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.