Derrymore House
County Armagh, Northern Ireland
Key facts
- Operator
- National Trust
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- National Trust Explorer Pass
Pinpoint
Derrymore House, Bessbrook, Newry BT35 7EF
Telephone 028 8778 4753
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Derrymore House is a late 18th-century thatched cottage orne associated with the drafting of the Act of Union, a modest but historically significant building set within woodland that also includes a medieval rath. Reviewers who visit regularly praise the woodland walks and the dog park, which staff are noted as looking after well and keeping accessible for disabled users, with a wheelchair-friendly wooded path. It's as much valued as a local walking spot as it is a historic house visit.
Worth the trip
Its connection to the drafting of the Act of Union, making this modest thatched cottage a genuine site of constitutional history.
Before you go
The dog park and wheelchair-friendly woodland path make this an easy repeat visit for locals, and weekday mornings are notably quiet if you want the grounds to yourself.
Reviewers consistently praise the woodland walks and parkland surrounding the thatched 1770s house more than the house itself, with several regulars visiting weekly for the walking trails and dog-friendly grounds. The house's historical connection to the drafting of the Act of Union 1800 is repeatedly highlighted as its standout feature, along with information panels covering that history. Multiple visitors note it is a quiet, uncrowded spot even among National Trust members who hadn't previously heard of it, with free parking and a children's play park, though there is no on-site cafe and toilet supplies were found lacking on at least one visit.
Late 18th-century thatched cottage orne associated with the drafting of the Act of Union
“I use the dog park. An excellent area to allow your dog off the lead. The staff look after it well, and are very conscious of disabled users. There is also a beautiful wooded path to walk around, wheelchair friendly.”- Colin Milligan, visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “There's public toilet, plenty of green area, accessible parking and general parking available for free.” - Suman Tiwari
- Terrain & accessibility
- “There is also a beautiful wooded path to walk around, wheelchair friendly.” - Colin Milligan
- Facilities
- “Spacious grounds,woodland walk, children's playground which blended into the surroundings and toilets which while clean and modern lacked loo roll...it was a Monday morning.” - Lyn Graham
Common questions about Derrymore House
Where is Derrymore House?
Derrymore House is in County Armagh, Northern Ireland, at Derrymore House, Bessbrook, Newry BT35 7EF.
Do you need a ticket to visit Derrymore House?
Yes - Derrymore House is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by National Trust. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
Is Derrymore House dog-friendly?
Visitor reviews suggest dogs are welcome at Derrymore House - one reviewer noted: “…y to yourself and plenty of parking and dog friendly. Can't believe it took me so long to visit this beautiful p…”. Policies can vary between parts of a site and change over time, so confirm with the operator before visiting with a dog.
What is the highlight of visiting Derrymore House?
Its connection to the drafting of the Act of Union, making this modest thatched cottage a genuine site of constitutional history.
Is Derrymore House a ruin or still intact?
Derrymore House is largely intact - Late 18th-century thatched cottage orne associated with the drafting of the Act of Union.
