Fota House & Gardens News & Events

Easter Egg Trail - Saturday 11th April 2009

2009-03-23T06:20:00.000-07:00

Our annual Easter Egg Trail will be held at Fota House

Easter Saturday April 11th

10.00 am - 3.00 p.m.

All ages - €5 per child

Children can enjoy this themed self-guided trail around the arboretum and gardens. Large decorated Eggs will be placed throughout the gardens with clues on the back of each Egg.
Prizes of chocolate eggs will be given to all who complete the trail.

Lots of fun with balloons and face painting !

Parental participation requested.

Fota House Plant & Garden Fair - 19th April 2009

2009-03-23T05:54:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, 19th April 2009, Fota House and Gardens will host its inaugural "Fota House Plant and Garden Fair"

It is expected that forty or fifty specialist nurseries will attend and provide an opportunity for visitors to purchase unusual and special plants, including rare Trees, Shrubs, Alpine, Herbaceous and Water Plants etc. at reasonable prices. Retailers providing Garden Furniture, Pots, Sculptures, Ornaments, Tools and Machinery will also be invited to attend, thus enabling the people to buy everything they need for their Gardens.

The Fair will run from 11.00 am to 4.00 pm and catering facilities will be available in Fota House throughout the day.

There will also be an opportunity for those attending to walk around the beautiful Gardens and Arboretum at Fota and to visit the newly renovated Fota House and see the recently hung collection of pictures which represents the third most significant public collection of Irish art in the State.

For all those with an interest in Gardening, this is an event not to be missed.

Volunteers from the Friends of Marymount Hospice will assist with the running of the Fair and fifty per cent of the profits of the day will be donated to this very worthy charity.

Admission €7
Parking Free

FOTA OPENS FOR THE SEASON ON WEDNESDAY 1ST APRIL

2009-03-04T05:25:00.000-08:00

Fota House will re-open for the Season on Wednesday 1st April 2009. A significant art and furniture collection has recently returned to the house and we will be offering guided tours and a lively programme of events for adults and children

Theatre at Fota House - Wednesday 4th March 2009

2009-02-10T04:40:00.000-08:00

PERFORMANCE CANCELLED -

THEATRE AT FOTA HOUSE

The stage will be set at Fota House on Wednesday 4th March for an unusual and thought-provoking drama

Gertrude Stein’s Widow – Alice B. Toklas

This is a one- woman show written and performed by Martha Furey, local artist and actress.

Martha has written a number of well researched and colourful plays which she has taken to many venues both in Ireland and U.S.A. as well as to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. She is a talented actress well known for her one-woman performances. She has recently formed her own company - Clementine Productions.

Gertrude Stein, the American writer and art connoisseur met her lover, Alice B. Toklas in 1907. Both were Jewish and living in France at the time. Their intense relationship lasted for thirty years.
.
The play is set in Paris in 1960, twenty years after Gertrude Stein’s death. Alice explores with the audience and the ghost of Gertrude the joys and sorrows of their long and remarkable life together.

Venue: Fota House, Carrigtwohill

Date: Wednesday 4th March 2009

Time: 8 p.m.

Tickets: €20

Booking: 021 4815543

Fota House Winter / Spring 2009 opening times

2009-01-18T09:47:00.000-08:00

Fota House would like to inform the public that it is closed for renovations until March / April 09. This could be subject to change so please contact staff in Fota House on Tel: 021 4815543 or keep an eye on our website for updates.

Fota House office is open every day and can deal with any enquiries for future functions, conferences, group visits etc. Viewing can be arranged with staff by contacting the above number.

Fota House cafe will not re-open until the Easter week end.

For further information:

Email: info@fotahouse.com
Tel: 021 4815543
Fax: 021 4815541

Redmond O'Toole Concert 2009

2009-01-06T09:09:00.000-08:00

Irish Classical Guitarist Redmond O’Toole commences his nationwide concert tour at Fota House.

On: Wednesday 4th February 2009

Time: 8.00 p.m

Tickets: €20.00 per person

Bookings: Contact Fota House on Tel: 021 4815543 between 10.00 a.m. and 2.00 p.m.
Monday to Friday.

Press Release

Fota House International Concert Series

Irish Classical Guitarist Redmond O’Toole commences his nationwide concert tour at Fota House

On Wednesday 4th February 2009, International Classical Guitarist Redmond O’Toole will perform at Fota House, the first venue of his nationwide “Rising Star” Concert Tour.

