Fernhill House Hotel and Gardens
Set amidst the rolling vistas of Clonakilty, West Cork, the family-owned Fernhill House Hotel and Gardens is a haven of natural beauty, history, and heartfelt hospitality. Celebrating its 200th anniversary in 2026, this iconic Georgian manor has been lovingly cared for by the O’Neill family for four generations. Originally built in the 1800s, it became a hotel in the 1960s, and is part of the area’s rich history. The stunning country house offers sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, creating the ideal backdrop for your wedding photos. A proud member of Ireland’s Blue Book, Fernhill represents the very best of Irish country house charm.
The personal touch
Fernhill is run by Michael and Teresa O’Neill alongside their sons Neil, Michael Jnr., and Gearóid, who bring warmth and creativity to every celebration. Together, they craft truly personal weddings, from intimate ceremonies in the flower-filled Blessing Garden beneath the romantic Moon Arch, to elegant receptions in the Garden Marquee or the glass-walled Fernery.
For the perfect start to the big day, brides can begin their morning in the hotel’s Styling Lounge. The largest of its kind in Ireland, the elegant, luxurious and light-filled room provides a relaxed yet glamorous atmosphere for bridal parties to get ready in style. With every detail accounted for, brides can begin their day stress-free, surrounded by their nearest and dearest in a beautiful space made just for them.
What makes it stand apart
At Fernhill, food and family go hand in hand. Michael Snr., a chef with over 50 years of experience, leads a kitchen that celebrates the very best of West Cork’s local produce, including freshly caught seafood and artisan ingredients and vegetables grown in Fernhill’s own gardens. Teresa oversees service with the warmth and grace guests have come to love, and the couple’s sons grew up at the hotel and so have an ingrained passion for food and impeccable service. Sustainability is another key passion for the family, which can be seen in the use of renewable energy systems such as solar, their strict recycling and composting strategy to reduce waste, their commitment to home-grown produce and their eco-friendly event practices. Fernhill’s dedication to protecting the local environment is a thread that runs through the entirety of the operation.
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