Fota House, Arboretum and Gardens (Irish Heritage Trust)

Fota House was designed by 19th century architects Richard and William Morrison. From the beautifully proportioned rooms with exquisite plasterwork, to the preserved service wing and kitchens, Fota House offers visitors an intimate look at how life was lived in the past, whether as a servant or as a member of the gentry. Our painting collection is considered to be one of the finest collections of landscape painting outside the National Gallery of Ireland and includes works by William Ashford PRHA, Robert Carver, Jonathan Fisher and Thomas Roberts.

You can also visit the fascinating award-winning Victorian Working Garden which has been brought back to life. This includes the beautiful orchard, pit houses and working glasshouses. It once supplied the house with fruit and vegetables and it is now buzzing with activity with volunteers propagating and growing produce and plants to support the property. The Victorian Working Garden is open Monday – Friday and most Sundays from March to September where you can wander about and take it all in. You can check the Sunday opening with our Welcome desk. Guided tours are available by arrangement.

The Irish Heritage Trust, an independent charity, took responsibility for Fota House & Gardens in 2007. In 2016 Fota House achieved full museum accreditation from the Heritage Council under their Museum Standards Programme. This award recognised the high standards the house has set in recent years, including the care and maintenance of its collection and its conservation efforts.