Doneraile Court and wildlife park
Doneraile court and wildlife park is a stunning Estate House built by the St Leger family around 1645 on the site of a ruined castle. The family had some extraordinary members including Elizabeth St Leger who made history when she became the first woman Freemason in the world in 1712.
Explore Doneraile Court
Take a guided tour of Doneraile Court, a magnificent Georgian house set on top of a hill, with a stunning vista overlooking grounds landscaped in the style of the legendary Capability Brown.
Doneraile Court was home to the St Leger family for over 300 years. The ground floor has been refurbished and now houses several prestigious collections of furnishings and art. One highlight is the impressive seventeenth-century painting by Frans Snyders, Battle of the Birds.
Glorious Gardens
The Pleasure Grounds, Parterre Gardens and the remains of the Pinery/Vinery and American Gardens are included in the guided tour. Spend some time exploring the thoughtfully arranged selection of charming plants and flowers.
The Literary Legacy
The estate and surrounding village have a strong literary tradition, incorporating figures such as Elizabeth Bowen, Canon Sheehan and Edmund Spenser, who immortalised the River Awbeg in his poem The Faerie Queene. Our excellent cultural programme is designed to reflect Doneraile’s literary associations.
Take a Break in the Tea Rooms
When you’ve seen what life was like up above, come below stairs for a treat in the nineteenth-century kitchen wing. With a stunning high ceiling, flagstone floor and historic features, the warm and welcoming Doneraile Court tea rooms are the perfect spot for a snack, a sandwich or something more substantial to keep you going during your visit. Relax under blue skies in the courtyard or settle down by the stove with a hot drink.
Roam across 160 Hectares of Parkland
Doneraile Court and wildlife park has a full 160 hectares of walled-in parkland waiting for you to explore. Spend some peaceful time enjoying the beautiful limestone bridges leading up to Doneraile Court, the magnificent cascades and fish ponds and the many species of tree, some of which are hundreds of years old. Choose a colour-coded walking route that suits your level of fitness.
Amazing Wildlife
There are Sika deer, red deer and fallow deer at Doneraile court and wildlife park, as well as a herd of protected Kerry cattle that you can see as you stroll through the park. You may be lucky enough to spot a red squirrel or even an otter along the Awbeg River. On your search for wildlife, don’t forget to look up – our tree boxes are a safe haven for some species of bat.
Have Fun in the Children’s Playground
The children’s playground at Doneraile Park has lots of great features, including a thrilling zip line. Let your little ones burn off their excess energy in this safe but fun-filled space.
Distance
Only a 35 minute drive from Corderry Farm.
Time to go discover
A fabulous place to spend a day whether you take a much-advised tour of the court and gardens, enjoy one of the lovely walks, have a chat with the deer or just sit with a picnic beside the soothing river, you will not be disappointed.
