Liss Ard Estate

During my stay in Ireland, I was fortunate to contribute to the holiday season preparations at the Liss Ard Estate in Skibbereen. Management has changed within the last few months and everyone was busy trying to get the house up and running for events both near and far.

The home was built in the 1800s and sits on 200 acres of fertile farmland, gardens, trails and livestock areas. Dominating the area is a deep, broad lake. The gardens consist of natural elements and pondscapes that are quite pleasant to enjoy while on a long walk around the property. There is ample space amidst the small ponds and wildflower fields that line the main road.

Other attractions include the Talking Stones, the Celtic Meeting Place, and the Sky Garden, an engineered crater that open the world above for each person's interpretation. Designed by an American architect, the crater has a stone in the middle upon which to lay and admire the different moods of the sky. The edge of the crater is just visible along the extremes of one's peripheral vision. 

The crater. This picture cannot and will not ever do it justice. This is something you have to see to believe.

The main house has several rooms upstairs as well as a stable block that was converted to contemporary living quarters. A gym, locker room, industrial kitchen, library and boardroom complete the package. From what I was told, the home is not intended for individual bookings, but can be hired out for conferences, weddings, private events, retreats, etc.

Also on the grounds are the Lake Lodge and Tower Lodge. The Tower Lodge, fittingly enough, is constructed as a stone tower and gatehouse that announces on of the entrances to the estate. The Lake Lodge, also fittingly, overlooks the lake and has a commanding view of the surrounding countryside. Though smaller than the main house, it is no less equipped for comfort. 

Tower Lodge

The Lake Lodge

The view from the Lake Lodge

Nice shot of the lake

It was a pleasure to be able to help move furniture and inventory to aid in the success of this great place. I hope to return someday as a guest and take some more time to explore the history and tradition of the estate and the local area of West Cork. I encourage everyone to go to http://www.lissardresort.com/ to look at more pictures and learn more about the place. I think a new website is being created, but this one has some great images.