The former Michelin-starred guesthouse property is the oldest in the area
16:03, 23 Nov 2025Updated 19:09, 23 Nov 2025
Assolas House dates back to the 17th Century(Image: Premier Properties )
A period property dating back nearly 400 years has gone up for sale in North Cork, as the renowned Assolas House hits the market. The historic country house and former guesthouse is one of the finest examples of 17th-century architecture in Cork, and comes to the market with 17 acres of sprawling grounds and estate near Kanturk.
The well-known residence is for sale with renowned Irish historic property auctioneer Helen Cassidy of Premier Properties and Roseanne De Vere Hunt, of Sherry Fitzgerald, who describe it as a “true historic Irish country residence, with a wealth of unique architectural features.” Recently, it was in operation as a guesthouse, opened by the Bourke family in the 1960s. It previously boasted Michelin Stars, AA Rosettes, and other awards recognising it as a key hospitality hub in North Cork for three decades. However, in recent years it has been a private residence, and last changed hands in 2023 for a sum of €815k, according to the Property Price Register.
Assolas House is the oldest property in Dunhallow(Image: Premier Properties )
The original tower house dates back to c1620 and the wings were added about a century later(Image: Premier Properties )READ MORE: Cork pub complex sets new record with €5m-plus sale and big plans for futureREAD MORE: Works to start on new apartments at site of derelict old bakery building in Cork
Assolas House dates back to the 17th Century. The original Tower House was built circa 1620, and the Queen Ann Wings of the House were added around a century later, giving it a generous 7,682 sqft of living accommodation. Rooms include six en-suite bedrooms and formal reception rooms. Meanwhile, the 17 acres of mature grounds are laid out with lawns, a grass tennis court, walled gardens, woodlands, and paddocks. There is also a historic coach yard, stable yard, and farmyard.
The three-storey stone property is thought to be the oldest existing dwelling in the barony of Dunhallow, and it has Irish Yew trees on its grounds that are approximately 1,000 years old. It is ornately decorated throughout. The Formal Entrance Hall leads onto the Drawing Room and Dining Room. This Inner Hallway features a curving staircase and an arched window. The Dining Room looks out on the lawns and River Marybrook, and the Drawing Room has a matching set of five tall sash windows. To the rear is the kitchen, where an Aga range cooker creates a very cosy space. Also on the ground floor are the study and family room, which overlook the gardens.
The country house was previously a renowned guesthouse(Image: Premier Properties )
The property has been a private residence for a number of years(Image: Premier Properties )
The six-bedroom property previously boasting Michelin Stars and AA Rosettes (Image: Premier Properties )
The six bedrooms are all of very generous proportions, with high ceilings and big windows, and are all en-suite. They offer enchanting views of the property grounds and the River Marybrook. The second floor features storage space, a Lounge, and a Balcony. There is added accommodation at the Coach House, which has been fully renovated with a new heating system, two bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Assolas House is around 5km from the market town of Kanturk, while Mallow town is about a 15-minute drive away. The closest national routes are the N20 and N72, and the M8 motorway, with a drive to Cork city centre taking less than an hour.
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