Overview
De Bille House sits prominently on Main Street in Newport, County Mayo. Built in the late eighteenth century, the three‑storey Georgian townhouse is a rare survivor of the town’s eighteenth‑century streetscape. Today it houses the Blue Bicycle Tea Rooms, run by the Chambers family, offering visitors a taste of locally sourced gourmet fare within an authentic historic setting.
Detailed History
The origins of the building lie in Newport’s growth as a bustling port in the early eighteenth century. Architectural surveys describe it as an attached five‑bay townhouse with a Gibbsian doorcase and a classically composed shopfront – a high‑quality example of the period’s domestic architecture. The stone‑fronted façade dates from the late seventeenth century, while the present Georgian three‑storey structure was erected after 1782.
The Danish connection
On 14 December 1781 the Danish frigate Bornholm left Copenhagen for the Danish West Indies under Captain Mathias De Bille. On 17 January 1782 a violent hurricane forced the ship south along the Irish coast, driving it into Melcombe Bay near Newport. The vessel lost its fore‑mast and bowsprit but avoided the rocks later known as Bills’ Rocks. Many crew members fell ill with fever and were cared for in a temporary hospital at Mellow’s Point. Captain De Bille himself contracted the disease and was nursed by local merchant John McLoughlin. He died in McLoughlin’s home on Main Street on St Patrick’s Day, 1782 and was buried with military honours in the old parish churchyard, where Colonel Sir Neale O’Donnell led a Volunteers’ parade at the funeral.
In gratitude, the Danish royal family funded the construction of a new townhouse on the same site. The resulting building, known as De Bille House, became a landmark of Newport and later served as a bank before returning to residential use.
Tea Rooms & Cuisine
The Blue Bicycle Tea Rooms opened in 2011 within the historic De Bille House. The family‑run establishment is a proud member of the Gourmet Greenway food trail, sourcing many ingredients from local producers. The Chambers family have deep roots in Newport – they first opened a grocery and vintners business in 1865 and now also operate Frank Chambers Auctioneers from the same premises.
Dining experience
- Menu highlights – homemade breads, artisan soups, seasonal salads, sandwiches on house‑made loaf, freshly baked scones, cakes and tarts.
- Signature dish – the Blue Bicycle Princess Grace Orange Cake, served with orange‑and‑cardamom syrup and fresh cream on vintage bone china.
- Afternoon tea – presented on the tea rooms’ original bone‑china, with a choice of sweet and savoury bites.
- Atmosphere – period features such as timber‑panelled doors, original casement windows and a cobbled footpath. A small Victorian garden at the rear offers a tranquil outdoor seat, especially popular in summer for walkers on the Great Western Greenway.
Visitor Information
De Bille House remains a private residence and commercial premises; entry is through the Blue Bicycle Tea Rooms. The tea rooms are open daily, but seasonal opening times should be confirmed locally or by phone.
- Opening hours – to be verified (see fact‑check).
- Parking – on‑street parking is available on Main Street, with limited spaces near the harbour.
- Accessibility – ground‑floor entrance and shopfront are wheelchair‑friendly; upper floors retain original staircases and have no lift.
- Contact – (098) 41145 for enquiries or reservations.
Nearby Attractions
De Bille House is ideally placed for visitors exploring the area:
- Opposite Newport Harbour, a lively spot for fishing boats and summer watersports.
- A short walk from the Great Western Greenway, making it a perfect stop for cyclists and walkers on the 42 km trail.
- Close to the Wild Atlantic Way route, offering spectacular coastal scenery.
- The historic parish churchyard where Captain De Bille is buried, a short stroll away.
Family‑Friendly Highlights
The tea rooms welcome families; the garden provides space for children to run about, and the menu includes kid‑friendly options such as simple sandwiches and scones. The historic setting also offers a gentle introduction to Newport’s maritime heritage for younger visitors.
Location: Main Street, Newport, County Mayo, Ireland Nearby attractions: Newport Harbour, Great Western Greenway, Wild Atlantic Way, historic parish churchyard where Captain De Bille is buried.