The former home of the Lord President of Munster, which was built in the 17th century, is to be opened to the public for the first time in 50 years on Saturday following a €1.6 million refurbishment by the Office of Public Works.
Thirteen generations of the St Leger family lived at Doneraile Court near Mallow in north Cork, until the house was sold to the State in 1969.
Doneraile Court has been an iconic feature of the north Cork landscape for more than 300 years.
But, by the second half of the 20th century, the house was deteriorating as the power and wealth of the St Legers dwindled.
By 1969, they had left Doneraile Court.
Over the past 18 months, the Office of Public Works has spent €1.6m restoring Doneraile Court.
And yesterday, it was being prepared for a very special visitor.
Jill St Leger Mulligan is 87, a direct descendant of Sir William St Leger, who bought the estate in 1629 for £1,800.
Since then, 13 generations of the family have lived in the house.
This is the first time Jill has been to Doneraile Court in more than 50 years.
The Office of Public Works assembled a project team of staff, historical consultants and contractors to oversee the restoration.
The house will open to the public on Saturday.
