While visitors flock to Ireland’s famous castles, historic manor houses in the country provide an equally enchanting yet much more intimate look at aristocratic life. From centuries-old family estates to meticulously restored country retreats, these manor houses open their doors to tourists, offering the opportunity to live like nobility without the crowds that plague Ireland’s more famous castles.
Bantry House, County Cork
This Georgian mansion overlooks Bantry Bay with Italian flourishes combined with uniquely Irish charm. The famous hundred steps leading down from the house provide breathtaking views of a stunning terraced garden.
The current generation of the White family still resides in the house, adding an air of authenticity to visitors’ experiences.
Strokestown Park House, County Roscommon
This Palladian mansion contains within its elegant walls Ireland’s National Famine Museum. The house retains its original furnishings and is one of the finest surviving Victorian kitchens in Europe.
Its gardens are beautifully maintained and boast what is claimed to be the longest herbaceous border in Ireland and Britain.
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Westport House, County Mayo
This beautifully proportioned 18th-century mansion combines splendor with intriguing pirate history – it was built on the ruins of Grace O’Malley’s castle. The house is sumptuously decorated with imported Italian craftsmanship and Waterford crystal chandeliers, among other pieces.
Its proximity to the Wild Atlantic Way makes it an ideal stop for those touring the coast.
Castle Ward, County Down
Despite the name, this peculiar mansion presents two architectural styles: Classical and Gothic. The dual nature of the house proceeds on the inside, too, as one half is truly adorned with a refined Georgian interior, while the other gives away all the quirky charm of a Gothic interior.
For Game of Thrones enthusiasts, the grounds of this estate will surely ring several bells.
Newbridge House, County Dublin
This magnificently preserved Georgian mansion offers an unusually authentic view of aristocratic life in the 18th century. The Cabinet of Curiosities in this house is unique; it’s a fantastic collection of natural history specimens.
Its working farm and extensive grounds provide endless entertainment for families.
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Russborough House, County Wicklow
The longest facade in Ireland gives way to this Palladian masterpiece, home to some of the most important art collections in the country. There are secret doors and hidden passages throughout the house, so going to see it sometimes feels like an Agatha Christie mystery.
When you have seen enough indoors, why not try your hand at falconry or explore the many acres of parkland by following the various walking trails?
Florence Court, County Fermanagh
This beautiful 18th-century house boasts the finest rococo plasterwork in Ireland and houses original Irish furniture. Its gardens are a pilgrimage point for the horticulturally minded since the estate has the mother plant of all Irish yew trees.
A working watermill and blacksmith’s forge put additional light on life on the estate.
Glenveagh Castle, County Donegal
Smack in the middle of Ireland’s most extensive national park; this Victorian mansion marries remote wilderness to refined luxury. Shielded by the Derryveagh Mountains, the castle gardens form a natural microclimate, resulting in exotic plants that are usually impossible this far north flourishing in this enchanted setting.
The isolation and sheer drama of the estate make it feel like entering a fairy tale.
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Ballyvolane House, County Cork
This former Georgian fishing lodge has been transformed into a luxurious guesthouse offering a more intimate country house experience. The house retains much of its original family feel, along with modern comforts and acclaimed farm-to- table dining.
Its gin school and glamping options put a contemporary spin on historic charm.
Killruddery House, County Wicklow
This Tudor Revival mansion has been the seat of the Brabazon family since 1618 and retains one of the oldest gardens in Europe. The estate’s orangery and long ponds reflect formal 17th-century garden design principles.
Its working farm and artisan food market connect visitors to Ireland’s agricultural heritage.
Belmont House, County Offaly
This hidden gem showcases perfect Georgian proportions and original period furnishings. The house’s library contains a remarkable collection of rare Irish books and manuscripts.
Its location in Ireland’s hidden heartlands makes it an ideal base for exploring the country’s lesser-known regions.
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Drenagh House, County Londonderry
This neoclassical mansion features stunning architectural details and magnificent reception rooms. The estate’s walled garden includes a rare example of a pre-famine conservatory.
Its private location and extensive grounds create an exclusive atmosphere for visitors.
Hilton Park, County Monaghan
This family-owned estate offers intimate country house stays in a genuine historic setting. The house’s eclectic interiors reflect generations of family collecting and storytelling.
Its private lakes and woodland walks provide peaceful alternatives to tourist-heavy destinations.
Mount Stewart, County Down
This 19th-century house is famous for its unique and whimsical gardens, influenced by Irish mythology. The house contains important collections of Irish furniture and family portraits.
Its microclimate allows for exotic plants typically unsuitable for Northern Ireland.
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Ballyfin Demesne, County Laois
This Regency mansion has been transformed into one of Ireland’s finest country house hotels. The restoration project spared no expense in returning the house to its original grandeur.
Its activities program, including falconry and carriage rides, allows guests to experience authentic country house life.
Huntington Castle, County Carlow
This eccentric castle-turned-manor house combines medieval foundations with 17th- century additions. The basement houses a unique temple dedicated to the Egyptian goddess Isis, reflecting the current family’s interesting spiritual beliefs.
Its gardens include ancient yew walks and the remains of a Druid grove.
Peer into Ireland’s Aristocratic Past
These hidden manor houses offer a more intimate and authentic experience of Irish heritage than their famous castle counterparts. While lacking the imposing scale of Ireland’s great castles, these properties compensate with personal touches, family histories, and the chance to experience genuine country house living.
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