May traditionally kicks off the house-visiting season with many of Ireland’s great houses opening their doors from May 1st. More than 170 houses , gardens and buildings of interest welcome visitors for 60 days a year under the section 482 scheme that allows owners off set renovation and maintenance costs against income tax.
It is up to the Department of Heritage to determine the intrinsic architectural, aesthetic, scientific, historical or horticultural interest of the property; that recommendation can then be accepted by the Revenue Commissioners as qualifying for relief, but not without conditions. These apply to public access dates, which must cover at least four hours a day on 60 days in the year, no fewer than 40 to be between May 1st and September 30th, of which 10 must be on a Saturday or Sunday and also open during Heritage Week . The days, times and entry fees – some of which are substantial – must be published and also advertised at the property.
Big houses are considered an important draw for both overseas visitors and domestic tourists alike. According to Fáilte Ireland’s Cultural Product Usage Report (2014), 26 per cent of domestic holidaymakers indicated that they visit houses/castles as part of their holiday. In 2014, more than 2.1 million overseas visitors indicated that they visited houses/castles. Here’s our top suggesions for homes to visit and a county by county guide to open houses.
Five great houses to visit
Dunsany Castle, Dunsany, Co Meath
Norman castle said to be Ireland's oldest home in continuous ownership, with a sumptuous interior.
Lady Dunsany. Tel: 046-9025169. dunsany.com
Open: July 1-31, Aug 1-31, 10am-4pm
Fee: adult €15, OAP/student €5, child and St Oliver Plunkett relic free
Stradbally Hall, Stradbally, Co Laois
The grounds are home to Electric Picnic but the house is also available to view.
Thomas Cosby. Tel: 086-8519272. stradballyhall.ie
Open: May 1-31, June 1st-9th, Aug 17-25, Oct 1st-14, 9am-1pm
Fee: adult/OAP €10, student €5, child free
Lissadell House, Lissadell, Ballinfull, Co Sligo
Imposing coastal mansion once owned by the Gore-Booth family with an eclectc interior.
Edward Walsh. Tel: 087-2550969. lissadell.com
Open: April 13-October 6, 10.30am-6pm
Fee: adult €14, child €7, OAP/student €12, family 2 adults+2 children €36
'Geragh', Sandycove Point, Sandycove, Co Dublin
Curved Michael Scott-designed house that sits above Sandycove beach beside the Forty Foot.
Gráinne Casey. Tel: 01-2804884
Open: May 20-29, June 19-21, July 3-9, Aug 17-29, Sept 21-27, Nov 4-7, 2-6pm
Fee: adult €7, OAP €4, student €2, child free
Charleville
Enniskerry, Co Wicklow. Magnificent 18th century Palladian style mansion with superbly furnished interior.
Alyson Clarke. Tel: 01-6624455
Open: May 1-5, 7-24, 27-31, June 4-7, Aug 17-25, Mon-Fri, 1pm-5pm, Sat & Sun, 9am-1pm. Entrance fee: €9.No dogs allowed, no children allowed in house
CARLOW
Borris House, Borris, Co Carlow
Morgan Kavanagh. Tel: 087-2454791. borrishouse.ie
Open: Apr 19-22, May 1-31, June 1-30, July 1-31, Aug 1-31, Sept 1-30, 11am-6pm; Oct 27-31, 4pm-7pm; Dec 1, 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 2-6pm
Fee: house & garden adult €10, child €5, OAP/student €9, garden adult €6, child €3,OAP/student €5, family and group discounts also available.
Huntington Castle, Clonegal, Co Carlow
Alexander Durdin Robertson. Tel: 086-0282266. huntingtoncastle.com
Open: Apr 19-22, May 1-31, June 1-30, July 1-31, Aug 1-31, Sept 1-30, 11am-6pm; Oct 27-31, 4pm-7pm, Dec 1, 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 2pm-6pm
Fee: house/garden, adult €10, OAP/student €9, child €5; garden, adult €6, OAP/student €5, child €3, family and group discounts available
The Old Rectory, Killedmond, Borris, Co Carlow
Mary White. Tel: 087-2707189. blackstairsecotrails.ie
Open: July 1-31, Aug 1-31, 9am-1pm
Fee: adult €10, OAP/student €6, child free
CAVAN
Corravahan House & Gardens, Corravahan, Drung, Ballyhaise, Co Cavan
Ian Elliott. Tel: 087-9772224. corravahan.com
Open: May 28-31, June 1-21, 2pm-6pm, Aug 16-30, 2-6pm, Sunday 9am-1pm
Fee: adult €7, OAP/student/child/concessions €5
CLARE
Barntick House, Clarecastle Co Clare
Ciarán Murphy. Tel: 086-1701060
Open: Apr 1-30, June 1-15, Aug 1-31, 5pm-9pm
Fee: adult €10, student/OAP €5, child free
Newtown Castle, Newtown, Ballyvaughan, Co Clare
Mary Hawkes- Greene. Tel: 065-7077200. newtowncastle.com
Open: Jan 7-May 31 Mon-Fri, June 1-July 31 Mon-Sat, Aug 1-31 Mon-Sun, closed Aug Sunday 4 & 11, Sept 1-Dec 20 Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm.
