Doneraile Court & Pleasure Garden
Doneraile Court is the stunning centrepiece of one of Ireland’s most beautiful estates. Located on the banks of the Awbeg river in north Co. Cork, the house dates from the 1720s, when it was built by Arthur St. Leger, the first Viscount Doneraile and father of the renowned Lady Freemason.
The house was modified extensively in the 19th century by later generations of St. Legers, creating the imposing and characterful building that can be enjoyed today. The kitchen wing from this period now serves as the home of the Doneraile Court tearooms and is a perfect way to start or finish your visit.
The estate and surrounding village has a strong literary tradition, incorporating figures such as Edmund Spenser, who immortalised the river Awbeg in his poem The Faerie Queene, Elizabeth Bowen, and Canon Sheehan. This legacy is reflected in our cultural programme, launched in June 2019.
The surrounding historic parklands of Doneraile Estate are free to visit during the opening times below:
Spring/Summer/ Autumn
Thursday – Monday 08:00 – 20:00
Bank Holidays 08:00 – 20:00
Winter (From 26 October 2025 – 29 March 2026)
Monday – Friday 08:00 – 17:00
Saturday – Sunday 08:00 – 17:00
Bank Holidays 08:00 – 17:00
Doneraile Court House, the former residence of the St. Leger family, is situated within the Park and is open on a seasonal basis, March to October.
The house opening for the 2026 Season: From Friday, 20 March 2026 to 4 November 2026.
- Now open 7 days a week for the 2026 season
- Guided tours throughout the day with friendly and knowledgeable OPW guides
- Free Wednesdays: Free admission on the first Wednesday of every month
Admission Fees:
- Adult: €8.00
- Senior: €6.00
- Student / Child: €4.00
- Family: €20.00
- Group Rate: €6.00 per person
- Children Under 12: Free
Educational School Visits (Free Scheme):
Give students the opportunity to step into history with the OPW Free Educational Visits for Schools Scheme.
- Free access for all primary and second-level students
- Visits must take place during the school year
- Programmes support the national curriculum approved by the Department of Education and Skills
- Schools book directly with their chosen site
Food & Facilities:
Sarah’s Tearooms Courtyard — Doneraile Estate
- Open 7 days a week from Friday, 13 March 2026
- Until 13 March: Open Friday, Saturday & Sunday
- Indoor and outdoor seating
- Takeaway service available
- A warm welcome and delicious food await
- Contact:
- Doneraile Court, Demesne, County Cork, Ireland
- +353 46 9423174 / +353 46 9423175
- [email protected]
- [email protected]
- Web: http://doneraileestate.ie/