Borris House, the ancestral home of the MacMurrough Kavanaghs, Kings of Leinster, is one of the few Irish estates that can trace its history back to the Royal families of ancient Ireland and the tour covers all aspects of the history of the house, from the original fifteenth century castle, through its many subsequent changes and alterations, right up to the present day. There are so many things to admire on the tour from the beauty of the Stapleton ceilings to the unique Chapel of St. Moling, as well as a room by room description of the exceptional architecture, antique furniture, porcelain and paintings on display.
A small selection of the Borris Lace can also be viewed. Venue for the Borris House Festival of Writing and Ideas June 10th – 12th. Facilities include car park, craft store, toilets, film, children’s trails and woodland walks. In the recentluy restored Granary visittors can watch a film on the history of teh McMorrough Kavanaghs and Borris House, walk around the Lace Garden, visit the restored Victorian laundry, and enjoy the Woodland Walk along the Mountain Stream.
The Store at Borris House sells local crafts, jewellery, ceramics, leather goods and textiles and is located at the front gate entrance. Open Wednesday to Friday 12 to 5pm till end of August, Saturday and Sunday 12 to 5pm September to December.
Borris House is open to the public for tours from Thursday to Sunday until the end of August. Please enquire directly regarding times.
The cost is €10.00 per person. Entry includes the house and chapel tour, and access to the granary, looped film, lace garden, and wider grounds.
An entry fee of just €5.00 permits access to the granary to see the looped film of the history of Borris House, the lace garden and wider grounds. For larger groups please contact 087 245 4791.
HOW TO FIND US: In the centre of Borris Village, in south Carlow.
OPENING TIMES: July and August Monday – Thursday 12 – 4 pm. Please check website for details. On all other dates tours of the house can be arranged by appointment for groups only by telephoning 059 9771884. Lunch and/or tea can be provided for visiting groups with prior notice.
ADMISSION CHARGES: Fee applies, check website for further details.
GPS: 52.598644, – 6.926618