One of the most innovative and exciting young guitarists in Europe, Redmond O’Toole has been selected as the National Concert Hall’s 2009 “Rising Star”. He plays a specially designed 8-string guitar in the position of a cello that has enabled him to extend the capabilities of the guitar.

A solo recital in the National Concert Hall on Monday 26 January will include music by Scarlatti, Bach, Torroba, Rodrigo, Haydn, Walton and the premiere of a new work by Brian Bolger commissioned by the National Concert Hall for this concert. Redmond will start the nationwide “Rising Star” tour programme at Fota House on Wednesday 4th February at 8.00 p.m.

Redmond became the first ever Irish guitarist to gain entry to the Academia Chigiana in Siena where he studied with Maestro Oscar Ghiglia. Highlights of the past year include a tour of Spain with the Chieftans, a BBC broadcast with the Ulster Orchestra and a performance with the critically acclaimed Dutch soprano Charlotte Riedjik at the West Cork Chamber Music Festival. For all those interested in music, this evening is a must and as usual at Fota House, a complimentary glass of wine will be served at the Interval.

Venue: Fota House Date: Wednesday 4th February 2009
Time: 8.00 p.m. Tickets: €20.00

To Book contact Fota House 021 4815543 between 10.00 a.m. and 2.00 p.m.
Monday to Friday. As numbers are limited, pre-booking is essential.

Lunchtime Concert at Fota House - 17 January

2008-12-29T03:47:00.000-08:00

The 2009 Music Series at Fota House begins with a Lunchtime Concert by Students from the County Cork VEC School of Music on Saturday 17 January at 12.00 Noon.

Three quartets, flute, recorder and string, will play a varied selection of music to suit every taste.

For those who wish, lunch will be served after the Concert at 1.00 pm.

Booking before 15th January is essential. To Book: Telephone 4815543

Tickets: €28.50 (including Lunch)
Concert Only - €12.50 (Student Concession €10)

Time: 12.00 Noon

Date: Saturday 17th January 2009

Venue: Fota House, Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork

---------------
Upcoming Event

February 2009 Concert

Irish Classical Guitarist - Redmond O'Toole - Wednesday 4th February 8.00 pm

The Magic of Santa Claus

2008-11-26T03:27:00.000-08:00

To follow up the successful ‘Family Fun at Fota’ events over the summer, the very popular Magic of Santa Claus is being held again at Fota House .

Friday 12th Saturday 13th Sunday 14th December
Friday 19th Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st December

(Friday 3pm – 7pm, Saturday 10am - 6pm, Sunday 12pm – 6pm)

€20 per child – Adults Free

For more information call 021 4815543

2008-11-26T03:18:00.000-08:00

SOLD OUT !!!!

Carols by Candlelight at Fota House

with the Carrigaline Singers

Sunday 7th December

Tuesday 9th December

As in previous years - this should be a wonderful evening

2008-11-02T12:06:00.000-08:00

"Cadenza" to make return visit to Fota House

Following a sell-out performance in July "Cadenza" is delighted to make a return visit to Fota House on the nights of Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd of November. Offering a varied programme of classical, Broadway and popular songs, this concert will delight all palettes.

Formed in 2007, "Cadenza" features the vocal talents of Ryan Morgan, Brenda Murphy, Jim Quinlan and Eileen Plummer. All these singers are experienced solo performers, who effortlessly fuse into an inspirational sound. "Cadenza" blends solo recitals with group performances and combines calssical arias with more contemporary songs. Under the direction of Alan Carney, an evening with "Cadenza" will leave you uplifted and exhilarated.

As these Concerts are extremely popular, book early to avoid disappointment.

As is usual at Fota House, a complimentary glass of wine will be served at the Interval.

Venue: Fota House, Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork.

Date: Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd November 2008

Time: 8.00 p.m.

Ticket Price: €20.00

Reservations: 021 4815543 - pre-booking essential

Fota House - Restoration Progress

2008-10-17T10:07:00.000-07:00

The restoration of Fota is proceeding at pace, and will soon be moving down to the ground floor. This means we will be closing the House and Café as of
Monday, November 3rd. However, our evening cultural events programme will continue unaffected. These include two concerts by "Cadenza", 22nd & 23rd November, two Carol concerts by Carrigaline Singers, 7th & 9th December 2008.

Over the winter months we will complete this phase of restoration, as well as a few other surprises to show you when we re-open in the spring! We are looking forward to guiding you through the upstairs master bedrooms, titled guest suite, and servant’s living quarters. Fota will also once again be bristling with the full collection of fine art and furniture originally collected and displayed in Fota House by Richard Wood.

