Fota House & Gardens

13/10/2026

The autumn colours at Fota House & Gardens will provide the setting for something a little different this Saturday, 17th October.

We are pleased to welcome Lani O Hanlon and participants of The Writing Witch, a day long creative writing workshop exploring the connection between writing, nature and the changing seasons.

Lani will be joined by special guest Lisa Gleeson (Smartt), author of Words on the Threshold, and our own Fota House curator, Martina Madden.

Saturday, 17th October | 10am–4pm

Cost: €120 per person

A limited number of places are still available. To book, contact Lani by email at [email protected].

12/10/2026

There are already a few signs in the Arboretum that The Witches’ Walk is getting closer.

Lanterns are appearing, clues are being set, and not everything along the trail is quite where you would expect to find it.

This year, The Witches’ Walk – Willow’s Samhain Adventure will take families through the Arboretum, meeting the Friendly Witches of Fota and discovering activities and surprises along the way.

And judging by what is starting to appear among the rocks, Willow may not be the only one waiting.

11/10/2026

Some meetings need more than a meeting room.

At Fota House, teams can step away from the usual office setting and meet in rooms that were designed for conversation, entertaining and bringing people together.

The Library, Drawing Room and Pink Room can all be used for meetings and corporate gatherings, with refreshments, lunch or private dining arranged through our catering partners.

For groups who want to spend more time at Fota, activities such as treasure hunts, archery and laser clay shooting can also be arranged.

It is a quieter way to bring a team together, with the House itself becoming part of the day.

For meeting and corporate enquiries, contact Catherine on 021 242 0131 or email [email protected]

11/10/2026

09/10/2026

A lot of work goes into caring for Fota House and its collection.

We are delighted that Fota House has maintained its Museum Standards accreditation.

In this video, Martina Madden, our Museum Standards & Property Co-ordinator, talks about the work involved and what the accreditation means for Fota.

Martina led the accreditation work, with support from Dr Emma O’Toole, Collections Manager with the Irish Heritage Trust, and from our Collection Care volunteers, who give their time each week to help care for the collection.

It is a result that reflects the care and commitment behind that work.

08/10/2026

The Friendly Witches of Fota have been busy in the Arboretum.

Paths are being prepared, clues are being set and a few unexpected visitors seem to have found their way into the gardens ahead of The Witches Walk – Willow’s Samhain Adventure.

This year, families will make their way through the Arboretum, meeting Willow and the Friendly Witches of Fota along the trail, with songs, games, challenges and clues waiting along the route.

And judging by what is starting to appear among the trees, they may not be the only ones waiting…

Don’t forget your costumes.

Adults and children under 2 go free.

Book now at bookings.fotahouse.com

01/10/2026

October is here, the seasons are changing, and Samhain is drawing closer.

This year, The Witches Walk takes families through the Arboretum for Willow’s Samhain Adventure.

Along the route, children will meet Willow and the Friendly Witches of Fota, take part in songs, games and challenges, and help the witches get ready for Samhain.

The walk begins at the Arboretum gates just past the House and follows a route through the gardens, including the Victorian Fernery, with a new character and activity waiting at different stops along the way.

Adults and children under 2 go free. And don’t forget your costumes!!

Book now at bookings.fotahouse.com

01/10/2026

Fota House has maintained its Museum Standards accreditation.

This reflects the care that goes into looking after the House and its collection every day.

Congratulations to our colleague Martina Madden, Museum Standards & Property Co-ordinator, who led the accreditation work for Fota House, with the support of Dr Emma O’Toole, Collections Manager Irish Heritage Trust

We also want to recognise our Collection Care volunteers, who give so much time and attention to caring for Fota’s collection.

And congratulations to our colleagues Johnstown Castle who have also maintained Museum Standards accreditation for the Irish Agricultural Museum.

A great result for everyone involved.

23/09/2026

Next Wednesday, we will gather in the Victorian Frameyard for a coffee morning in aid of Marymount Hospice, held in memory of volunteers who have passed away.

Our volunteers have always been an important part of Fota, giving their time, knowledge and care to the House, gardens and the people who visit. This morning is a chance to remember them while supporting the work of Marymount.

Join us from 11am–1pm for coffee, company and a raffle with a wonderful selection of prizes generously donated by local businesses and supporters.

Raffle tickets are €5 per strip, with prizes including vouchers, afternoon tea, Fota experiences, a family Santa visit, Halloween tickets, a private Frameyard & Orchard tour, hampers, artwork and more.

If you can’t make it on the day, raffle tickets are also available to purchase from Visitor Services at Fota House.

Wednesday, 30 September | 11am–1pm
Victorian Frameyard, Fota House

All support will be very welcome.

16/09/2026

Only a few places remain for our Sip & Paint event at Fota House with watercolour artist Sarah Rohu.

On Wednesday, 23 September, Sarah will lead a small group through a relaxed evening of watercolour painting in the Library at Fota House.

Once the House has closed for the day, guests can settle into the Library, enjoy a glass of w**e and spend the evening painting with Sarah in a room normally experienced as part of the guided tour.

No previous painting experience is needed, and all materials are provided.

7–9pm | €35

bookings.fotahouse.com