Doneraile Court reopens following refurbishment - next phase of restoration revealed

Doneraile Court reopened on Thursday last, May 11 with significant conservation work unveiled under Phase 2 works as identified in a new Conservation Management Plan.

A host of visitors, locals and dignitaries, descended on the heritage town last week as Minister of State for the Office of Public Works (OPW) Patrick O’Donovan officially opened Doneraile Court following further substantial refurbishment, along with the launching of new exhibitions.

The eighteenth-century house at the centre of one of Ireland’s most intact Georgian Estates is part of the OPW’s 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.

A lift has also been installed which will allow all visitors access to the first floor and exhibition spaces.

“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 rights 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,” Minister O’Donovan said.

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.

The next phase of work for the estate was also identified on the day, as it was outlined that the Orangery will be re-instated, adjoining the historic house.

“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,” said local councillor and Deputy Mayor of the County of Cork, Deirdre O’Brien.

“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,” she added.

MANAGEMENT PLAN

A comprehensive Conservation Management Plan for Doneraile was also launched on Thursday last, as 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.

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.

Within the report, a strong case is set out for the preservation of the Estate as a key heritage and tourism destination in Ireland.

(Pic: Clare Keogh) Arthur Montgomery, caretaker of Doneraile House under the Irish Georgian Society for 20 years, admires the master bedroom at the completed renovation works at Doneraile Court opened on Friday by Minister of State for the Office of Public Works, Mr. Patrick O’Donovan.

Glavin) (Photo: Katie Mary Heffernan, General Manager and Director at OPW (left), with Deputy Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr Deirdre O’Brien, Mary Rose Collier OPW Head of Heritage and Minister of State for the OPW, Patrick O’Donovan.

(Pic: Clare Keogh) Minister of State for the Office of Public Works, Mr. Patrick O’Donovan, TD, speaking with Gill St Leger Mulligan, the last link to Doneraile Court, as he launched the completed renovation works at Doneraile Court on Friday last.

(Pic: Clare Keogh) Minister of State for the Office of Public Works, Mr. Patrick O’Donovan TD, launched the completed renovation works at Doneraile Court on Friday and is pictured with Rosemary Collier (OPW) and Dept Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Deirdre O’Brien.

Glavin) (Photo: Katie Cllrs John Paul O’Shea, Liam Madden, Noel McCarthy, William O’Leary and Frank Roche who were in attendance to view the refurbished works at Doneraile Court on Friday.

Katie Glavin) (Photo: Niall Walsh and Valerie Murphy of Avondhu Blackwater Partnership at the official opening of the newly refurbished Doneraile Court.

(Photo: Hilary Sheehan and Evelyn Reid of Doneraile taking a tour of the restored premises last Friday. Katie Glavin)

(Photo: Katie Glavin) A significant crowd gathered as Minister of State for the OPW, Patrick O’Donovan, reopened Doneraile Court last week.

Local councillors Frank O’Flynn and Kay Dawson pictured with Minister for the OPW Patrick O’Donovan TD at Doneraile Court. (Photo: Katie Glavin)

(Photo: Katie Glavin) Phil and Aileen Kiely of Skahanagh pictured taking a tour of the reopened Doneraile Court last week.