Dromana House is a true gem, perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the beautiful, unspoilt river Blackwater. It is surrounded by thirty acres of private pleasure grounds and walks with several interesting historic follies. There are a further 600 acres of woodland immediately adjacent. This period property has been lovingly maintained by its owners whose family have lived on this location since 1200 and contains a wealth of history, including being the home of the famous Countess of Desmond who in the Fifteenth Century was reputed to have lived to 140, having had three sets of natural teeth. She died falling out of cherry tree at Dromana. The castle and mansion house of Dromana was the seat of one of the principle families of the South of Ireland, the FitzGeralds, Lords of Decies, later Villiers-Stuart.
It is firstly the fully contained East Wing upper level that is for rental, sharing an entrance hall with the West side of the house. Secondly, the newly renovated River Duplex with its own separate entrance. Visitors have full use of the grounds, and by arrangement, boating and fishing on the adjacent river can be organized. Further upstream, salmon fishing is available with gillie if required.
Dromana is in an area of great historic interest, being only five miles downstream from Lismore, the Irish seat of the Duke of Devonshire. Down river twelve miles is Youghal, another centre of great historic interest being amongst other things home of Sir Walter Raleigh. Close to the North, within ten miles are the Knockmealdown mountains, with excellent hiking and to the South the sea, with many splendid beaches and other activities.
Dromana is a Section 482 property and is thus open to the public during April May and June for the viewing of the gardens and the main house with its long history and fine collection of family portraits. Opening hours are 9-00 to 1-00 Monday to Saturday, excluding Bank holidays.