When the Irish Heritage Trust, a non-profit organisation, began to look after of Fota House and its estate in 2007, special care and attention was needed.
Unique original features were at risk when the Trust took ownership of Fota House, including its impressive glasshouses and the Victorian Working Garden which had once kept the staff busy and its residents well-fed!
Today, Fota House is one of Ireland’s great houses, home to a nationally significant collection of paintings, a beautifully restored arboretum and gardens, and an award-winning volunteering programme.
Restoring Fota House & Gardens
Restoring Fota House & Gardens
Over the years, the Irish Heritage Trust has undertaken an extensive programme of restoration. This has been made possible thanks to the support of the Irish government and other agencies, including local authorities and the Office of Public Works
.
The work carried out by our Irish Heritage Trust staff, heritage experts, skilled craftspeople, and our amazing volunteers has allowed us to open up Fota House and its gardens to the public to be enjoyed.
Fota’s previously derelict rooms and neglected gardens are now gorgeous spaces. Visitors can gain a real sense of what life was like for everyone who lived and worked in this Regency mansion and across the estate.
Our efforts led to Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens being granted museum status by the Heritage Council under the Museum Standards Programme for Ireland in recognition of the ongoing care given to conservation and visitor experience development. This status was renewed in 2020.
Practical Improvements
In the early years, work was required to improve parking facilities, accessibility, and interpretation for visitors to Fota House. Fáilte Ireland – Ireland’s national tourism authority – partnered with the Irish Heritage Trust to support this work.
Another key restoration project was undertaken in the walled garden or frameyard, where Fota’s derelict glasshouses were restored to their former glory.
Conservation and restoration work has continued across Fota House and the Estate.
In 2024 an extensive reroofing project was undertaken, balancing the functional needs of the house with environmental sustainability considerations.
All money generated at Fota goes back into our historic property. This supports its financial independence, environmental sustainability, and our roles in heritage, education, and community outreach.
Plans for the Future
Thanks to major funding programmes, partnerships and philanthropy, the Trust continues to carry out work to conserve Fota House and its grounds. We are constantly seeking to enhance our visitors’ experiences and expand our events programme.
We continue to invest in projects like the restoration of Fota’s impressive art collection and efforts to establish our grounds as a Bee Sanctuary of national importance.
We also want to continue to enhance Fota’s remarkable gardens and glasshouses, as an amenity for locals and visitors and as an educational resource.
Our aim is to fulfil the potential of Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens as a local amenity, a national asset, and an international resource for learning about Irish heritage, culture, biodiversity, and sustainability.
We are keen to develop new partnerships which may help the wider community, the Trust’s volunteering programmes, and our education, gardening, and biodiversity work alongside the Fota visitor experience.
To find out more about partnering with Fota House Arboretum & Gardens, contact Bryan Murphy on 021 4815543 or email b.murphy@irishheritagetrust.ie