Fee: Free
CORK
Ashton Grove, Ballingohig, Knockraha, Co Cork
Gerald McGreal. Tel: 087-2400831
Open: May 1, 3, 10-13, 15, 17-20, 22, 24-27, 29, 31, June 5, 7-10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 24, 26, 28, Aug 17-25, Monday and Fridays 9.30am-1.30pm, Wednesdays 2.30pm-6.30pm, weekends and National Heritage Week 8am-12 noon.
Fee: adult €6, OAP/student/child €3
Blarney House & Gardens, Blarney, Co Cork
C. Colthurst/ L Murphy. Tel 021-4385252. blarneycastle.ie
Open: June-Aug, Mon-Sat, and National Heritage Week, Aug 17th-26th, 10am-3pm.
Fee: adult €10, OAP/student €7, concession joint fee with castle
Burton Park, Churchtown, Mallow, Co Cork
Paul Doherty. Tel: 022-59955
Open: May 1-July 1, Mon-Sat, (excluding church and bank holidays) Aug 17th-25th, 11am-3pm.
Fee: adult/child/OAP/student €9
Brideweir House, Conna, Co Cork
Ronan Fox. Tel: 025-36386
Open: Jan 1st-Dec 24, 11am-4pm.
Fee: adult €10, OAP/student €5, child free
Drishane House, Castleownshend, Co Cork
Thomas Somerville. Tel: 028-36126. rishane.com
Open: May 3-19, Aug 17-25, Sept 17-30, Oct 1-20, 11am -3pm.
Fee: adult €10, OAP/student/child €6, children under €6 free
Garrettstown House, Garrettstown, Kinsale, Co Cork
Denis Mawe. Tel: 021-4778156. garrettstownhouse.com
Open: May 6-Sept 8, May, June, Sept, 11am-5pm, July, Aug, noon-5pm.
Fee: adult/OAP €5, child €2, student €3
Kilshannig House, Rathcormac, Co Cork
Hugo Merry. Tel: 087-2513928, 025-36124
Open: Apr 15th-19th, 22-26, 29-30, May 1-3, 6-10, 13-17, 20-24, 27-31, June 3-7, 10-14, 17-21, 24-28. July 1-31, Aug 1-31, Sept 1-30, 8.30am-2.30pm
Fee: adult €8.50
Riverstown House, Riverstown, Glanmire, Co Cork
Denis/Rita Dooley. Tel: 021-4821205
Open: May 2-4, 9-11, 16-18, 23-25, 30-31, June 1, 6-8, 13-15, 20-22, 27-29, July 4-6, 11-13, 18-20, 25-27, Aug 1-3, 8-10, 15-25, 29-31, Sept 5-7, 2pm-6pm
Fee: adult €8, OAP €5, student €3, child free
DONEGAL
Portnason House, Portnason, Ballyshannon, Co Donegal
Madge Sharkey. Tel: 086-3846843
Open: Aug 17-31, Sept 1-6, 9-27, Nov 18-22, 25-29, Dec 2-6, 9-13, 9am-1pm
Fee: adult €10, OAP/ student/child €6
Salthill Garden, Salthill House, Mountcharles, Co Donegal
Elizabeth Temple. Tel: 074-9735014. donegalgardens.com
Open: May 1-4, 6-11, 13-18, 20-25, 27-31, June 1, 3-8, 10-15, 17-22, 24-29, July 1-6, 8-13, 15-20, 22-27, 29-31, Aug 1-3, 5-10, 12-31, Sept 2-7, 9-14, 16-21, 23-27, 2pm-6pm
Fee: adult/OAP €5, student €3 child €2 (under 2 years free)
DUBLIN CITY
11 North Great George's Street, Dublin 1
John Aboud. Tel: 087-7983099. number11dublin.ie
Open: May 6-11, June 3-8, July 1-6, Aug 5-10, 17-25, Sept 2-8, Oct 7-12, Nov 11-14, 18-21, 12 noon-4 pm, Mondays 10am-2pm.
Fee: adult €7, students/OAP €3, child free
81 North King Street, Smithfield, Dublin 7
James Kelly. Tel: 086-8597275.
