Newbridge House and Farm

About the museum

Newbridge House was built in the 1740s for Charles Cobbe, who became Archbishop of Dublin and had begun acquiring land in Donabate in 1717. The Georgian mansion was designed by the architect James Gibbs, and a drawing room was added in 1765. The Cobbe family lived in the house for generations, among them the writer and campaigner Frances Power Cobbe, who was born there in 1822.

In 1985 Dublin County Council, now Fingal County Council, and the Cobbe family reached an unusual agreement under which the house, its contents and the demesne were opened to the public a year later. The collection of antiques, paintings and family heirlooms remains in the house. In 2017 the historic courtyard was conserved and the old stables became a visitor centre and café.

Visitors tour the principal rooms, the Georgian kitchen and the servants' quarters, and can see the "Cabinet of Curiosities", an eighteenth-century family museum of shells, corals, fossils and objects from Captain Cook's voyages. The estate also includes a working farm with heritage breeds, a playground and parkland.

Highlights

• Guided tour of the Georgian state rooms with the Cobbe collection
• Cabinet of Curiosities, an eighteenth-century private museum
• Servants' quarters and Georgian kitchen
• Working farm with heritage breeds, included with the tour ticket
• Free parkland, playground and Coach House Café

Permanent exhibitions

• Georgian house tour – A guided tour of the principal rooms with the Cobbe family furniture, paintings and the Georgian kitchen.
• The Cobbe Collection and the Cabinet of Curiosities – A family museum of shells, corals, fossils and objects from Captain Cook's voyages, alongside the Cobbe Portrait of unclear identity.

Founded

1986

Operated by

Fingal County Council

Admission & discounts

Free admission: First Wednesday of each month: free for Fingal residents aged 65 and over with photo ID and proof of address

The demesne and parkland are free to enter. Prices are for the guided house tour including the farm; the tour ticket also includes entry to the farm. Adult tickets cover ages 18 to 64 and senior tickets ages 65 and over. Group rates are available for groups of ten or more.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• 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

There is no lift in the house. The farm is accessible for wheelchairs and buggies, but wheelchairs cannot be borrowed. Disabled parking spaces are in the main car park. Dogs are not allowed in the house, farm or café; they may use the park on a lead.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Playground / play area
• Kids’ birthday parties

The tour is adapted for younger visitors. The farm has pigs, goats, cows, chickens and other animals, an activity sheet is available at the admissions desk, and a playground lies in the woodland near the main car park.

Getting there & parking

About 10 minutes by car from Dublin Airport and 30 minutes from the city centre.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available

Coach House Café with hot and cold food to eat in or take away; picnics are welcome in the parkland. There is no cash machine, but card payments are accepted.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Plan your visit