29 Sep Bantry House, County Cork
This is a notable late Georgian mansion at the edge of Bantry Bay, around 50 miles from Cork.
It houses a unique collection of tapestries and furniture making it a great stop on any tours of Ireland.
A driveway leads up a steep hill to the formal gardens and mansion.
There are Italian terraces at the rear which climb to a magnificent view point.
In the almost sub-tropical climate, there are many unusual and beautiful plants.
The collection of furniture and décor within is from Lord Bantry’s extensive travelling.
It includes panels from France, Italian art, Venetian glass, Roman mosaics, and English needlework.
There is even some Chippendale furniture.
The town of Bantry is interesting in itself with some great pubs and coffee shops.
There is some fantastic homemade local food available.
At Ireland and Scotland Luxury Tours we often stop in Bantry for lunch on the way to Kenmare.