Doneraile Park

Doneraile Park is situated by the banks of the River Awbeg in a scenic valley of North Cork. Today it is set next to a lovely, story-filled village with fine 18th and 19th-century architecture and a charming atmosphere. In horse-racing circles it is famous as the finish line of the first steeplechase, a horse race that ran from the steeple of the church at Buttevant to the steeple of the church at Doneraile in 1752. Many of the stories centre on Doneraile Court, a beautifully proportioned historic house nestled in 400 acres of landscaped grounds, collectively known as Doneraile Park.

The association of Doneraile with the St Leger family began back in the Tudor Period. They are first mentioned in connection with Ireland in 1537, when King Henry VIII appointed Sir Anthony St Ledger to a commission of enquiry, and to monitor The Pale, which was the English administrative centre in Ireland. The Pale stretched along the east coast of Ireland from southern Ulster to Waterford and St Ledger had the task of implementing English law, customs and language within this area. He was notably successful at this task, and he was rewarded with a knighthood and appointed Lord Deputy of Ireland. The St Ledger family established themselves in Munster and bought lands here at Doneraile. For the next 400 years, the St Ledger’s maintained a powerful presence, involved in the social and cultural development of the region. Fourteen generations of the family lived within the confines of the expanding demesne from the 1630s to the 1960s. The continuity of St Ledger ownership of land in and around Doneraile continued until the sale of the property to the state by Lady Doneraile in 1969.

It is thought that the core of the building known as Doneraile Court was possibly constructed as early as the late 17th century after an earlier castle and manor house had been burned down. A major reconstruction was undertaken in 1725, commemorated by a plaque over the doorway. This was overseen by the architect Isaac Rothery and was commissioned by Hayes St Leger, the Fourth Viscount Doneraile. One of the main developments in 1725 was the addition of the bow-ended facade that gives Doneraile Court such a distinctive look. Other additions were made in 1805 and 1820 when the porch was added. The house faces north as the family wanted to see sunlight over the planned vista in front of them every morning.

The extensive grounds were planned to make it look as close to nature as possible with a vista that sweeps all the way up the skyline. There are clever design features that are hidden from view which help to create this managed pastoral scene. One such feature is what is known as a ‘ha-ha’ ditch, which ensured that deer were enclosed in a certain area without the need for large, unsightly fences. Deer were introduced to Doneraile in the 17th and 18th century and were hunted for sport. The deer died out on the estate in the early 1900s but species like fallow, red and sika deer were reintroduced in the 1980s.