Fota House closes on weekdays over lack of funds

THE financial crisis surrounding one of Ireland's best-known stately homes deepened yesterday, when management announced they had been left with no alternative but to close it to the public on weekdays.

A crisis meeting held at Fota House in Carrigtwohill, County Cork, led to the announcement that the 19th century mansion would close on weekdays from Monday, November 3.

Professor Tom Raftery, secretary of the trust which manages the house, said the lack of Government funding had led to the serious situation.