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Head Gardener's House at Fota

Head Gardener's House at Fota

5.0
out of 5
Ratings from 11 reviews
100% of guests
recommend
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0

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Step inside a historic house nestled at the edge of Fota House’s renowned walled garden. Built in the mid-1800s as the residence of the estate’s Head Gardener, this two-storey property sits in the north-eastern corner of the Victorian Working Gardens of Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens. Note: the front garden shares a space with Fota's working kitchen garden which is strictly off-limits. Guests wishing to explore more can visit Fota House on a guided tour.

Sleeps 5 guests.

  • 2 Double Room
  • 1 Single Room
  • Accepts 2 dogs.

Fabulous

Review submitted on Tue, 06 Oct 2026
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
We had a fantastic stay in the Head Gardener's House. Such a gorgeous location in Fota, looking out at the walled garden was treat. The train to Cork or Cobh is so handy. We went to Cobh and had a really nice time. A tour of Fota House is a must , the guided tour was excellent and the House is truly wonderful.
Jacqui is great , friendly and accommodating and keeps everything to a very high standard in the house.
Thanks Jacqui for a lovely stay, we'll be back.


Geraldine from Bray stayed at Head Gardener's House at Fota for 3 nights in September 2026


Lorraine - Operations Manager replied 2 days ago
Thank you for your great review of this charming house and Jacqui who takes such great care of both the house and her guests. The Fota House tour and tour guides have been recommended many times, this is an excellent property with so much to do and see nearby.

A wonderful family friendly stay

Review submitted on Tue, 06 Oct 2026
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
We had a wonderful time in the house! We were old friends meeting up with our toddlers in tow, and everyone had the most amazing time.

First of all- it is completely accessible by public transport, and you don’t have to have a car to get by once you’re there. We got the train (from Dublin) and walked the 13 minutes along a beautiful country road (no traffic). The gardener’s house is then just a 5 minutes walk from the manor house with its cafe and gardens, so it feels like you get to live on a landed estate while you’re there.

You can get food shopping or go out for dinner and drinks in Cobh (also a short train ride away). It was handy that one of us had a car for driving home the shopping, but you could definitely manage without. If we had stayed longer than 3 nights, we definitely would have done more in Cobh- we’ll have to come back to do so!

On to the house itself- it is beautiful - it’s so homely and cosy in its decor. A really beautiful restoration. It’s nice to be in a house that isn’t the grand manor, but has been restored with an equal level of care and attention as that given to a grander home. The garden is also lovely, and the house is arranged so that basically every room has a window/door looking outside in to it- it feels like the house was designed to be surrounded by the garden. Beautiful views in almost every room.

I think you could easily spend a week here and not run out of things to do. On our three nights we did a tour of the house and walked around the gardens and went to the fota wildlife park (free if you have a Dublin zoo membership).

We had lunch in the cafe all three days and made dinner in the house (easier with toddlers in tow) - it’s very well set up for self catering. If we’d had another day we’d have gone kayaking or to the Cobh heritage centre. There’s also a spa in the hotel on the other side of the island, and golf too in case that’s your thing!

I’d say the one downside is that there is only one bathroom- it would be great if a WC could be squeezed in somewhere.

Dearbhla from Dublin stayed at Head Gardener's House at Fota for 3 nights in September 2026


Lorraine - Operations Manager replied 2 days ago
Thank you for your brilliant review and sharing your experience with us. This property has booked beyond our expectations and reading your review i can see why. I hope you can stay with us again soon.

A little corner of peace and beauty

Review submitted on Tue, 01 Sep 2026
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Amazing location, a brilliant hostess in Jacqueline and a gorgeous house. This was a fantastic mini break and we thoroughly enjoyed it! Fota House arboretum and gardens are well worth a visit as was the wildlife park.

Ken from Dublin 9 stayed at Head Gardener's House at Fota for 3 nights in August 2026


Lorraine - Operations Manager replied 36 days ago
Thank you for your great review of this former head gardeners house. The location is a winner with great walks and experiences within the estate. Jacqui the local House Manager is a great help on check-in if you don’t know where is best to go during your stay.

A gorgeous peaceful spot

Review submitted on Tue, 18 Aug 2026
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Surrounded by lawns and trees in an old walled garden, this is one of the most peaceful places you could imagine. The Landmark Trust and Heritage Trust have done a great job making the house really lovely, with a vibe of times past - but with everything you need for a beautiful stay.

Gemma from stayed at Head Gardener's House at Fota for 1 nights in August 2026


Lorraine - Operations Manager replied 51 days ago
Thank you for your fabulous review of this beautiful house within the grounds of the Fota House Estate. This property has been a great collaboration with Heritage Trust, a charity that are as invested in saving heritage buildings as we are. I hope you can stay with us again soon.

Absolutely fantastic place to stay!

Review submitted on Tue, 11 Aug 2026
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Absolutely fantastic place to stay. Exceeded all expectations, both the house and the access to the grounds. Beautiful garden to sit out in.Train station 15 minutes walk from the house with easy and regular service to Cobh and Cork. Couldn't praise Jacqui, the host, highly enough. So accommodating and full of information on the surrounds and Cobh (well worth a visit). Fota House also well worth a visit and a tour of the house is recommended. Staff there were so friendly and helpful, Carmel and Catherine a credit to the place. The Head Gardeners House itself though is the star of the show! Such a beautifully appointed place. Will definitely be returning.

