Fota House was originally a modest two-storey hunting lodge belonging to the Smith Barry family. The family lived in Britain, coming to Ireland for fishing, shooting, hunting and yachting. In the 1820's, John Smith-Barry (1793 - 1837) decided to make Fota his home. He commissioned the great Irish architects Sir Richard Morrison and his son William Vitruvius Morrison to convert the hunting lodge into an elegant residence. Initially it was proposed that the design should reflect the current fashion for Tudor revival but a more elegant Regency style was ultimately executed. Two new wings were added and a handsome Doric portico made an elegant entrance. The interior was opened up with fine Scagliola columns, leading to a handsome stone staircase. The ceilings of the library and drawing room were decorated with great delicacy in the French style. The house has over 70 rooms, ranging in size from the more modest servant rooms to the large and beautifully proportioned principal rooms. The curious 'dummy' windows, which occur on the exterior of the building, were added to enhance the aesthetic balance of the house. The style is classical throughout and the decor reflects continental trends in the gilt, marble work, painted ceilings and magnificent plaster detail throughout. Since the re-opening of the house in 2009 after restoration, people can now visit the upper floor of the house for the first time in many years. The glorious neo-classical architecture and innovative designs for which Morrison was renowned can now be fully appreciated, as well as The Collection - a fine collection of paintings and furniture - which have been returned to the house. There is still, however, much to do. We have many projects under development that will add to the visitor experience from simple car parking improvements to the restoration of previously inaccessible glasshouses. The Trust is committed to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to benefit from, or get involved with this special place, however we cannot achieve this continuous process of repair and improvement without the generous support of visitors and volunteers. In addition to cultural and economic benefits, the Trust wants to sustain this place of artistic and architectural splendour through cultural tourism, education, celebration and family activities for all.

Offer Valid: 13/04/2010 - 13/04/2011

Description
We are delighted to offer SilverCircle members a 30% discount for admission to Fota House.

Opening Hours
Daily (7 days) from April - end October. 10 am - 5 pm (last admissions 4 pm). House opening hours: daily (7 days) from April - end October. 10 am - 5 pm (Last admissions 4 pm)

Contact Details
Fota House & Gardens, Fota Island, Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork. Tel: 021 481 5543Email: info@fotahouse.com

Terms and conditions
This offer applies to access to the house tour. Normal admission fee: €6. Silver Circle admission fee: €4. The house is open from April to October and is closed in the winter months.

You must be a SilverCircle card holder to avail of this offer.