- One of the great houses of Ireland, preserved in its original, spacious setting.
- Large grounds to explore, complete with a variety of original ancillary buildings.
- Ireland's original yew tree in grounds.
- Very good café.
- Interior of house can seem sterile at places due to renovation.
- A three-storey Palladian mansion built for the Cole family, Florence Court was built in the 18th century.
- The arcades and pavilions flanking the house are slightly later additions.
- The house was gutted in 1955, but the interior (including the stunning plastework) has been restored.
- Accommodation (self-catering) is available in a lodge next to the formal gardens.
Upon approaching Florence Court you might get the feeling you are not exactly the most important person expected today. After driving through lush parkland you have to pass the house, park near the stables and literally take the tradesmen's entrance. Which, at least for most of us, would have been the reality of a visit a few decades ago.
Despite the fact that no rich aristocrats lord it over Florence Court anymore, the National Trust as today's owner insists on the masses being discreet and preferably unseen. Which is really a good idea - no gleaming SUVs or oil-leaking rustbuckets will mar the view at Florence Court from the front lawn. And this is how it was originally intended. As well as an ideal other attractions fail to deliver - the imposing façade is rarely obscured by visitor groups just killing time, these tend to congregate in the backyard.
And the welcome there is certainly warm, offering you a choice of seeing the grounds only or taking a tour of the house. The latter is certainly recommended. With a small caveat - the house was gutted in the 1950s and had to be totally renovated. Which occasionally creates a somehow sterile feeling - it simply is too clean and uncluttered for such an old building.
If you decide on just exploring the grounds you have your work cut out - there are miles of walks, the formal gardens and several outbuildings to explore (the water-powered lumbermill and the spooky icehouse being highlights). You can relax in a quaint pavilion overlooking lawns and mountains or you an search for the yew that really is the mother of all Irish yews. The choice is yours and you may be spending a few hours.
Should you feel famished - the café comes highly recommended
