Escape to Ballyvolane House, a private 1728 Irish historic house and estate set in idyllic Cork countryside. Exclusively yours, it sleeps 12 in 6 ensuite bedrooms (4 extra beds available on request) and is fully catered with dedicated friendly and discreet staff. Discover antique-filled rooms, roaring fires, glorious gardens, and woodland walks. Enjoy daily breakfast, private dining, tennis, lawn games, and clay pigeon shooting on-site and we are always happy to help plan day trips.
The space
General Description of the Rooms & Space
Built in 1728, Ballyvolane House is an authentic Irish country house where history and homeliness sit side by side. This is not a museum, but a lived-in family home full of character, warmth, and comfort. High ceilings, original features, open fires, antique furnishings create an atmosphere of timeless charm, while the welcoming interiors invite you to relax and feel at home from the moment you arrive.
Bedrooms
Each guest bedroom has its own personality, individually decorated with antique furniture, extremely comfortable beds dressed in crisp linens, and views across gardens, woodlands, or rolling countryside. All rooms are ensuite with deep antique bathtubs or walk-in showers, fluffy towels, and luxury Voya amenities to ensure comfort with a touch of indulgence.
Reception Rooms
Hall
The striking entrance hall, with its Corinthian columns, burnt orange walls contains a baby grand Blüthner piano, antique lamps and furniture as well as a large French style gilt sofa and armchairs sets the tone for the house.
Drawing Room
Overlooking the terraced lawns, the drawing room is the heart of the house. With shelves of Irish-interest books, eclectic antique furnishings, soft lamplight, and a welcoming open fire, it’s a warm and inviting space to gather for pre-dinner cocktails, enjoy a quiet read, or simply unwind. A large flat-screen TV is discreetly hidden behind the bookcase for guests’ use.
Garden Hall
This is located next to the main hall and drawing room. There is a large drinks cabinet and fridge along one wall and it leads into the gardens.
These rooms balance elegance with a lived-in homeliness that makes guests feel part of the house’s story.
Dining
Whether it’s a candlelit dinner in the formal dining room, a relaxed meal in the rustic barns, or an alfresco lunch in the gardens, dining at Ballyvolane is always memorable. Meals can be prepared by the in-house team or a private chef, drawing on home-grown produce from the walled garden and the finest local ingredients.
Grounds & Outdoors
Outside, guests can explore glorious gardens, sweeping lawns, ancient woodland walks, lakes and majestic trees. Traditional lawn games and tennis are on offer, or you can simply enjoy the tranquillity of the Irish countryside. Clay pigeon shooting is also available by prior arrangement. The three acre walled-garden is where we cultivate fruit and vegetables. This is also where the pigs and donkeys live. There are over 80 acres for guests to explore and we have walking and jogging maps available.
Rustic Barns
The stone barns, located in the farmyard, have been lovingly repurposed into a charming rustic event space where guests can gather to celebrate a special occasion, birthday, or anniversary. Inside, the interiors are filled with vernacular Irish country furniture and antiques, creating a rustic yet sophisticated atmosphere. Guests can also enjoy table tennis and board games, and a mirror ball hangs from the ceiling to add a touch of sparkle and fun.
Overall Feel
Ballyvolane House is intimate yet spacious, elegant yet unpretentious and unstuffy. It offers guests the rare chance to stay in a historic home that is both authentically Irish and wonderfully comfortable—perfect for those who value heritage, warmth, and a true sense of place.
Guest access
Guests have full and private use of the main house, including all reception rooms and bedrooms, as well as the gardens, lawns, woodland walks, and barns. As the house is offered on a fully catered basis, our team manages all dining and hospitality needs during your stay.
For clarity, the staff wing—where the owners reside and where administrative offices and working kitchens are located—is not accessible to guests, ensuring privacy and uninterrupted service.
Other things to note
For larger groups, there is additional glamping accommodation on site that sleeps up to 20 people (10 units - combination of bell tents and wooden cabin). This setup works beautifully for multi-generational families, with parents and grandparents in the main house and teenagers or young adults in the glamping units.
Guests are always welcome to help feed the pigs and collect fresh eggs after breakfast each morning—a fun way to experience life on a working estate.
We have three much-loved dogs (two spaniels and a terrier), who are a hit with guests. If preferred, they can be kept separate during your stay.
Ballyvolane House is almost 300 years old, and we are committed to preserving its historic character while providing the modern comforts guests expect. Think supremely comfortable beds, crisp high-quality linens, luxury Voya bathroom amenities, and high-speed broadband throughout the property. Like most antiques, the house is fragile in places and should be treated with care.
By welcoming guests, we are able to continue vital restoration and maintenance, helping to preserve an important part of Ireland’s built heritage. Ballyvolane House is a proud member of Historic Houses of Ireland (HHI), a charity supporting the custodians of privately owned historic homes nationwide. Justin, your host, is presently Chair of HHI and is always delighted to share the history of the house and give guests a personal tour.