We will open briefly as Christmas approaches, allowing Santa to meet with all the children as he has done for so many years. Santa's Kingdom will be held the two weekends before Christmas, 12th, 13th & 14th December and 19th, 20th & 21st December 2008.
Keep an eye on http://www.fotahouse.com/ for all details.

Interior Design Seminar at Fota House

2008-10-03T09:01:00.000-07:00

Fota House is delighted to host an Interior Design Seminar

entitled " Inspirations and ideas for your Home"

Date: Saturday 18th October 2008

Time: 09.30a.m

Price: €65.00 per person

Venue: Fota House, Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork

Speakers for the day are:

Martin Kiely of House Works who will give a presentation on Kitchens. A shipwright/boatbuilder by trade, once qualified Martin manufactured and installed fitted furniture all over Munster. He runs the HouseWorks showroom supplying high-end interior products which include SieMatic, Rolf Benz, Wackenhut and Kettnaker.

Daphne Potter Cogan has worked as an Interior Design Consultant for the last twenty five years. She has extensive experience working in both private houses and the commercial sector and has built up a solid reputation and a team of specialists in making up fitting and restoring soft furnishings.

David Cahill set up his own Company “Spa Lighting Studio” five years ago. His specialist team provides lighting solutions for high specification interior and exterior restaurant, bar leisure, entertainment and retail projects.

Press Release

On Saturday, 18th October 2008, an Interior Design Seminar entitled “Inspirations and Ideas for your Home” will be held at Fota House. Well known for Classical Concerts, Musical evenings, Gardening Seminars and many more, this is the first Interior Design Seminar to be held at Fota.

The Speakers will include Martin Kiely of HouseWorks who will give a Presentation on Kitchens. A shipwright/boatbuilder by trade, once qualified Martin manufactured and installed fitted furniture all over Munster. He runs the HouseWorks showroom supplying high-end interior products which include SieMatic, Rolf Benz, Wackenhut and Kettnaker.

Daphne Potter Cogan has worked as an Interior Design Consultant for the last twenty five years. She has extensive experience working in both private houses and the commercial sector and has built up a solid reputation and a team of specialists in making up fitting and restoring soft furnishings.

David Cahill, set up his own Company “Spa Lighting Studio” five years ago. His specialist team provides lighting solutions for high specification interior and exterior restaurant, bar leisure, entertainment and retail projects.

The Seminar will run from 9.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. during which the last half hour will be allocated to Questions and Answers. At 1.pm. lunch will be available in the Café at Fota House. (This is optional and not included in the price). During the afternoon complimentary consultations of fifteen minutes may be held with the Guest Speakers and Fiona O’Keeffe, Interior Designer, on a first-come, first-served basis.

For all those who are furnishing new houses or wishing to give their existing house a “face lift”, with new and innovative ideas, this is a day not to be missed.

Date: Saturday, 18th October Time: 09.30
Venue: Fota House, Carrigtwohill Tickets: €65.00

As places are limited, pre-booking is essential
To Book: Telephone Fota House - 021 4815543

Concert - "Play this Passionate"

2008-09-03T10:21:00.000-07:00

Concert held at Fota House

East Cork Early Music Festival (Booking at Cork Opera House)

"Play this Passionate"

Sarah Cunningham, Viola de gamba

Venue: Fota House

Date: Sunday 21st September

Time: 12 noon

Gardening Seminar in Fota House

2008-09-03T09:51:00.000-07:00

Fota House is delighted to announce the sixth bi-annual Gardening Seminar will be held on Saturday 27th September 2008.

Venue: Fota House

Date: Saturday 27th September 2008

Time: 9.00am registration

Price: 50.00 euro p.p

Press Release

Attention all Gardeners and would-be Gardeners!

On Saturday, 27 September 2008, the sixth bi-annual Gardening Seminar will be held at Fota House. These Garden Seminars have all been extremely popular and many have been well oversubscribed.

The morning will be devoted to lectures by such eminent Gardeners as Hester Forde from Coosheen Garden, Glounthaune, whose presentation is entitled “Autumn Glory”. Oliver Schurmann from Mount Venus Nursery in Dublin, and winner of the Gold award at Bloom, will discuss “Fascinating Gardens”, while Jim and Val Dennison from Phoenix Garden, Co. Limerick will talk about “Inspirations, Imaginings and Ideas, How a Garden is formed”. In the afternoon (for those who want to stay on for the day) a complimentary guided walk will take place through the Arboretum and beautiful Gardens of Fota. During the Seminar, four specialist nurseries will be on site to sell rare plants.

