How Cork's Doneraile Court was brought back from the brink

A visit to a rural hamlet takes in history, Irish crafted design, interior design and good food to make for a satisfying day out

John Lee's Clann dining table in the entrance hall at Doneraile House. Picture: Daragh McSweeney, Provision Photography

I HAVE had a hankering to venture to North Cork for a snoop around 300-year-old Doneraile Court, once the seat of the St Ledger family, since I saw it featured on RTÉ’s Great Irish Interiors about 18 months ago.

Focusing on how it was brought back from the brink of dereliction by the Office of Public Works, the programme detailed the start of restoration and conservation work which is now ongoing, with some downstairs rooms completed and open to the public.