The Courtyard at Kilshannig - for a magical stay
Many locals will have seen Kilshannig House from the road, but few have had the opportunity to witness what lies within the walls of the stately Palladian House.
Situated among some 250 acres of lush green countryside, The Courtyard at Kilshannig is now offering accommodation with 14 bright and spacious double bedrooms, all ensuite, available for group bookings, each of which offers a bright and refreshing modern look paired with scenic views and spacious bathrooms.
Built in 1766 for Abraham Devonsher, a wealthy Cork banker, Kilshannig House has a vast history and the architecture to prove it.
The property later became home to the Spencer family, the late Princess Diana’s ancestors.
According to the owner, Hugo Merry, much of the property was derelict at the time his father bought it in 1960.
“Over the centuries it was a very neglected property and fell into disrepair. The main house was in liveable condition but the courtyards were completely derelict. In 1987 I came back from the USA and since that time most years, I have undertaken restoration to some part of the property. The house probably came within an inch of being lost to Ireland's built heritage and in a book written by Michael Myers Shoemaker, printed in 1908 under a photograph of the house shown in sorrowful condition is the caption 'Deserted Kilshannig House, Fermoy'.
The courtyard interiors, windows and roofs had been stripped and a lot of the walls were in very poor condition.
The main house was the only building with a relatively sound roof at the time that the project was taken on.
Since then, a host of restoration and refurbishment works have been completed including the re-roofing of every building, reinstatement of the cupolas and restoration of many of the ceilings that were originally completed by the La Franchini brothers in the 18th century.
PRIME LOCATION
The Courtyard at Kilshannig offers accommodation adjacent to the magnificent Palladian residence which is considered one of the most beautiful and architecturally important houses in Ireland, set amongst a rich parkland alongside a private stud farm.
In the spirit of the tradition of Kilshannig’s history of entertainment and house parties, the Courtyard is now available for group bookings, all family gatherings, fishermen, conferences, retreats, private parties, local sporting events (rowing, fishing, golf etc.) and more, are welcome to The Courtyard at Kilshannig which offers a place to relax and unwind for guests with active days, who wish to take advantage of the ideal location.
Adjacent to the Courtyard accommodation, the location also boasts a spacious multi-purpose room for hosting conferences and gatherings.
Surrounding the estate are big, open grounds with luscious wooded areas and a number of scenic walks for guests to enjoy, set along a hill crest of the Bride Valley as well as a championship size, Astroturf tennis court.
“One of the great things we do here is we welcome a lot of different groups, often from America, who are emigrants coming home and arranging family get-togethers,” Hugo said.
Situated just 30 minutes from Cork Airport and Cork city and mere minutes from the M8, connecting a host of nearby towns and Ireland’s two largest cities, The Courtyard at Kilshannig offers a prime location for those seeking a discreet visit, highclass accommodation, a countryside escape, or a destination location for a medium to large group.
A stay at The Courtyard Kilshannig (located just outside Rathcormac) comes highly recommended, with former guests describing the accommodation as ‘absolutely beautiful’, ‘spacious and spotless’', ‘perfect for a staycation’, an ‘exceptional accommodation and setting’ with a ‘ superb breakfast’.
Contact 087-4648585, e-mail thecourtyardkilshannig@gmail.com or visit their website www.thecourtyardkilshannig.com