Featured

Fota House
Remembering John Charles Beswick

Remembering John Charles Beswick

Remembering John Charles Beswick: 5/10/1888 – 22/4/1917

A monument was unveiled last weekend commemorating 200 East Cork men who died in World War 1. This memorial was the culmination of three years of work by a group of local people. Continue reading →

NATURE IS THE BEST DESIGNER OF ALL

NATURE IS THE BEST DESIGNER OF ALL

When it comes to design and designers, Cork has plenty to offer. In Fota itself, we have a Richard Morrison designed house. The neo-Gothic Cathedral in nearby Cobh was designed by Pugin and Ashlin. More modern, award-winning designs like the UCC Glucksman Gallery came from O’Donnell + Tuomey. But everyday in Fota House and Gardens, in the Frameyard and the Orchard, we see that Nature is the best designer of all.

Continue reading →
Gardener’s House Restoration

Gardener’s House Restoration

The Gardener’s House at Fota is a significant part of the history of the property and had been lying derelict for a number of years. In 2017 we began to restore it thanks to generous support from the Department Continue reading →

ANGELS IN THE ORANGERY

ANGELS IN THE ORANGERY

Even on a misty, early-Autumn day, the Orangery is a bright, light-filled space. Growing happily in one corner is a species of Brugmansia, its orange “Angel’s Trumpets” and large foliage bright against the whitewashed walls. And then there’s the fragrance – released at night to attract moths and lingering throughout the day…

Continue reading →
FLUTTERING AROUND… SALLY’S CHOICE

FLUTTERING AROUND… SALLY’S CHOICE

While walking around the garden today in the warm sunshine, I was totally taken aback with the incredible amount of insect life that has flocked to the profusion of garden flowers that are out at present. What really caught my eye was the beautiful Peacock Butterfly on one of the Verbena bonariensis. Her vibrant colours glistening in the sunshine and she did not even mind if I got up close to take a photo as she was too busy sucking the sweet nectar.

Continue reading →