Open: Apr 15-18, 23-27, 29-30, May 29-30, June 1, 4-8, 10-15, 17-22, 24- 29, July 1-6, 8-13, 15-20, 22-27, 29-31, Aug 1-3, 6-10, 12-31, Mon-Fri, 9am- 4.30pm, Sat, 1pm- 4.30pm
Fee: Free
10 South Frederick Street, Dublin 2
Joe Hogan. Tel: 087-2430334
Open: May 1-31, Aug 17-25, 2pm-6pm
Fee: Free
CO DUBLIN
Colganstown House, Hazelhatch Road, Newcastle, Co Dublin
Howard Savage Jones. Tel: 087-2206222
Open: May 1-31, Aug 17-25, Nov 4-23, weekdays 2pm-6pm, weekends 9am-1pm
Fee: adult €10, OAP €5, student free, child free if supervised by adult
Fahanmura, 2 Knocksina, Foxrock, Dublin 18
Jenny Guthrie/Philip Harvey. Tel: 087-8574939, 087-2463865. fahanmura.ie
Open: May 8-18, June 13-20, Aug 17-25, Sept 7-8, 12-29, Dec 17-24, 26-29, 8am-12 noon
Fee: adult €5, student €2, OAP/child free
"Geragh", Sandycove Point, Sandycove, Co Dublin
Gráinne Casey. Tel: 01-2804884
Open: May 20-29, June 19-21, July 3-9, Aug 17-29, Sept 21-27, Nov 4-7, 2pm-6pm
Fee: adult €7, OAP €4, student €2, child free
Knocknagin House, Delvin Bridge, Balbriggan, Co Dublin
Richard Berney. Tel: 01-8414560
Open: July 1-31, Aug 1-29, 9am-1pm
Fee: adult/OAP/child/student €5
The Old Glebe, Main Street, Newcastle, Co Dublin
Hugh F. Kerins, Martin Connelly. Tel: 087-2588356, and 087-6686996
Open: May 1-June 29, Mon-Sat, Aug 17-25,10am-2pm, 4 tours daily during National Heritage Week, 10am, 11am, noon, 1pm
Fee: adult €5, student €3 for over 18yrs, child/OAP & National Heritage Week free
Martello Tower, Portrane, Co Dublin
Terry Prone. Tel: 01-6449700
Open: March 2-Sept 22, Sat & Sun and National Heritage Week, Aug 17-25, 9am-1pm
Fee: adult €5, student €4, OAP €1
Meander, Westminister Road, Foxrock, Dublin 18,
Ruth O'Herlihy. Tel: 087-2163623
Open: May 1-4, 7-11, 13-14, 21-25, June 4-8, 10-15, 17-22, Aug 17-25, 9am-1pm
Fee: adult €5, OAP/child €2
Primrose Hill, Primrose Lane, Lucan, Co Dublin
Robin Hall. Tel: 01-6280373
Open: June 1-30, July 1-3, Aug 17-25, 2pm-6pm
Fee: adult/OAP/student €6, child free
St George's, St George's Avenue, Killiney, Co Dublin
Robert McQuillan. Tel: 087-2567718
Open: July 1-Aug 31, 9am-1pm
Fee: adult €6, OAP €3
Tibradden House, Mutton Lane, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16
Selina Guinness. Tel: 01-4957483. selinaguinness.com
Open: Apr 14, June 3-7, July 15-28, Aug 15-25, Jan-Apr 10am-2pm; June-Aug 2pm-6pm
Fee: adult/OAP €7, student €2, child €2 under 12 free, An Taisce members/Irish Georgian Society members €5
GALWAY
Castle Ellen House, Athenry, Co Galway
Míceál Keaney. Tel: 087-2747692. castleellen.com
Open: June, July, Aug, Sun-Thurs, National Heritage Week (Aug 17-25), noon-4pm
Fee: Free
Claregalway Castle, Claregalway, Co Galway
Eamonn O' Donoghue. Tel: 091-799666, 086-2020999. claregalwaycastle.com
Open: June-Sept, Wed-Sun, National Heritage Week (Aug 17-25), noon-4pm
Fee: adult €6, student/OAP/child €4
Oranmore Castle, Oranmore, Co Galway
Leonie Phinn. Tel: 086-6003160. oranmorecastle.com
Open: May 20-29, June 20-29, July 20-29, August 17- 26, Sept 20-29, 10am-2pm; tours 10am, 11am, 12 noon, and 1pm Fee: adult /OAP €6, child €3, student €5
Woodville House, dovecote & walls of walled garden, Craughwell, Co Galway
Margarita Donoghue. Tel: 087-9069191. woodvillewalledgarden.com
Open: Apr 11-14, 18-21, 25-28, 11 am- 5 pm; May 1-Aug 31, 11am-5.30pm; Sept 1, 5-8, 12-15, 19-22, 26-29, 11am-5pm; Oct 3-6, 10-13, 17-20, 24-27, 11am-4.30pm. Fee: adult/ OAP €6, child €3, student, €4, family €15
KERRY
Tarbert House, Tarbert, Co Kerry
Ursula Leslie. Tel: 068-36198
Open: May-Aug, Mon-Sat, National Heritage Week (Aug 17-25), 10am-noon, 2pm-4pm
