Liss Ard Estate
Wedding venue · Cork ·
James Turrell's Sky Garden amid 200 acres of grounds
James Turrell's Sky Garden amid 200 acres of grounds
"The Irish Sky Garden’s name describes what to expect fairly well, but seeing this patch of nature suspended in the air, juxtaposed against the clear blue sky, is far more whimsical and mesmerizing than visitors expect. Designed by American James Turrell, this magical knoll is the perfect symbol for the Emerald Isle, and it’s an unparalleled piece of public art. Turrell is famed for his large-scale experimentations with light and space, challenging the viewer to engage with the boundaries and wonder of human perception. The Sky Garden is set against the natural landscape of the Celtic Liss Ard, or “High Fort,” an ancient structure half reclaimed by nature which lends its own fairytale whimsy to the location. So even though the sky garden is a contemporary piece of art with a strikingly postmodern shape and aesthetic, it is the perfect complement to a place that is already a bridge between two worlds. Shaped like a bowl, the structure features a central stone plinth reminiscent of ancient Celtic and Egyptian altars. The altar rises up at an angle, and features two stone footrests on each end to allow the viewer to lie down facing up and out toward the edge of the crater above. All that is visible from this vantage point is the green grass and sky, creating a uniquely serene experience that invokes past rituals and ancient rites. According to Turrell, “the most important thing is that inside turns into outside and the other way around, in the sense that relationships between the Irish landscape and sky changes.” If you have ever struggled to empty your mind during meditation, a moment alone in the Sky Garden may be the closest you’ll come to achieving optical and aural harmony." - ATLAS_OBSCURA
"This stunning, 200 acre estate includes beautiful gardens, a 50-acre lake, and the fantastic Sky Garden crater. Fresh home cooking is provided, and guests can enjoy canoeing on the lake. Spacious and bright, each room in the historic country house offers scenic views of the surrounding parkland or gardens. Guest can relax with a flat-screen TV and free tea and coffee. Freshly cooked breakfasts are served each day, along with freshly baked bread and pastries. Guests can choose their meals based on what is fresh and seasonal that day. The vast gardens of Liss Ard Estate stretch for many miles and include waterfalls and ponds. Guests can stroll along the many paths and enjoy the neighbouring wildlife park. Skibberreen is just a 2-minute drive from Liss Ard, while the N71 road is less than 10 minutes away by car." - My Boutique Hotel (en)
"My childhood holidays were never as good as this. West Cork's magical Liss Ard Estate, once the setting for a bizarre 1970s spy ring, has been given a new incarnation by the team behind Villas Martinhal. This is your own comfy country home, with great friendly service, fabulous local food, and wonderful excursions for children. Sleeping quarters are in the elegant main 1850s Manor House (which also houses the common areas and grand piano), as well as in the adjacent Garden House. Larger family parties, groups of friends or couples seeking privacy can stay in the Lake House, a 10-minute walk away. But the very best thing about Liss Ard are its amazing 200-acre grounds, which stretch forever – down to the lake, across lawns, through romantic woods, beside ponds and over ancient and modern earthworks (Lios Aird is Gaelic for 'high fort'). American skyscape artist James Turrell created his remarkable Irish Sky Garden Crater in the early 1990s; go through a tunnel into a huge grassed bowl and lie on the central plinth to see the sky framed by the rim; uniquely magical. Play tennis, borrow fishing tackle or kayaks for maximum outdoor fun, or venture forth to beaches and wild headlands. This is the water-craft centre of Ireland too, Olympians train hereabouts. Adventures galore! Afterwards, cosy up on the sofa in front of crackling fires, or laze out on the lawns if it's sunny; there's great craic in the evenings year round. Highs Delicious fare of the Irish Slow Food variety in the large dining room Flexible accommodation options to suit all, whether families, friends or couples, and a great venue for a wedding or celebration; surprisingly good value Fun for families with large grounds to explore and fishing equipment to borrow A lovely relaxed country vibe Easily located: just 2 minutes outside market town Skibbereen and 5 minutes from the main road to Cork (1.5 hours away); heaps to do in the area Lows No pool or full spa but there is a lakeside wellness centre When we last visited the WiFi was patchy Note that if you're staying at the Lake Lodge you'll have to walk 10 minutes to the Manor House for meals, or you can catch a golf cart Not for those after a slick boutique experience" - Nadine Mellor
Matt H.
Mo’s F.
Mallory B.
Andrew B.
Sally D.
Davide G.
Elvinas P.
Allison Leah B.
