Drishane House was built by Thomas Somerville in about 1780 and successive generations of Somervilles have created a unique and timeless house containing portraits and memorabilia of a family stretching back over 300 years. Edith Somerville (of Somerville and Ross) who spent almost all her life there, and loved it, has left a strong imprint on the house and gardens. A museum has been created in her memory in the courtyard.

Magical paths thread through 18 acres of informal woodlands and gardens with spectacular West Cork coastal views with specimen trees, rare plants and swathes of Daffodils and Bluebells in the Spring and Montbretia in the summer. The gardens flourish in the temperate climate created by the Gulf Stream. The gardens were the scene of many plays, elaborate picnics, tennis and croquet parties involving the local families of Somerville, Townshend, Coghill, Chavasse and their friends and relations.

Drishane House is at the top of the village of Castletownshend which is included by Fitz-Simon and Palmer in their book ‘The Most Beautiful Villages in Ireland’. View the Harry Clarke windows in the Church and perhaps include a stop and a meal at the well known Mary Ann’s Bar.

Booking essential, to avoid disappointment please telephone in advance for more information on visiting arrangements.