Fee: adult/OAP €5, student €3, child free
KILDARE
Blackhall Castle, Calverstown, Kilcullen, Co Kildare
Jeffrey& Naomi White. Tel: 045-485244
Open: May 1-31, Aug 17-25, Sept 1-15, Dec 1-20, 2pm-6pm
Fee: Free
Burtown House and Garden, Athy, Co Kildare
James Fennell. Tel: 059-8623148. burtownhouse.ie
Open: May 1-4, 8-11, 15-18, 22-25, 29-31, June 5-8, 12-15, 19-22, 26-29, July 3-6, 10-13, 17-20, 24-27, 31, August 1-3, 7-10, 14-25, 28-31, 10am-2pm Fee: adult €10, OAP/child €5, student €4
Coolcarrigan House & Gardens, Coolcarrigan, Coill Dubh, Naas, Co Kildare
Robert Wilson-Wright. Tel: 086-2580439. coolcarrigan.ie
Open: Feb 21-22, 25-28, Mar 1, April 8-12, May 25-31, July 25-31, Aug 1-2, 6-9, 17-30, Sept 21-30, 9am-1pm
Fee: adult €8, OAP/student €5, child free
Farmersvale House, Badgerhill, Kill, Co Kildare
Patricia Orr. Tel: 086-2552661
Open: May 1-14, Aug 1-26, 9.30am-1.30pm
Fee: adult €5, student/child/OAP €3, (Irish Georgian Society members free)
Harristown House, Brannockstown, Co Kildare
Noella Beaumont. Tel: 087-7414971. harristownhouse.com
Open: Jan 7-18, Feb 4-15, May 1-28, Aug 17-25, Sept 9-13, 9am-1pm
Fee: adult/OAP/student €10, child €5
Kildrought House, Celbridge Village, Co Kildare
June Stuart. Tel: 01-6271206, 087-6168651
Open: May 1-12, 25-31, Aug 13-31, Sept 1, 10am-2pm, Garden permanently available to Celbridge walking tours
Fee: adult €6, OAP/student/child €3, School groups €1 per head
Larch Hill, Kilcock, Co Kildare
Michael De Las Casas. Tel: 087-2213038. larchill.ie
Open: May 1-17, 20-24, 27-31, June 1-7, 11-14, 18-21, 25-28, Aug 17-30, 10am-2pm
Fee: adult/ OAP €8, student/child €6, groups €7
Leixlip Castle, Leixlip, Co Kildare
Mrs Desmond Guinness. Tel: 087-2852328
Open: May 13-24, June 10-16, Aug 17-25, Sept 9-20, 9am-1pm
Fee: adult €8, OAP/student/child €4. No charge for school outings
Moone Abbey House & Tower, Moone Abbey, Moone, Co Kildare
Count Karl Matuschka. Tel: 087-6900138
Open: May 1-31, Aug 17-25, Sept 1-30, noon-4pm
Fee: adult €6, OAP/student/child €3
Moyglare Glebe, Moyglare, Maynooth, Co Kildare
Joan Hayden. Tel: 01-8722238
Open: May 1-5, 18-31, June 1-12, National Heritage Week (Aug 17-25), 9.30am-1.30pm
Fee: adult €6, OAP/ student/child €3
KILKENNY
Aylwardstown House, Glenmore, Co Kilkenny
Nicholas & Mary Gough Kelly. Tel: 051-880464, 087-2567866
Open: Aug & Sept, 10am-6pm
Fee: adult €5, OAP/student €3, child free
Ballybur Castle, Ballybur Upper, Cuffesgrange, Co Kilkenny
Mhairi Gray. Tel: 086-1919099. ballyburcastle.com
Open: May 1-10, June 1-15, Aug 15-31, 2pm-6pm
Fee: Free
Ballysallagh House, Johnswell, Co Kilkenny
Geralyn & Kieran White. Tel: 087-2906621, 086-2322105. ihh.ie
Open: July 1-31, Aug 17-25, 9am-1pm
Fee: adult €5, OAP/student/child €2.50
Creamery House, Castlecomer Co Kilkenny
John Comerford. Tel: 087-918444, 086-1302020. creameryhouse.com
Open: July 2-7, 9-14, 16-21, 23-28, 30-31; Aug 1-4, 6-11, 13-31; Sept 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 19-30; Oct 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, 27-28, noon-4pm.
Fee: adult/OAP/student €3, child free
Shankill Castle, Paulstown, Co Kilkenny
Geoffrey Cope. Tel: 059-9726145. shankillcastle.com
Open: Apr 18-22, 25-28; May 2-5, 9-12, 16-19, 23-26, 30-31; June 1-3, 6-9, 13-16, 20-23, 27-30; July 4-7, 11-14, 18-21, 25-28; Aug 1-5, 8-11, 15-25, 29-31; Sept 1, 5, 8, 12-15, 19-22, 26-29; Oct 3-6, 10-13, 17-20, 24-27, 31; Nov 1-3, 10am-6pm
Fee: house & gardens, adult €10, OAP/student €8, child free
Tybroughney Castle, Piltown, Co Kilkenny
Louis Dowley. Tel: 087-2313106.
