Ireland: Barons Court Estate

Driven Woodcock Shooting At Barons Court Estate In Ireland

Woodcock Drive on a chilly morning

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Woodcock Shooting

Woodcock have always been considered one of the ultimate sporting birds and a flushed woodcock is exceptionally testing, even for the most experienced shot. The woodcock is one of the most revered and sporting birds. It is a very testing shot, as it flushes very fast, swoops and curls, often with little or no sound. Every year over the months of November, December and January Woodcock arrive in Ireland from their breeding grounds in Scandinavia, Finland and Russia providing keen sportsmen with one of the most challenging day’s driven shooting available.

A well camouflaged Woodcock

The Area

Barons Court, the home of the Duke of Abercorn's family since 1612, provides a beautiful backdrop to your Shooting adventure. Situated in a sheltered valley, in the foothills of the Sperrin Mountains in Ireland’s County Tyrone, you will find it an oasis of peace and tranquillity. Barons Court is one of a handful of old family estates in the British Isles that combine great historical and architectural interest with a landscape of outstanding natural beauty.

Driven Woodcock Shooting at Barons Court Estate

Barons Court attracts a high number of Woodcock due to its mild winter climate, good feeding grounds and the type of cover provided. Much of the woodland cover has been carefully managed to create the perfect habitat for Woodcock whilst allowing the guns to take both a sporting and safe shot.

Conduct of the Day

All the arrangements for shooting are made by the Estate including transport and lunch in a nearby pub. The shoot is run by the Head gamekeeper together with a team of highly experienced beaters and their well-trained dogs. The ideal number of guns for the day is 8 and this is also considered the minimum number to ensure that the ground is adequately covered. Woodcock in flight do not typically follow the same trajectory of a driven pheasant!

A note on conservation & style of shooting

All Woodcock are 100% wild and as such they are treated as a very precious commodity. The number of days of Woodcock shooting at Barons Court is strictly controlled and limited to two consecutive days per month. The emphasis and ethos of this type of shooting is best enjoyed by true sportsmen, who relish a good challenging day and have respect and integrity for the countryside. Please note that as with all wild resources no guarantees can be put on bag numbers, although the Estate will use its expert knowledge and best endeavours to provide the ultimate sporting experience.

Newcomers to Woodcock shooting are welcome provided they are already experienced shots, as safety is of paramount importance. Due to the nature of the terrain we do advise that all guns are in a fit enough condition to walk over uneven, slippery and hilly ground. The shooting is let on a two-day basis, with three night’s accommodation provided on the Estate in the Governor’s Lodge and Clock Tower.

Accommodation in Barons Court Stable Block

Accommodation at Barons Court

Shooting guests stay in two self-catering buildings, the Clock Tower & Governor’s lodge, which form part of the original Barons Court stable yard dating back to 1890 with views out onto the unspoiled parkland. Both buildings have a Northern Ireland Tourist Board 4 star rating, and are fully approved. A cook can be arranged on request.

Clock Tower

The Clock Tower

The Clock Tower is a charming two-storey building which has been completely refurbished and newly furnished, comfortably accommodating up to four people. The ground floor is of a spacious open-plan design with a modern fully equipped kitchen and dining area including electric cooker, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine and separate tumble drier. There is a small cloakroom with heater to dry clothes. On the first floor there is a large comfortable living room with wood-burning stove, television, DVD and payphone. The two twin bedrooms are situated either side of the living area, one with an en suite bathroom, the second with a shower room.

The Governor’s Lodge

The Governor’s Lodge

The Governor’s Lodge, so-called from the time it was used by the Governor’s guard, is situated to the left of the Clock Tower and dates from the same period. It sleeps 4 people. There is a spacious dining room with pine furniture, charming wildlife pictures, wood burning stove and airing cupboard. A modern, compact fully equipped kitchen leads directly off the dining room. The comfortable living room is situated to the right of the hall and has a gas fire, television with DVD player and payphone. On the first floor are two twin bedrooms, one with an adjoining bathroom and the second with an en-suite shower room with power shower.

Best Times To Go

1 Nov to 31 Jan. Please note that it is only possible to provide 2 days consecutive shooting per month and availability is very limited.

If you would like to know more about the Barons Court Estate, please contact us and we will provide you with more details. For availabilities, prices, pre trip information, booking form etc. please contact:
Justin Maxwell-Stuart

Mobile: +44 (0)7711 519 857
Fax: +44 (0)20 7352 0942
E-mail: justin@wherewisemenshoot.com
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