Coopershill House

Coopershill House is an 18th-century Georgian manor nestled within a wooded estate of over 200 hectares in County Sligo, Irlande. Owned by the O'Hara family since its construction in 1774, it operates today as a characterful guesthouse. Staying here means living in an ancestral residence still inhabited by its owners, surrounded by free-roaming sika deer, rivers, and ancient forests.

Key Information at a Glance

• Type: characterful guesthouse (country house hotel)
• Access: by car from Sligo, approximately 17 km to the southeast — no direct public transport
• Recommended stay: one to several nights to fully enjoy the estate
• Animals: dogs accepted under certain conditions — contact directly for details

What You'll See

The dressed stone façade, tall sash windows, and classical entrance portico define the Georgian architecture of the house. Inside, the drawing rooms retain period furnishings, family silverware, and ancestral portraits. The estate offers walks along the Arrow River, oak woodlands, and regular sightings of sika deer.

History and Context

Built in 1774 for the O'Hara family, Coopershill House has remained in the same lineage for eight generations — a rare occurrence in Irlande. The manor survived Ireland's political upheavals without changing hands, which explains the authenticity of its furnishings and family archives. It represents a well-preserved example of 18th-century Irish Protestant gentry.

Highlights of the Visit

The Drawing Rooms and Dining Room

The dining room, with its grand table set in traditional style, is the heart of the experience. Dinners served to guests feature local and garden produce. The atmosphere — candlelight, silverware, fireplace — is that of a family home, not a hotel.

The Estate and Wildlife

Over 200 hectares of woodlands, meadows, and riverbanks surround the house. Sika deer regularly cross the lawns. Marked trails allow for self-guided walks through the property.

The Garden and Kitchen Garden

An enclosed garden supplies herbs and vegetables to the kitchen. Its unpretentious visit illustrates the workings of a traditional Irish estate still in active use.

Photography Tips

Morning light on the façade is optimal — the house's orientation captures the rising sun. Deer are most visible in early morning and late afternoon on the lawns. Respect the privacy of the owners and other guests indoors.

Location and Access

Coopershill House is located in Riverstown, County Sligo, approximately 17 km to the southeast of Sligo town. A car is essential — no bus service reaches the estate. Knock Airport (Ireland West Airport) is the nearest regional airport. The town of Sligo serves as the natural logistical base for exploring the region.

Nearby Attractions

• Carrowkeel — Bronze Age megalithic necropolis on the heights of the Bricklieve Mountains, a few kilometres to the south.
• Lough Arrow — renowned fishing lake bordering the estate to the east, favoured for trout and pike.
• Sligo — town associated with poet W.B. Yeats, with museums, a medieval abbey, and access to northwest Irlande's surf beaches.
• Knocknarea — hilltop crowned by Queen Maeve's cairn, symbol of Sligo's mythological landscape.