Creagh House

is a fine, large Regency town house which dominates the main street of the historic town of Doneraile in north County Cork and particularly reowned for its numerous antique shops. As its name indicates, the house was built for the prosperous Creagh family from the neighbouring Creagh Castle estate.

Today Creagh House is a listed building with stately reception rooms and large bright bedrooms. The distinguished principal rooms have decorated ceilings of beautifully restored plasterwork. These rooms are among the largest from this period for any town house outside Dublin, and were the setting for many important social gatherings in the former times.

Today Creagh House is a relaxed family home, owned by Michael O'Sullivan and Laura O'Mahony and their young daughter Alice, who have thoroughly restored the house and opened it to overnight guests. More recently they are involved in restoring the extensive gardens, which will provide a further amenity for their guests when completed.  Michael is a professional environmentalist, and both have an extensive knowledge of the area which they are only too happy to share with their guests. This is historic house accommodation at its best: a relaxing retreat for a holiday or short break and a perfect base for visiting this unexplored part of Munster.

Since Creagh House is a town house, dinner is not usually served but a light meal and drinks are normally available and there are many fine restaurants within a short drive.

The splendid park at Doneraile Court is ideal for a peaceful riverside stroll and there are many signed walkways in the Ballyhoura Mountains for the more serious walker. Blarney Castle and Cork Race Course are close by while Killarney, on the Ring of Kerry, the Rock of Cashel and Lismore Castle are all within a comfortable hour's drive, as are Cork and Shannon airports.

With many interesting historical and literary connections, Creagh House is ideal for a short break and a convenient stopping point while en-route from Dublin or Rosslare to Killarney or the West Cork coast.


Directions:
Take the N20 (Limerick Road) from Mallow. At New Twopothouse (4 miles) turn right for Doneraile (4 miles). Creagh House is at the bottom of the main street, on the left hand side.