Seasonal cheer will spread early in Co Cork as an invitation is extended to all to visit Bride View Cottage
An invitation is extended to all to pay a visit to Bride View Cottage, writes
Over the years I have had the pleasure of visiting hundreds of wonderful gardens, many of which had a stunning diversity.
They ranged from the modest to the grand, the simply planned to the quirky, all undertaken by the whims of plant lovers, acting as custodians of nature’s treasures. Few however have matched the quirkiness and history found at Bride View Cottage, Killumney, Co Cork, which this early winter resumes its “Christmas open house” event after a lapse of three years.
The house and garden were once the birthplace of Confederate major Patrick Ronayne Cleyburne.
They are now owned by well-known artist and flower arranger DJ Murphy.
This November, the unique dwelling is being transformed throughout with substantial Christmas decorations and will once again entice visitors from all over Munster to visit. Its informality is undoubtedly unique.
Unlike stately homes where you shuffle around rooms of pomp, portraiture, and roped-off rugs, one can sit, lounge, or adjourn to any room they fancy.
The gardeners, flower arrangers, home decorators, and the inquisitive who will come to see this spectacle will get the chance to view everything at leisure, partake in seasonal fare of mulled wine and mince pies, and even purchase arrangements from a display especially created in one of the many fine courtyard buildings adjoining Bride View Cottage.
Almost every room within the building will be amply filled with dried and living plant material and seasonal berries.
The wayside berried wonders, fattening in their waxy skins always looked naked and lush while on display, inviting the visitor to touch and feel if it were possible, the summer sun which swelled them to such perfection. Experience these for yourself on any of the open nights outlined below.
This year’s event is set to once again aid Marymount Hospice and the Alzheimer’s Daycare Bandon. Open on the evenings of Thursday to Sunday (November 21 to 24) with a repeat on November 28 to December 1. The Thursday and Friday openings are from 6pm to 10pm and the Saturday and Sunday openings are from 12pm to 8pm.
Situated near to Ballincollig, Co Cork, the house will be fully signposted from the Ballincollig bypass on the main Cork to Macroom road.
