Ireland’s great houses: the homes to visit in 2019

From grand estates to country cottages, these properties open their doors for all to visit

Thomas Cosby at Stradbally Hall, Co Laois. Photograph: Alf Harvey/hrphoto.ie
Thomas Cosby at Stradbally Hall, Co Laois. Photograph: Alf Harvey/hrphoto.ie

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

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Dunsany Castle
Dunsany Castle

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

Photograph: Alan Betson               29/11/08Lissadell House in Sligo owned by Constance Cassidy and Eddie Walsh
Photograph: Alan Betson 29/11/08Lissadell House in Sligo owned by Constance Cassidy and Eddie Walsh

'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

Geragh. Michael Scott hosue in Sandycove
Geragh. Michael Scott hosue in Sandycove

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

Charleville House/Gardens 10-6-98. Picture: Matt Kavanagh
Charleville House/Gardens 10-6-98. Picture: Matt Kavanagh

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