Registration for the Seminar begins at 9.00 and the first speaker is Hester Forde. After tea/coffee and scones, Oliver Schurmann will take the floor while Jim and Val Dennison will follow at 12.30.

Rare Plants will be on sale from Gerry Harford from Camolin Potting Shed, Hester Forde, Oliver Schurmann of Mount Venus Nursery and Finlay Colley of Rare Plants Ireland.

The cost of the Seminar is €50.00. Lunch in the Cafe at Fota House is optional, and is not included in the price, while the afternoon walk, conducted by well-known gardener Brian Cross, is complimentary

As demand is high and places are limited, book early to ensure your place.

For further information, a Seminar Brochure, or to book: please contact Fota House, Tel: 021 4815543.

Concert - "Music at Twilight"

2008-09-03T09:48:00.000-07:00

Concert held in Fota House

East Cork Early Music Festival (Booking in the Opera House)

"Music at Twilight"

Emma Kirby, soprano and Jake Lindberg, lute

Venue: Fota House

Date: Friday 19th September 2008

Time: 7.00pm & 9.00pm (2 Shows)

Fota House and Cafe - closed Sept 3, 4 & 5th

2008-08-28T05:01:00.000-07:00

Due to Filming at Fota House and Gardens, the Fota House and Cafe will be closed to visitors on Wednesday 3rd September, Thursday 4th September and Friday 5th September 2008.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused, the House and Cafe will reopen to the public on Saturday 6th September 2008

Fota Children's Art Competition / Exhibition

2008-08-05T09:49:00.000-07:00

Entries welcome for Fota Children's Art Competition / Exhibition - Deadline 15th August

Create your very own masterpiece of Fota House, Arboretum or Gardens, Carrigtwohill, Cork.

Entries welcome from 4 – 12 years. Deadline for entries Friday 15th August.

Exhibition of all entries during Heritage Week: Friday 29th August – Monday 1st September

For more information: 021 481 5543 / www.irishheritagetrust.ie

Storytelling & Art Workshop at Fota House

2008-08-05T09:47:00.000-07:00

Storytelling and Art Workshop at Fota House, Saturday 9th August

Storyteller and puppeteer Seán O’Laoghaire will entertain children with his hand-made puppets and tell stories about Fota’s early days. Children will then prepare their entries for the Heritage Week Art Competition. For photographs of this event which also took place on 19th July go to http://www.irishheritagetrust.ie/

Recommended Age: 7-12 years
Parental participation is encouraged

Time: 11.00am - 1.00pm or 2.00pm - 4.00pm

€10.00 per child

Call Fota House for more information

American Choir to sing at Fota House

2008-07-08T09:04:00.000-07:00

Fota House is delighted to host a concert by a leading U.S. choir

"The Peachtree Road Chancel Choir"

Date: Wednesday 30th July 2008

Venue: Fota House

Time: 8.00p.m.

Tickets: €20.00

For further information or to book, please contact Fota House
Tel: 021 4815543
Please note, pre-booking essential

Press Release

At 8:00pm on Wednesday, July 30, 2008, historic Fota House will host a concert by a leading U.S. choir, The Peachtree Road Chancel Choir from Atlanta, Georgia. All profits from the concert will go towards the ongoing restoration of Fota House. The event promises to offer glorious music in a beautiful setting.

The choir, under the direction of Mr. Scott Atchison, and accompanied by the Finlay String Quartet, will perform a varied programme of sacred music. Pieces in the concert include Mozart’s Missa Brevis , works by Handel, Palestrina and Purcell as well as music by American composers and spirituals from the American South.

The Peachtree Road Chancel Choir has performed across the United States, including appearances at Carnegie Hall in New York and the National Cathedral in Washington D.C. They have also toured in England, France, Germany and Austria, singing in a number of prestigious venues. Each year, the choir takes part in a concert series in Atlanta, singing at least two major choral works each season. They are considered one of the finest choirs in the southern United States.

Tree Trail with Dale Treadwell

2008-06-11T17:30:00.000-07:00

Venue: Fota Gardens

Date: Saturday 28th June 2008

Time: 11.00am - 1.00pm or 2.00pm - 4.00pm

Ages: 7 - 12 years

Price: 10.00 euro per child

Children take a walk in Fota Arboretum & Gardens with ecologist Dale Treadwell and learn about the exotic species of trees at Fota by identifying leaves and taking bark rubbings. Parental participation recommended.

