Ballyvolane House

Down a winding drive with lovely views of the countryside you'll find Ballyvolane House, a heritage house in North Cork. This classical Georgian home built in 1728 invites guests to unwind in front of an open log fire and feel the warmth of Irish hospitality.

Property Details

Situated on an estate of landscaped gardens, Ballyvolane House is a retreat where guests can feel close to nature and take a trip back in time.

The Main House offers six spacious bedrooms, some with beautiful antique baths beckoning guests to relax with a long soak. Irish-made organic seaweed bathroom products are in each en-suite. Light pours into the rooms through the large windows, showcasing views of the terraced gardens, rolling hills, and the Galtee mountains beyond. Spot one of the many birds that flutter through this tranquil area while nibbling on fresh biscuits from the jar available in each room.

The more adventurous can stay in a bell tent on the grounds. Tents accommodate two to five people, featuring timber beds and mattresses stuffed with recycled jeans and organic wool. A tea light chandelier provides light and heat, and the thoughtful chairs, carpets, and bed-side tables make each space feel glamorous tent. Survival goodies like chocolate chip cookies, maps of the estate, and flashlights are provided, too.

Dine on the very best of Irish country house cuisine with roasts, fresh and saltwater fish, and homegrown fruit and vegetables. The walled garden, farm, and river here provide the fresh bounty. Cucumbers, chilies, and tomatoes are grown in the green house. Wild edible plants like garlic, blackberries, and mushrooms grow in the area around the estate, while sea spinach comes from the nearby shores. Chickens lay the eggs used for breakfast and baking and the fresh jams and marmalades are savored with breads and pastries.

The hospitality at Ballyvolane House famously revolves around it local food and beverages. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a jar of homemade chocolate. Sip on a gin called Bertha’s Revenge, named after the oldest cow in the world and distilled on-site. For something with less kick, partake in daily afternoon tea served al fresco.

Explore the area nearby by bicycle or walk through stunning woodland, gardens, and ponds. Here life feels slower and more relaxed, and a picnic lunch out in the open is the best way to experience the countryside.