My family and I have called this beautiful coastal house our home since 1934. My great grandparents relocated their young family from a nearby residence in Lyre/Ahiohill to farm the land at Dunmore. My great grandmother is often remembered for saying “there is nothing here but water” when describing her new home! My grandfather, Derry O’Donovan, was one and half years old when he moved to his forever home, the second youngest in a family of ten!

Our family soon began welcoming guests for tea and scones in their new seaside home. Our bar licence was granted in 1948, the establishment date of Dunmore House. It became a hostelry for locals and visitors alike, with the early 1950’s seeing Dunmore House become a popular venue for wedding breakfasts.

My grandfather, Derry, married my wonderful grandmother, Mary, in 1961. Our adjoining 9-hole golf course was developed in 1967. We as a family are so proud of what Derry and Mary accomplished, a dynamic duo! Dunmore House’s reputation grew from strength to strength, always ensuring a true West Cork welcome.

Many changes have unfolded in Dunmore House over the past 70 years. However, one thing that has not changed is our family welcoming your family!

My mother, Carol Barrett (Derry and Mary’s daughter), has seen Dunmore House thrive from her childhood home to an award-winning Wild Atlantic Way destination. I have such admiration for her continued commitment to ensuring a truly special family welcome to Dunmore House for everyone! My father, Richard, retired from being a solicitor in Clonakilty in 2014, joining the family team. We strive to progress each year, determined to make the Dunmore experience like no other!

Everyday I feel privileged to call Dunmore House my home. After completing my studies, with time spent learning about hospitality in Switzerland, Hong Kong and the United States, I have also joined the family team. My global experiences have most certainly helped me, but there is nothing quite as valuable as my family, grandparents and parents alike, supporting and guiding me back to work at Dunmore House! As the fourth generation of our family, I am excited to continue our story.

My family and our fantastic team look forward to welcoming you and your family to Dunmore House soon!

Peter Barrett.