Doneraile Court and Estate

About the museum

Doneraile Court was built by the St Leger family around 1645 on the site of a ruined castle and was refurbished in the mid-eighteenth century, when it became an outstanding example of Georgian architecture. Thirteen generations of the family lived here over three centuries. Among them was Elizabeth St Leger, who in 1712 became the first woman Freemason in the world. The family is linked to the St Leger Stakes in horse racing, and the house has literary connections, including the writer Elizabeth Bowen.

The house stands in Doneraile Park, a 160-hectare parkland and wildlife estate laid out in the naturalistic style associated with Capability Brown. The park has water features, a parterre walled garden, gardeners’ cottages and many paths and graded walks, and red deer, fallow deer, sika deer and Kerry cattle live on the estate.

The Office of Public Works now runs the court and park. The house can be visited on guided tours that leave on the hour, and Sarah’s Tearooms serve refreshments. The parkland itself is free to enter during its opening hours.

Highlights

• Guided tours of a Georgian mansion built around 1645
• Parkland of 160 hectares in the style of Capability Brown
• Deer and Kerry cattle in the estate
• Walled garden and gardeners’ cottages
• Tearooms, playground and picnic area

Permanent exhibition

• Doneraile Court guided tour – A guided tour of the Georgian rooms and the story of the St Leger family, who lived at Doneraile for thirteen generations.

Operated by

Office of Public Works (Heritage Ireland)

Admission & discounts

The prices are for the guided tour of the house. The parkland is free to enter. The site is part of the Heritage Ireland network run by the Office of Public Works.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The site is listed as wheelchair accessible and has a lift. Dogs are allowed on a lead.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Playground / play area

There is a playground in the park, a family ticket, and free entry to the house for children under 12.

Getting there & parking

Doneraile is 11 km north-east of Mallow; from the N20 Limerick road turn onto the Mitchelstown road (R581), then take the R522.

Amenities & dining

• Café

Sarah’s Tearooms serve refreshments on five days a week. The park has a playground, picnic area, bicycle parking and public toilets.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit