More than half a million people visit each year.

And now they’ll have even more to see at Doneraile Court, where the architecturally important 18th-century house at the centre of one of Ireland’s most intact Georgian estates has reopened following significant conservation work.

The €2 million project included the refurbishment of the staircase hall and staircase and the opening of nine new rooms on the first floor where an entire exhibition area has been created.

Minister of State for the Office of Public Works, Mr. Patrick O’Donovan, T.D, with Gill St Leger Mulligan. Picture: Clare Keogh

You can take in the history of the St. Leger family, take a peek at how the other half lived at the newly reinstated Lady Doneraile’s Apartment, and check out an exhibition on the Lost Houses of Cork.

The collections on display have been supplemented with new material including a wallpaper exhibition from the Skinner Wallpaper Archive, miniatures of Cork families on loan from the Irish Georgian Society, and a painting collection from the Crawford Art Gallery.

Arthur Montgomery, caretaker of Donerail House under the Irish Georgian Society admires the bedroom. Picture: Clare Keogh

New render has been added to the East Wing of the House, with new staff facilities and a refurbished Lodge too, while a Changing Places facility has been added to provide suitable changing facilities for individuals with disabilities and additional physical needs.

In addition, a lift has also been installed, which will allow all visitors access to the first floor and exhibition spaces.

The development in North Cork is part of the Office of Public Works’ (OPW) strategic conservation plan for properties in this region aligned with Fáilte Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands necklace of visitor attractions.

The next phase of work identified will see the orangery adjoining the historic house reinstated.

Doneraile House and Estate is open to the public daily from 8am to 8pm during the summer months.