Varadkar pays tribute to all involved in Fota House restoration

By Eoin English

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

The tourism minister paid tribute yesterday to everyone who helped to save, protect and conserve historic Fota House in Cork since it came into public ownership almost 40 years ago.

Leo Varadkar was speaking during his first visit to the property to mark the completion of a 2.5m four-year restoration project.

"Its great to be here at what is the official opening of the refurbishment of Fota House," he said.

"It now forms part of a whole cluster of attractions in the Cork Harbour area which has a huge amount to offer tourists, and hopefully we will see growth in that market in the next couple of years."

Fota House was originally a modest two-storey hunting lodge owned by the Smith Barry family, who lived in Britain.

In the 1820s, John Smith Barry decided to make Fota his home and he commissioned Irish architects Richard Morrison and his son, William, to convert the lodge into an elegant residence.

The house, which has more than 70 rooms, has remained virtually unchanged since and visitors today can glimpse the great craftsmanship that was found in Ireland in the 18th and 19th centuries.

It is home to one of the finest collections of Irish art in the country donated by the McCarthy family.

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Varadkar pays tribute to all involved in Fota House restoration