have relaxed for centuries. Special golf, historic and gourmet packages are available too. If you're not sleeping over, visit the excellent tearoom at least to experience the tradition and taste of Irish cream tea.On Fridays, the Bantry market sells local Irish food, and artisan crafts and souvenirs. The local pubs often have live traditional music at night.Bantry House and Garden is open only from the end of March to the end of October on Tuesdays to Sundays and Monday bank holiday. Check the website of the estate to see when the free five-minute introductions to the estate are given and what events are scheduled. Book in advance for the popular afternoon tea service. Guidebooks are provided if you miss the introduction. The estate is a 90-minute drive from Cork or Kerry. Buy a house and garden ticket, or just visit the garden and pay less. Family tickets are available.

Bantry House Travel Guide Video

Popular places to visit


Top Bantry House Hotel & Accommodation Deals

The Maritime Hotel

The Maritime Hotel

4 out of 5
The Quay, Bantry, West Cork
The Maritime Hotel
Ouvane Falls

Ouvane Falls

3 out of 5
Ballylickey, Bantry, Bantry, County Cork
Ouvane Falls
Seaview House Hotel

Seaview House Hotel

4 out of 5
Ballylickey, Bantry, Cork
Seaview House Hotel
Cosy south facing sunny cottage Ballylickey, Bantry - on the Wild Atlantic Way

Cosy south facing sunny cottage Ballylickey, Bantry - on the Wild Atlantic Way

Ballylickey, Bantry
Cosy south facing sunny cottage Ballylickey, Bantry - on the Wild Atlantic Way
Eccles Hotel Glengarriff

Eccles Hotel Glengarriff

4 out of 5
Glengarriff Harbour, Glengarriff, County Cork
Eccles Hotel Glengarriff
Casey's Hotel Glengarriff

Casey's Hotel Glengarriff

3 out of 5
The Village, Glengarriff, Cork
Casey's Hotel Glengarriff
The West Cork Hotel

The West Cork Hotel

3 out of 5
Ilen Street, Skibbereen, Cork
The West Cork Hotel
Sheen Falls Lodge

Sheen Falls Lodge

5 out of 5
Kenmare, Kenmare, Kerry
Sheen Falls Lodge
Lansdowne Kenmare

Lansdowne Kenmare

4 out of 5
Main St, Kenmare, KY
Lansdowne Kenmare
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Bantry House

At Bantry House, visitors can enjoy guided tours of the stunning estate and its gardens, perfect for a leisurely picnic. The location also serves as a fantastic events venue and offers day trips to explore the surrounding beauty. Don't miss the scenic cruises on Bantry Bay, which provide a unique perspective of the area's breathtaking landscapes.

Shopping

In Bantry House, explore the Whyte Bookshop for unique reads. If you're up for a drive, visit The Old Mill Stores for a variety of gifts, or head to the Prince August Toy Soldier Factory for charming collectibles, both a bit further afield.

Recreation

At Glengarriff Golf Club, enjoy a round of golf surrounded by beautiful landscapes just 8.0km from Bantry House. For a more tranquil experience, Gleninchaquin Park offers wellness and relaxation vibes 19.3km away, perfect for scenic walks. Alternatively, Skibbereen and West Carbery Golf Club, 20.9km away, promises more outdoor sports excitement.

Adventure

The Beara Way Walk, located 24.1km from Bantry House, offers stunning outdoor scenery and adventurous trails. Similarly, the Torc Mountain Walk, 25.7km away, promises breathtaking views and invigorating hikes. For a longer trek, the Kerry Way, 41.8km from Bantry House, showcases the region's natural beauty and adventure vibes.

Nightlife

For a unique experience, visit the Schull Planetarium, located 17.7km from Bantry House, where you can enjoy family-friendly entertainment under the stars. Alternatively, catch a romantic flick at Cinema Killarney, 41.8km away, perfect for a relaxed night out with loved ones.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Bantry House

Bantry House, nestled in scenic County Cork, offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and stunning views. Explore the local attractions, including the picturesque Bantry Bay, the vibrant Bantry Market, and the charming Bantry Bookshop. Don’t miss the chance to unwind at nearby lakes and islands, making it an ideal spot for a beach experience and nature lovers alike. Enjoy your visit to this captivating destination!

  • Garnish Island: A stunning retreat just 8.0km from Bantry House, Garnish Island boasts enchanting gardens and beautiful coastal views, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic on the beach.
  • Schull Harbour: Located 17.7km away, Schull Harbour offers breathtaking scenery and a relaxed beach atmosphere, ideal for enjoying a day by the water or exploring quaint local shops and cafés.
  • Mount Gabriel: A mere 14.5km from Bantry House, Mount Gabriel presents an adventurous climb with rewarding panoramic views, making it a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Best time to go to Bantry House

The best time to visit Bantry House is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January44.4°F (6.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February44.6°F (7.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
March45.3°F (7.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April48.0°F (8.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May51.8°F (11.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July58.6°F (14.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
August58.5°F (14.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
September56.5°F (13.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighAverage
October52.9°F (11.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November48.2°F (9.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
December45.9°F (7.7°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Bantry House

To save on your visit to Bantry House, consider travelling during the off-peak months of January to February or November when accommodation prices drop. Booking a hotel about a month in advance or checking Expedia for last-minute deals can also yield savings. Tuesdays are typically the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia's search tools to refine your preferences and consider booking your hotel alongside flights and activities for additional savings. Look out for special deals highlighted by a green banner for the best prices.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Bantry House are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Bantry House is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Bantry House is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Bantry House is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, including your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you're after. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by booking your Bantry House hotel along with your flights and activities in an Expedia package.