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Bantry House

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  • Bantry Bay
     Dublin, Ireland
    027-50047
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Wed Planner
Wed Planner
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4 out of 5
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5
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Editor Pick

A Classy B&B;

  • September 15, 2008
  • Rated 4 of 5 by LenR from Townsville, Australia
A Classy B&B;

Bantry House is a stately home overlooking Bantry Bay in the south west of Ireland. It is owned by Egerton & Brigitte Shelswell-White and their children. The House offers self guided tours of the 3 floors, including Drawing Rooms with tapestries from Versailles, the Dining Room and Library.

All Bed and Breakfast accommodation in the East and West Wings of the House overlook the Italianate Gardens, Fountain and Hundred Steps.

The modern history of Bantry House commenced in1750 when Richard White purchased a building called Blackrock House. In 1797 White was created Baron Bantry and in 1801 the title was advanced toViscount Berehaven. Later he became the 1st Earl of Bantry.

During the Irish Civil War, the Cottage Hospital in Bantry, run by the nuns of the Convent of Mercy, was not large enough. The then owner, Mrs Leigh-White, offered the house as a hospital to care for the injured on both sides of the conflict. During the Second World War, the house and stables were occupied by the Second Cyclist Squadron of the Irish Army. The House opened to the public in 1946 and in 1978 Egerton Shelswell-White (the present owner) inherited the house.

Most people visit Banty House during the day to view the magnificent house and the unique gardens but Bantry House offers beautifully restored accommodation rooms in the East and West wings of the House. All ensuite, the rooms look out over the south facing garden and hundred steps.

After enjoying breakfast in the dining room of the east wing, you can leisurely stroll through the main house, wander through the gardens, enjoy tea and cakes in the cafe or play a game of billiards. The furnishings and paintings are quite spectacular and we were fortunate to hear a local pianist playing the grand piano in the drawing room. It is worth climbing the 100-step staircase to enjoy another part of the garden and the magnificent view. We were happy to stop here for a delightful hour enjoying the great setting. If you need outside activities the house is situated within walking distance to Bantry's restaurants, pubs, cinema and attractions.

The West Wing Café opened in March 2008 under new management. The Café offers the opportunity to sample food with a difference: high quality, locally-produced food sourced within a 50 mile radius where possible. Bantry House itself supplies a variety of the leaf salads, vegetables and herbs. The breads and cakes are baked fresh every morning.

The cafe is open for lunch seven days a week. During summer peak time (mid-May through September) it also offers an evening menu specializing in light informal food.

Day and overnight guests are both welcome to enjoy light lunches, teas, coffees, wine and beer in the tearoom.

Contact details are: Tel: 353-27-50047; email: info@bantryhouse.com

From journal The Best Accommodation in South-West Ireland

Bantry House

  • February 25, 2003
  • Rated 4 of 5 by Wed Planner from Manchester, New Hampshire
Bantry House

It's like staying in a museum, well, actually, you are! The house is open for tours during the day and serves as a bed and breakfast at night. The view alone is worth a stay. The rooms at the front of the house overlook magnificent Bantry Bay. Rooms in the back of the house overlook the "Staircase to the Sky" and the fabulous Italian Garden. Rooms are tastefully decorated and very roomy with private baths and phones in each room. A main TV room serves as the nightly gathering place for all the guests to meet and mingle. A house bar is also available in this room.

From journal Honeymoon in Ireland

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