Open: June 1-July 31, 2pm-6pm; Aug 1-31, 10am-6pm
Fee: adult €4, student €2, OAP/child free
LAOIS
Ballaghmore Castle, R.445, Borris in Ossory, Co Laois
Grace Pym. Tel: 0505-21453. castleballaghmore.com
Open: all year, 10am-6pm
Fee: adult €5, student/child/OAP €3, family €10
Stradbally Hall, Stradbally, Co Laois
Thomas Cosby. Tel: 086-8519272. stradballyhall.ie
Open: May 1-June 9; Heritage Week (Aug 17-25); Oct 1-14, 9am-1pm
Fee: adult/OAP €10, student €5, child free
LEITRIM
The Station House, Brocagh Lower, Glenfarne, Co Leitrim
Frank and Ann White. Tel: 087-2520346
Open: Aug 1-Sept 30, Mon- Fri, 6pm -10pm; Sat & Sun and Bank Holidays, 9am-1pm
Fee: Free
LIMERICK
Glebe House, Bruff, Co Limerick
Catherine Hayes & Colm McCarthy. Tel: 086-3833326, 087-6487556
Open: Jan 4-31, May 1-31, Aug 16-25, Mon-Fri, 5.30 pm-9.30 pm, Sat-Sun, 9am-1pm
Fee: Free
Glenville House, Glenville, Ardagh, Co Limerick
Owen O'Neill. Tel: 086-2541435
Open: Apr 2-May 21, National Heritage Week (Aug 17-25); Sept 3-21, Tue-Sat, 9.30am-1.30pm
Fee: adult €5, OAP/student €3, child free
Kilpeacon House, Crecora, Co Limerick
Donal & Mary Costello. Tel: 061-399445, 087-9852462
Open: May 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26; June 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 29-30; July 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, 27-28; Aug 3-4, 10-11, 17-26; Oct 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 26-27; Nov 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 23-24; Dec 7-8, 14-15, 10am-2pm
Fee: adult €8
Odellville House, Ballingarry, Co Limerick
Aisling Frawley. Tel: 085-8895125. odellville.simplesite.com
Open: May 1- June 30, Aug 17-25, 10am-2pm
Fee: adult €8, student/OAP/child €4
The Turret, Ballyingarry, Co Limerick
Aíne Mc Goey. Tel: 087-6875415
Open: May 6-June 29, Mon- Sat; National Heritage Week (Aug 17-25), noon-4pm
Fee: adult €5, child/OAP/student €2
The Old Rectory, Rathkeale, Co Limerick
Patsy Roche. Tel: 086-8573611
Open: May 4-Nov 30, weekend days; National Heritage Week (Aug 17-25), 10am-2pm
Fee: adult €8, child/OAP/student €3
LONGFORD
Moorhill House, Castlenugent, Lisryan, Co Longford
Michael O'Donnell. Tel: 047-81952
Open: Aug 1-31, Sept 1-29, 9.30am-1.30pm
Fee: adult/OAP/student/child €8
LOUTH
Barmeath Castle, Dunleer, Drogheda, Co Louth
Bryan Bellew. Tel: 041-6851205
Open: May 1-31, June 1-9, Aug 17-25, Oct 1-20, 9am-1pm,
Fee: adult /OAP €5, child/student free
Killineer House & Garden, Drogheda, Co Louth
Charles & Eithne Carroll. Tel: 041-9838563, 086-2323783. killineerhouse.ie
Open: May 1-15, June 1-10, Aug 14-28, 9am-1pm
Fee: house: €4, garden €4
Rokeby Hall, Grangebellew, Co Louth
Jean Young. Tel: 086-8644228. rokeby.ie
Open: May 1-31, Mon-Sat, National Heritage Week (Aug 17-25), Sept 1-30, Mon-Sat, 10am-2pm.
Fee: adult/OAP €7, child/student €5
MAYO
Brookhill House, Brookhill, Claremorris, Co Mayo
Patricia and John Noone. Tel: 094-9371348, 087-3690499, 086-2459832
Open: May 18-28, June 20-27, July 18-25, Aug 6-30, 2pm-6pm
Fee: adult €6, student €3, OAP/child/National Heritage Week free
Prizon House, Prizon North, Balla, Co Mayo
Tom O'Connor. Tel: 087-9032133
Open: May 1-10, Aug 1-31, 2pm-6pm
Fee: adult €10, student/ OAP/child free
MEATH
Balrath House, Balrath, Kentstown, Navan, Co Meath
Frances and Ray O'Brien. Tel: 041-9825749. balrathcourtyard.com
Open: May 1-31, June 5-15, Aug 17-30, 9am-1pm
Fee: adult €10, OAP/student/child €5
Beau Parc House, Beau Parc, Navan, Co Meath
Emer Mooney. Tel: 041-9824156.
