Fota House and Victorian Working Gardens

Open 10am to 5pm

Fota House, an elegant Regency home to the Smith Barrys for centuries, was redesigned in the 1820s by John ‘The Magnificent’ Smith Barry as a splendid setting for his sumptuous entertainments.

Fota house principle rooms show the grand décor of the time as does the exquisite boudoir and charming Victorian nursery. A special feature is the service wing, which demonstrates what life was like for the cooks, butlers, footmen and maids, who supported the lavish lifestyle of the gentry.

Fota’s Victorian Working Gardens, with its beautifully restored Victorian glasshouses, some of the finest in the country displays a tranquil beauty. The Irish Heritage Trust are proud to have recently won a prestigious Europa Nostra heritage award in the category of Education, Training and Awareness-raising for its development of its volunteer initiative in the Victorian Working Gardens.

Fota House is cared for by the Irish Heritage Trust.

Guided tours of Fota House will take place at 12pm and 2pm. Guided tours of the Victorian Working Gardens will take place at 1pm and 3pm. An Architectural Tour of Fota House with Martine Madden, Museum's Standard's and Property Coordinator will take place at 3pm. Booking essential for all tours email events@fotahouse.com