BANTRY HOUSE AND GARDENS
Bantry, County Cork

Overlooking Bantry Bay is Bantry House, which was originally built in 1720 and called Blackrock House. The house was originally owned by Samuel Hutchinson and was restored through the efforts of the White family.

In 1801 Richard White became Viscount Bantry and in 1816 he was made 1st Earl of Bantry. It was around this time that the White's settled permanently in Bantry. By 19th century, Bantry would become a major port for the southwest of Ireland. The town still retains much of its old world charm, and visitors can spend the day at the weekly street market, held every Friday from 9am, sampling foods from around the world and perusing some of the interesting items in market stalls.

Today visitors can visit the houses many rooms, which offer a wide selection of interesting features, such as:

The Gobelins Room is dominated by an 18th century tapestry of The Bath of Cupid and Psyche manufactured at the Gobelins Factory. This tapestry was inspired by the original painting by Charles-Francois Poerson called Cupid and Psyche au bain. A 19th century piano dominates the center of the room and outstanding views of Bantry Bay can be seen from the windows.
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The Dining Room is overlooked by lifesize portraits of King George III and Queen Charlotte, which were painted by court painter, Allan Ramsay, who in 1761 he was named Painter in Ordinary to the King. The chandelier is Spanish and is decorated with Meissen china flowers.

The Rose Room was built around 1770. Rose colored tapestries hang along the walls of this room and are thought to have been made for Marie Antoinette on her marriage to the Dauphin of France. The light that streams in through the windows of this room cast a rose glow throughout, hence the naming of this room.

The Library is at the back of the house overlooking the Italian Garden. Today private and social groups use this room for intimate meetings and concerts. The richly carved entrance is preceded by a stairway from the garden with an elegant wrought iron banister.

On the grounds of Bantry House you will find the following interests:

The Rose Garden was laid out in the 18th century in olde English style.

The Statue of Diana was sculpted in 1840 and placed in the circular drive at the front of the house overlooking Bantry Bay.

The Italian Garden dominates the back of the house. This garden was designed in the early 1850's by the 2nd Earl of Bantry. In the centre of the garden is an ornate fountain designed in Classical Grotesque style thought to have been inspired by the Boboli Gardens in Florence. In peak blooming months, the huge numbers of supported wisteria that encircle the fountain lend a highly dramatic effect to the whole layout of the garden.

Staircase to the Sky is literally a set of steps that go straight up the hillside at the back of the garden. At the top of the steps one receives a dramatic view of Bantry Bay and much of the estate.
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