Open: May 1-31, Aug 17-25, 10am-2 pm
Fee: adult €10, OAP/student/child €8
Dardistown Castle, Dardistown, Julianstown, Co Meath
Lizanne Allen. Tel: 086 -2774271. dardistowncastle.ie
Open: July 1-31, Aug 1-29, 10am-2pm
Fee: adult €6 OAP/student €3, child free, all proceeds to Irish Cancer Society.
Dunsany Castle, Dunsany, Co Meath
Lady Dunsany. Tel: 046-9025169. dunsany.com
Open: July 1-Aug 31, 10am-4pm
Fee: adult €15, OAP/student €5, child and St Oliver Plunkett relic free
Gravelmount House, Castletown, Kilpatrick, Navan, Co Meath
Brian McKenna. Tel: 087-2520523
Open: May 1-30, June 1-10, Aug 17-25, 9am-1pm
Fee: adult €6, OAP/student/child €3
Hamwood House, Dunboyne, Co Meath
Charles Hamilton. Tel: 086-3722701. hamwood.ie
Open: Mar 1-Sept 29, Fri-Sun, and National Heritage Week (Aug 17-25), March 10am-6pm, April-Sept 10am-7pm
Fee: adult/OAP/student €5, child under 12 free
Moyglare House, Moyglare, Co Meath
Angela Alexander. Tel: 01-6292977. moyglarehouse.ie
Open: May 1-31, June 1, Aug 17-26, 9am-1pm
Fee: adult €7.50, OAP/ student/child/concession €5
Slane Castle, Slane, Co Meath
Pamela Ryan. Tel: 041-9884477. slanecastle.ie
Open: April 1-30, noon-5 pm; May 1-Sept 30, 11am-5pm; Oct 1-Nov 30, noon -5pm
Fee: adult €12, OAP/student €10.80, child €8.40 (5-17 years) under 5 free
St. Mary's Abbey, High Street, Trim, Co Meath
Peter Higgins. Tel: 087-2057176
Open: May 13-19, June 17-21, July 8-14, National Heritage Week (Aug 17-25),
Sept 2-6, 23-29, Nov 4-10, 2pm-6pm
Fee: adult €5, OAP/student/child €2
Swainstown House, Kilmessan, Co Meath
Caroline Preston. Tel: 086-2577939
Open: May 6-12, June 3-9, July 1-7, Aug 17-25, Sept 9-13, 16-20, Oct 7-8, 10-11, Nov 4-5, 7-8, Dec 2-3, 5-6, 11am-3pm
Fee: adult €8, child/OAP/student €5
OFFALY
Birr Castle, Birr, Co Offaly
Alicia Clements. Tel: 057-9120056. birrcastle.com
Open: May 1-3, June 1-29, Aug 1-31, Mon-Sat, and National Heritage Week (Aug 17-25), 10.30am-1.30pm
Fee: adult €18 includes house and garden, no children, tours over 8 persons €15
Ballybrittan Castle, Ballybrittan, Edenderry, Co Offaly
Tel: 087-2469802.
Open: May 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26; June 1-2, 22-23, 29-30; July 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, 27-28,; National Heritage Week (Aug 17-25); Sept 1-9, 2pm-6pm.
Fee: Free. Large groups: €5 pp.
Ballindoolin House, Edenderry, Co Offaly
Rudolf Prosoroff. Tel: 00436765570097
Open: April 15-18, 22-25, 29-30; May 1-2, 4-9, 11-16, 18-23, 27-30; June 3-6, 10-13, 17-20, 24-27; Aug 17-25, 10am-2pm
Fee: adult €10, student /OAP/child €5
Boland's Lock, Cappincur, Tullamore, Co Offaly
Martin O'Rourke. Tel: 086-2594914
Open: July 1-Aug 31, noon-4pm
Fee: rarely charged
Corolanty House, Shinrone, Birr, Co Offaly
George & Siobhan Webb. Tel: 086-3523678
Open: Jan- Feb, July-Sept, daily 2pm-6pm,
Fee: Free
Gloster House, Brosna, Birr, Co Offaly
Tom & Mary Alexander. Tel: 087-2342135
Open: May 1-31, National Heritage Week (Aug 17-25), 9am-1pm
Fee: €6
High Street House, High Street, Tullamore, Co Offaly
Tanya & George Ross. Tel: 086-8447677. no6highstreet.com
Open: May 1-8, National Heritage Week (Aug 17-25), Sept 1-24, 9.30am-1.30pm
Fee: adult €5, OAP €4, child under 12 free
Loughton, Moneygall, Birr, Co Offaly
Michael P. Lyons. Tel: 089-4319150. loughtonhouse.com
Open: May 4, 7-11, 14-18, 21-25, 28-31; June 1, 4-8, 11-15, 18-22, 25-29; Aug 3, 6-10, 13-25, 11am-5pm
Fee: adult €5, child €3, OAP/student €4, family ticket €15
Springfield House, Mount Lucas, Daingean, Tullamore, Co Offaly
Muireann Noonan. Tel: 087-2204569. springfieldhouse.ie
Open: Apr 18-24; May 11-12, 18-19, 25-31; June 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 29-30; July 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, Aug 17-31, 2pm-6pm
Fee: Free
ROSCOMMON
King House, Main Street, Boyle, Co Roscommon
Mary Mullins/Averyl Dooher. Tel: 090-6637100, 071-9663242. kinghouse.ie
