In County Carlow's beautiful Barrow Valley lies Borris House, a historic home deeply connected to Ireland's past and aristocratic traditions. Built in 1731 in the Tudor Revival style for Morgan Kavanagh, it remarkably remains the home of the MacMorrough Kavanagh family today – a line stretching all the way back to the medieval Kings of Leinster. This continuous family ownership is rare for such grand Irish estates. Borris House is significant not just for its architecture, but also as a keeper of history, housing treasures like the 12th-century Kavanagh Charter Horn, a symbol of the family's ancient royal lineage.
The house's history is visible in its very walls. Damaged during the 1798 Rebellion, it was later restored and enlarged in the early 19th century by the famous architects Richard and William Vitruvius Morrison, who skillfully blended Tudor and classical styles. Inside, visitors can admire the stunning Stapleton ceilings in the Morrison Hall, created by the master plasterer Michael Stapleton, and visit the charming Chapel of St. Moling, dedicated to a 7th-century local saint. The rooms are filled with original antique furniture, family silver, and porcelain, offering a real sense of continuity over centuries. A particularly poignant part of the family story involves Arthur MacMurrough Kavanagh, a 19th-century Member of Parliament born without arms or legs. You can see his specially adapted saddle and dining chair, testaments to his incredible resilience and the family's support.
Beyond the house, the 650-acre estate unfolds with gardens that have evolved from formal Baroque designs to expansive parkland reminiscent of Capability Brown's natural style. Don't miss the Lace Garden, its flower patterns inspired by the delicate Borris Lace, a craft revived by Lady Harriet Kavanagh during the Great Famine to help local women. Woodland walks take you past ancient trees like Lebanon cedars and unique fern-leaf beeches. You can also discover an 18th-century ice house and follow whimsical fairy trails. From the grounds, enjoy sweeping views across the Barrow Valley towards the rugged Blackstairs Mountains.
The house is typically open for tours on specific dates between April and August, but visits can sometimes be arranged by appointment during quieter autumn and winter months. Guided tours expertly weave together the family's long political history (seen in portraits and documents) with local legends, like the story of a buried statue said to have brought a curse. Exploring Borris House, whether walking the winding avenues or learning about Arthur Kavanagh's life, feels like stepping into a living history book, where every object and view tells a story of endurance, artistry, and family legacy.
Getting There
Parking
Borris House offers on-site paid parking.
For those staying at or near the nearby Step House Hotel, free parking is available onsite. A paid shuttle service operates from the hotel to Borris House, providing a nice option for guests. During peak seasons or busy periods, the Step House Hotel parking might be a good back up option if on-site spaces fill up.
Pricing
Admission to Borris House is set at a standard fee of €24 ($26) per person, granting access to the historic manor house, working farm, and expansive wooded park. While no age or student-specific discounts are explicitly listed, visitors may inquire about potential reductions for seniors, students, or large groups, as these details are not detailed in current listings.
Family visits are welcomed, though group or multi-adult pricing structures are not specified. Seasonal passes or combined tickets with nearby attractions are not mentioned in available information, so guests are advised to check directly for package deals.
Free admission days or discounted entry periods are not noted in the source material, though seasonal events might occasionally offer special rates. Guided tours, while not detailed in pricing, are likely available and should be confirmed on-site for any associated costs.
Payment is typically accepted via major credit/debit cards and cash, though it's wise to contact the venue beforehand for current methods. Accommodation in the on-site Victorian-style cottage is available for groups of up to six people at €300 ($325) per night, offering a unique overnight experience. For precise details, especially regarding weddings or tailored visits, direct contact with Borris House is recommended.
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