Concerts at Fota House - July 2008

2008-06-11T16:59:00.000-07:00

Friday 4th July at 8.00pm

"Cadenza"

Tickets: €20.00 per person

Under the direction of Alan Carney, "Cadenzq" will perform a varied programme of classical, Broadway and popular songs. This concert will delight all tastes.

Wednesday, 9th July at 8.00pm

"Beyond the Pale"

Tickets: €20.00

An evening of Baroque Music with Recorders, Harpsicord, Baroque Violin and Cello.

Wednesday, 30th July at 8.00pm

The Cork-based chamber music ensemble “Beyond the Pale” will perform in Fota House on Wednesday July 9th at 8pm.

Founded in 2006 by four musicians with a shared interest in the music of the baroque era, “Beyond the Pale” have played concerts in Ireland and abroad, including at the East Cork Early Music Festival and the West Wycombe Arts Festival in 2007.

This will be the second appearance of “Beyond the Pale” in Fota House, following a successful concert in June 2007….A delightfully inventive, highly attractive programme of music that was perfectly in tune with the surroundings was the consensus view of all who heard the very talented group, Beyond the Pale, at Fota House (Irish Examiner June 9th 2007).

This year’s concert will feature music of the 17th century from Italy, Ireland and England, with composers including Castello, Frescobaldi, Corelli, Purcell and others. “Beyond the Pale” are Marja Tuhkanen (Baroque Violin), Conor O’Connell (Recorders), Ilse de Ziah (Baroque Cello) and James Taylor (Harpsichord).

Venue: Fota House, Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork.
Date: Wednesday 9th July 2008
Time: 8.00 p.m.
Ticket Price: €20.00
Reservations: 021 4815543 – Pre-Booking Essential

"The Peachtree Road Methodist Choir"

Tickets: €20.00

The music programme of the Peachtree Road choir includes a full scale concert series and at least two major choral works.

To book or for further information, please contact Fota House,
Tel: 021 4815543

"Cadenza" Summer Concert

2008-06-08T09:13:00.000-07:00

A Summer time Concert by

"CADENZA"

Venue: Fota House

Date: Friday 4th July 2008

Time: 8.00p.m.

Ticket Price: €20.00 per person

Reservations: Tel 021 4815543

A complimentary glass of wine will be served at the interval.

Press Release

“Cadenza” to perform Summer Concert at Fota House

Following sell-out performances in the Sirius Arts Centre, “Cadenza” is delighted to present a Summer Concert at the beautiful location of Fota House. Offering a varied programme of classical, Broadway and popular songs, this concert will delight all palettes.
Formed in 2007, Cadenza features the vocal talents of Ryan Morgan, Brenda Murphy, Jim Quinlan and Eileen Plummer. All these singers are experienced solo performers, who effortlessly fuse into an inspirational sound. Cadenza blends solo recitals with group performances and combines classical arias with more contemporary songs. Under the direction of Alan Carney, an evening with Cadenza will leave you uplifted and exhilarated.
As usual, at Fota House, a complimentary glass of wine will be served at the Interval.

Caring for the Big House - with Sean O'Laoghaire

2008-06-02T09:21:00.000-07:00

Venue: Fota House

Date: Saturday 7th June 2008

Time: 11.00a.m - 1.00p.m or 2.00p.m - 4.00p.m

Ages: 7 -12 years

Price: 10.00 euro per child

Storyteller Seán O’Laoghaire will bring children around the property by telling fascinating stories about how Fota House was built and saved over the years, helping them to develop an awareness and appreciation of Fota and saving heritage. Parental participation recommended.

Cafe @ Fota opening Wed 11th June 2008

2008-05-19T09:30:00.000-07:00

We are delighted to announce that the new Café at Fota House will open Wednesday 11th June 2008 and we look forward to welcoming you to Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens during the summer months.

Fota Heritage Discovery Trail - Sat 24th May 2008

2008-05-07T09:11:00.000-07:00

Fota House is launching a new Discovery Trail

On: Saturday 24th May 2008

Time: 11.00 a.m. - 1.00p.m. or 2.00p.m. - 4.00p.m.

Price: 5 euro per child

All ages welcome

Launch of the new 'Fota Heritage Discovery Trail' colour booklet. Focusing on the unique characteristics and quirks of the property, this Discovery Trail is an educational and fun way for families to learn about the House, Arboretum & Gardens. Prizes for everyone who completes the Trail. Parental participation requested.

For further information Tel: 021 4815543