11 May 2023, 2pm
By Mary Bermingham
mary@TheCork.ie
OPW reopens a more accessible Doneraile Court with enhanced visitor attractions
Significant conservation work at Doneraile Court is unveiled today, doubling the visitor experience at this architecturally important eighteenth-century house at the centre of one of Ireland’s most intact Georgian Estates. The development in North Cork is part of the Office of Public Works’ (OPW) strategic conservation plan for properties in this region aligned with Fáilte Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands necklace of visitor attractions.
In line with Government and OPW policies, a Changing Places facility has been incorporated into the refurbishment works. This facility provides suitable changing facilities for individuals with disabilities and additional physical needs. In addition, a lift has also been installed which will allow all visitors access to the first floor and exhibition spaces.
Minister O Donovan stated: “I am absolutely delighted today to be able to announce the provision by the OPW of these new facilities at Doneraile. Both are a positive contribution to the full inclusion, equality and r
ights of disabled people within our community. They also allow us to offer access to all areas within Doneraile House so that the full visitor attractions on offer can be experienced and enjoyed by all.”
Deputy Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Deirdre O’Brien, said: ‘It is great to be here in Doneraile today with Minister O’Donovan as he officially opens the next phase of works and exhibitions spaces in this wonderful facility in North Cork. I must commend the OPW for their continued commitment and conservation works to Doneraile House and to the rejuvenation of the overall Estate, while making it one of the best visitor attractions in the region.’
Other highlights of the €2 million refurbishment project visitors can enjoy include the refurbishment of the staircase hall and staircase, the opening of nine new rooms on the first floor where an entire exhibition area has been created, new render to the East Wing of the House, new staff facilities and the refurbishment of the Lodge.
A comprehensive Conservation Management Plan for Doneraile is also being launched today. The Plan has been prepared by Rodney Melville and Partners, Chartered Architects and Historic Building Consultants, in close collaboration with the OPW. The plan outlines the investment requirements to ensure the house, designed landscape, Estate buildings, ecology and gardens can be protected and conserved for future generations to come.
Arthur Montgomery Caretaker of Donerail House under the Irish Gerogian Society for twenty years admires the master bedroom at the completed renovation works at Doneraile
Court.
Picture Clare Keogh
Arthur Montgomery Caretaker of Donerail House under the Irish Gerogian Society for twenty years admires the master bedroom at the completed renovation works at Doneraile
Court opened today by Minister of State for the Office of Public Works, Mr. Patrick O’Donovan.
Picture Clare Keogh
Arthur Montgomery Caretaker of Donerail House under the Irish Gerogian Society for twenty years admires the master bedroom at the completed renovation works at Doneraile
Court opened today by Minister of State for the Office of Public Works, Mr. Patrick O’Donovan.
Picture Clare Keogh
Photocall caption: Minister of State for the Office of Public Works, Mr. Patrick
O’Donovan, T.D, today launched the completed renovation works at Doneraile
Court picrtured with Rosemary Collier OPW and Dept Mayor Deirdre O’Brien
Picture Clare Keogh
Aileen Spetere Guide OPW doing the finishing touches to Donerail Court. Minister of State for the Office of Public Works, Mr. Patrick
O’Donovan, T.D, today launched the completed renovation works at Doneraile
Court picrtured with Rosemary Collier OPW and Dept Mayor Deirdre O’Brien
Picture Clare Keogh
Fionnuala Broughan Guide OPW doing the finishing touches to Donerail Court. Minister of State for the Office of Public Works, Mr. Patrick
O’Donovan, T.D, today launched the completed renovation works at Doneraile
Court picrtured with Rosemary Collier OPW and Dept Mayor Deirdre O’Brien
Picture Clare Keogh
Through this work, it has been possible to establish a set of policies and guidelines that are informing the future conservation, repair, management and use of the buildings and the designed landscape according to best conservation practice. Today’s launch is the delivery of Phase 2 works identified as critical to the overall plan. The Report sets out a very strong case for the preservation of the Estate as a key heritage and tourism destination in Ireland. The next Phase of work identified will see the Orangery re-instated adjoining the historic house. As well as returning a significant built feature of Doneraile, this will allow for a greater opportunity for the OPW to host cultural events and enhance the operations of the site.
On the first floor, a set of exhibitions has been installed that allows visitors to understand the wider geographical, historical, cultural and social context of Doneraile Court. It covers:–
- the early settlement of the lands at Doneraile from the time the lands came into the ownership of the St. Legers,
- the nineteenth- and early twentieth-century history of the St. Leger family including reference to Canon Sheehan, Lady Castletown and US Justice Oliver Wendall Holmes,
- reinstatement of Lady Doneraile’s Apartment,
- an exhibition on Lost Houses of Cork,
- an exhibition on Bowen’s Court and Elizabeth Bowen, and
- historical information on the conservation works carried out by the Irish Georgian Society in the 1980s.
The collections on display have been supplemented with new material that make a visit or a return visit truly worthwhile, including:
- a Wallpaper Exhibition from the Skinner Wallpaper Archive,
- Miniatures of Cork families on loan from the Irish Georgian Society, donor Edmund Corrigan,
- painting collection from the Crawford Art Gallery,
- many private loans relating to Elizabeth Bowen,
- Sculpture collection from the Friends of the National Collections of Ireland,
- private loans of original furniture from the House and also a book collection.