Open: April-Sept, Tue-Sat; National Heritage Week (Aug 17-25), 11am-5pm
Fee: adult €5, OAP/student /child €3, family €15, 2 adults+ 3 children
SLIGO
Lissadell House & Gardens, Lissadell, Ballinfull, Co Sligo
Edward Walsh. Tel: 087-2550969. lissadell.com
Open: April 13-October 6, 10.30am-6pm
Fee: adult €14 child €7, OAP/student €12, family 2 adults+2 children €36
Markree Castle Home Farm, Markree, Coolney, Co Sligo
Michael Quigley. Tel: 071-9142529. markree.com
Open: June, July, Sept, Mon-Sat; August 1-3, 5-10, 12-31, 10am-4pm
Fee: Free
Newpark House and Demesne, Newpark, Ballymote, Co Sligo
Anthony & Rosemary Kitchen. Tel: 086-3375741, 086-8244013
Open: May 4-11, 13-18; June 4-8, 10-15; July 1-6; National Heritage Week (Aug 17-25), 9am-1pm
Fee: adult /OAP/student €5, child/National Heritage Week free
Rathcarrick House, Rathcarrick, Strandhill Road, Co Sligo
Michael Sweeney. Tel: 071-9128417
Open: June, July, Aug, Tue-Sat; National Heritage Week (Aug 17-25), 2pm-6pm
Fee: adult €5, OAP/student/child free
TIPPERARY
Beechwood House, Ballbrunoge, Cullen, Co Tipperary
Maura & Patrick McCormack
Tel: 083-1486736
Open: May 10-13, 31; June 1-3, 7-10, 14-17; July 12, 26-29; Aug 16-26 (including National Heritage Week); Sept 13-16, 27-30, 10.15am-2.15pm
Fee: adult €4, OAP/student €2, child free, fees donated to charity
Clashleigh House, Clogheen, Co Tipperary
Elizabeth O'Callaghan. Tel: 086-8185334
Open: April 2-May 30, Tues & Thurs; June 4-30, Tue, Thurs, Sat & Sun; National Heritage Week (Aug 17-25); Sept 3-Oct 29, Tues & Thurs, 9am-1pm
Fee: adult €8, OAP/student/child/concessions €4
Cloughjordan House, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary
Sarah Baker. Tel: 085-2503344. cloughjordanhouse.com
Open: May 7-11,13-18, 20-25, 27-31; National Heritage Week (Aug 17-25); Sept 6-7, 9-14, 16-21, 23-28, 30; Oct 4-5, 7-12, 14-19, 21-26, 28-30, 9.30am-1.30pm Fee: adult €8 OAP/student €4
Grenane House, Tipperary, Co Tipperary
Philippa Manseragh-Wallace. Tel: 062-52484
Open: May & Sept, Mon-Sat, National Herutage Week (Aug 17-25), 2pm-6pm
Fee: adult €6, student/OAP €5, group rates available
Redwood Castle, Redwood, Lorrha, Nenagh, North Tipperary
Coleesa Egan. Tel: 087-7479566. redwoodcastleireland.com
Open: May 25-26, June 1-14, July 14-31, Aug 1-31, Sept 1-8, 2pm-6pm
Fee: adult €8, OAP/student/child €5
Silversprings House, Clonmel, Co Tipperary
Jim Gilligan. Tel: 086-2539187
Open: May 1-3, 7-31, June 1-30, Aug 17-25, 12 noon-4pm
Fee: adult €5, OAP/student €3 child free
WATERFORD
Ballynatray Estate,Youghal, Co Cork
Lori Fraser. Tel: 024-97460. ballynatray.com
Open: May 1-Aug 31, 10am- 4pm
Fee: adult €5, OAP/student/child €4
Curraghmore House, Portlaw, Co Waterford
Vanessa Behal. Tel: 051-387101. curraghmorehouse.ie
Open: May 3-July 31, National Heritage Week (Aug 17-25), Sept 1-29,10.30am-4.30pm
Fee: full tour €18, house tour €12, garden & shell house €10, garden only €6 under12 years free
Dromana House, Cappoquin, Co Waterford
Barbara Grubb. Tel: 024-96144, 086-8186305. dromanahouse.com
Open: May 1-July 31, closed Mondays, National Heritage Week (Aug 17-25), 2pm-6pm
Fee: guided tour of house €10, garden €6, house & garden €15, groups of 10 or more guided tour of house €9, garden €5, house and garden €12, children under 12 free for house and garden
Salterbridge House & Garden, Salterbridge, Cappoquin, Co Waterford
Philip & Susan Wingfield. Tel: 058-54952, 086-8223005. salterbridgehouseandgarden.com
Open: Apr 15-18, 22-26, May 1-24, Aug 12-30, Sept 2-5, 9am-1pm
Fee: house/garden €10, house or garden only €5, child/student half price, OAP free
Tourin House & Gardens, Tourin, Cappoquin, Co Waterford
Kristin Jameson. Tel: 058-54405. tourin-house.ie
Open: April 2-Sept 30, Tue-Sat; (National Heritage Week (Aug 17-25), 1pm-5pm
Fee: house/garden: adult €6, OAP/student €3, child free.