Mike from Meelick stayed at Head Gardener's House at Fota for 3 nights in August 2026


Lorraine - Operations Manager replied 57 days ago
Thank you for your amazing review and appreciation of our latest property and Jacqui the local House Manager, and the lovely staff at Fota House.

A privilege to stay in the Head Gardners House

Review submitted on Sat, 08 Aug 2026
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Staying in the Walled Garden at Head Gardener's House felt like a genuine privilege. There is something very special about being immersed in such a historic garden, with its sense of peace and enclosure creating an atmosphere that is both relaxing and restorative.

Each morning we enjoyed looking out over the fruit trees and flower gardens while watching birds and bunnies quietly foraging. It felt like stepping into the opening scene of Percy the Park Keeper, with nature all around and a wonderful sense of calm.

The house itself was beautifully laid out, tastefully decorated and exceptionally comfortable. Every detail contributed to a warm and welcoming environment, making it easy to settle in and feel at home from the moment we arrived.

Our host provided a particularly warm welcome and offered excellent recommendations that helped us make the most of our stay.

A visit to Fota House and Gardens, together with the guided house tour, elevated the entire experience. Learning the history of the estate while staying in the Head Gardener's House brought the story to life in a unique way. It gave us a much deeper appreciation of the property and its place within the wider history of Fota, making our few days there feel even more special and memorable.

Overall, this was a wonderfully peaceful and comfortable stay in a truly unique setting, and we would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a restorative break surrounded by natural beauty and heritage.

Guest from Dublin 2 stayed at Head Gardener's House at Fota for 3 nights in August 2026


Lorraine - Operations Manager replied 57 days ago
Thank you for sharing your great experience at this amazing property, I hope you can stay with us again soon.

The Head Gardener’s House, Fota

Review submitted on Sat, 01 Aug 2026
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
We had a super stay, right from the minute we met Jacqui the Caretaker of the House. She is one of the nicest people we have ever met, so helpful and informative.
The house is beautiful, we could have stayed a week or longer !


Maura from Ballyheigue stayed at Head Gardener's House at Fota for 3 nights in July 2026


Lorraine - Operations Manager replied 64 days ago
Thank you for your fabulous review of this amazing new property and local House Manager Jacqui, she knows so much about the property and Fota House, they are a perfect match!

A fabulous addition to Irish Landmark Trust's portfolio

Review submitted on Wed, 29 Jul 2026
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
The Head Gardener's House is well worth a visit. It is spacious, comfortable and has everything you need for some rest and relaxation. The enclosed courtyard and garden area is perfect for privacy, and ensures safety for children and/or dogs.
The area has plenty to offer people of all ages and interests.
Thank you Jacqui for the lovely warm welcome.

Nuala from Athlone stayed at Head Gardener's House at Fota for 2 nights in July 2026


Lorraine - Operations Manager replied 72 days ago
Thank you for your fantastic review of our latest property. I hope you can support us again soon when choosing your next short get away.

A break from the modern world

Review submitted on Tue, 28 Jul 2026
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Driving up the tree lined drive and away from the sounds of the modern world, we felt transported when we walked into the house and through to the gardens. The sounds of rustling leaves and bird song surrounded us. The interiors are so beautifully and sympathetically done, and while the kitchen has all of the mod cons you might need, the whole experience is like stepping back in time. Not having wifi made the stay even more immersive. I stayed with my husband and 12 year old son who loved spending time in the garden cataloguing birds using the Merlin App. We went for a sea swim, had a picnic dinner, and then ice cream before heading back to the house to play games until it got dark.
An absolutely wonderful stay.
I highly recommend visiting Fota house and Gardens during your visit. Bonus, you can get a discounted house tour as a guest at the Gardener's House.


Gillian from stayed at Head Gardener's House at Fota for 1 nights in July 2026


Lorraine - Operations Manager replied 72 days ago
Thank you for your great review of your experience at our latest addition to our portfolio. The bookings for this property has exceeded our expectations, this location is proving to be a winner for our loyal guests and followers.

Cork Weekend

Review submitted on Thu, 23 Jul 2026
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Perfect property for weekend break. Close to Cork City and Cobh. Garden was full of birds/bees and silence. Very comfy beds and fitted kitchen provided all we needed.

Donal from Tullamore stayed at Head Gardener's House at Fota for 2 nights in July 2026


Lorraine - Operations Manager replied 75 days ago
Thank you for your great review of our newest property in Irish Landmark. Thank you for booking this wonderful property and supporting our charity.

A wonderful stay with the sound of the jungle in the morning!

Review submitted on Wed, 15 Jul 2026
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
We were lucky enough to stay at the head gardeners house in Foto. One of the best highlights was waking to the sounds of monkeys and other animals in Foto Park. The house was large and spacious and perfect for our short trip away. We had amazing weather so got to use the deckchairs outside and chase the sun in the evening. He house was cosy and well equipped. Jackie was welcoming and informative. Very highly recommended.

Debbie from Corofin stayed at Head Gardener's House at Fota for 3 nights in July 2026


Lorraine - Operations Manager replied 85 days ago
Thank you for your great review and being the first guest to stay at this property. I think with all the great things to do around Fota House & grounds, this is going to be a great addition to our portfolio!