Fota House reopens to public

Extensive restoration work on Fota House will be unveiled tomorrow as part of a drive to encourage visitors.

Irish Heritage Trust has invited several tour operators to view the historic Cork property, which has reopened to the public after the winter season works.

Trust CEO Kevin Baird described the works as a “game changer” and said they would help make the property as one of the top attractions in the region.

News of the restoration follows criticism from the man who played a key role in the rescue and restoration of Fota House.

Tom Raftery, former professor of agriculture at UCC and a former Fine Gael MEP and senator, said it was “heartbreaking” to see the house shut for six months.

“The Office of Public Works did a magnificent job restoring the house.

“When it was being run by the Fota Trust and the OPW, it was open 362 days a year, running smoothly and making a surplus.

“But now it’s closed for half the year, and... simple things like toilets are not available.”

Mr Raftery was the chief architect behind UCC’s purchase of the Fota Estate in 1975, and in persuading Dublin Zoo to join with UCC in establishing a wildlife park in Fota.

He said he felt compelled to speak out after a recent visit to the house.

“It was the people of Cork, who with their pounds shillings and pence, paid for Fota House to be restored. It should be open year-round,” he said.

However, Mr Baird said it was “normal country house practice” to close properties during the off-peak season for care and maintenance.