WESTMEATH
Lough Park House, Castlepollard, Co Westmeath
Liam O'Flanagan. Tel: 044-9661226
Open: Apr 18-24, May 25-31, June 1-6, 26-30, July 20-29, Aug 2-6, 17-26, 2pm-6pm
Fee: adult €6
Tullynally Castle & Gardens, Castlepollard, Co Westmeath
Valerie Packenham. Tel: 044-9661159. tullynallycastle.com
Open: April 11-14, 18-22, 25-28; May 2-6, 9-12, 16-19, 23-26, 30-31; June 1-3, 6-9, 13-16, 20-23, 27-30; July 4-7, 11-14, 18-21, 25-28; Aug 1-5, 8-11, 15-31; Sept 5-8, 12-15, 19-22, 26-29; Oct 4-6, 11am-5pm (concert @ 8 pm on Feb 16)
Fee: adult/OAP/student €7, child €3 under 5 free, Family €18
Turbotston, Coole, Co Westmeath
Peter Bland. Tel: 086-2475044
Open: Aug 1-Sept 9, Dec 1-20, 9am-1pm
Fee: adult €8, child €4
WEXFORD
Clougheast Cottage, Carne, Co Wexford
Jacinta Denieffe. Tel: 086-1234322
Open: Jan 11-31, May 1-31, National Heritage Week (Aug 17-25), 9am-1pm
Fee: €5
Woodville House, New Ross, Co Wexford
Gerald Roche. Tel: 087-9709828, 051-422957. woodville-garden.com
Open: May 1 -31, June 1-30, Aug 17-25, 10am-2pm
Fee: adult/OAP/Student €5, child under10 free
WICKLOW
Altidore Castle, Kilpeddar, Greystones, Co Wicklow
Philip Emmet. Tel: 087-7601369
Open: Mar 11-31, May 1- June 4, 1pm-5pm, National Heritage Week (Aug 17-25), 2pm-6pm
Fee: adult /OAP/ student €5, child over 10 years €5
Ballymurrin House, Kilbride, Wicklow, Co Wicklow
Philip Geoghegan. Tel: 0404-48206, 086-1734560
Open: May 1-5, 7-12, 14-19, 21-26, 28-31; July 26-28, 30-31; Aug 1-4, 6-11, 13-25, 27-31, 2pm-6pm; guided tours 2pm and 4pm
Fee: adult/OAP/student €5, child free under 16 years
Castle Howard, Avoca, Co Wicklow
Keri Glanville. Tel: 01-6327539
Open: July 2-8, 22-28, National Heritage Week (Aug 17-25), Sept 2-9, 11-12, 17-19, 23-28, 9am-1pm
Fee: adult €5, OAP/student/child €2
Charleville, Enniskerry, Co Wicklow
Alyson Clarke. Tel: 01-6624455
Open: May 1-5, 7-24, 27-31; June 4-7, National Heritage Week (Aug 17-25), Mon-Fri, 1pm-5pm, Sat & Sun, 9am-5pm
Fee: house €9, garden €6, no dogs allowed, no children allowed in house
Killruddery House & Gardens, Southern Cross Road, Bray, Co Wicklow
John Anthony Meath. Tel: 01-2863405. killruddery.com
Open: Apr 13-Sept 30, Oct 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 26-31, 9.30am-6pm,
Fee: adult €8.50, OAP/student €7.50, child 4-12 years €3, under 4 years free
Kiltimon House, Newcastle, Co Wicklow
Michelle O'Connor. Tel: 087-2505205
Open: May 7-27, National Heritage Week (Aug 17-25), Sept 1-30, 9am-1pm
Fee: adult €10, OAP/student/child €5
Kingston House, Kingston, Rathdrum, Co Wicklow
Liam Lynam. Tel: 087-2415795
Open: Aug 1-Sept 30, 10am-2pm
Fee: adult €3, OAP/student/child €2
1 Martello Terrace, Strand Road, Bray, Co Wicklow
Liz McManus. Tel: 087-2357369
Open: Apr, May, Jun, Sept, Mon & Thurs; July-Aug, Mon, Thurs, & Sat, National Heritage Week (Aug 17-25), 1pm-5pm, Sat 9am-1pm.
Fee: Free
