Borris House Heritage Guided Tours

What to Expect

Borris House offers guided tours at 1:00pm and 2:00pm on selected dates throughout 2026. The house was built in 1731, incorporating part of a 15th-century castle, and was damaged in the 1798 Rebellion before being rebuilt around 1813. Visitors tour lavish rooms with ornate plasterwork ceilings, original furniture, porcelain, and paintings, and hear the story of Arthur McMurrough Kavanagh, a remarkable 19th-century landlord and MP born without full limbs. The tour covers the rich history of the MacMorrough Kavanagh family from the Royal families of ancient Ireland to the present.

Good to Know

• Guided tours depart at 1:00pm and 2:00pm; no booking required for groups under 6.

• Groups of 6 or more must book in advance via the website.

• Summer 2026 open dates include: June 12-14, 16-18, 23-25, 30; August 5, 12-23, 25-26; September 1-2, 8-9, 22-23, 29.

• Admission: Adult EUR 12, OAP/Student EUR 10, Children under 12 free.

• The house is situated in the scenic Barrow Valley.

Getting There

Borris is on the R705, approximately 20km south-east of Carlow Town. Limited car parking is available at the house.