The White family first settled on Whiddy Island in the 17th century but purchased a small Queen Ann house called Blackrock on the mainland. This was to become known as Bantry House.

About 1820 Richard, the first Earl of Bantry, enlarged the house by adding the two drawing rooms. It was his son, then Viscount Berehaven, who travelled extensively and amassed an eclectic collection of tapestries, paintings, furniture and artefacts.

Bantry House is the ancestral home of the Earls of Bantry, still lived in by their descendant Egerton & Brigitte Shelswell-White, and their family. Since 1946 the house containing its important collection of furniture, tapestries and objets d'art has been open to the public.

Your visit includes a self guided tour of the house. Complimentary information sheets are available at the House reception.

The family look forward to welcoming you to their home.