The Europe Hotel & Resort offers a number of flexible options for dining in Killarney with a choice of restaurants: The Spa Cafe, a light, airy dining room which enjoys sweeping views over the lake and mountains beyond. Open for lunch from 12noon – 5pm on Fridays & Saturdays (and to 3pm on Sundays) in February-Mid March and in November-Mid December. Open for dinner on Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays from 6pm – 10pm.

The Brasserie Restaurant Killarney, with terrace for relaxed al fresco dining, is open daily from 11am to 11pm serving light snacks to succulent flamed grills steaks cooked in front of you by award winning chefs on an open grill.

The Panorama Restaurant in Killarney has one of the most enviable views in Ireland with vistas of the Lakes of Killarney, mountains and gardens stretching before you. This Killarney restaurant is open for breakfast from 7-10.30am and dinner from 7-9.30pm (closed for dinner on Sunday) providing fine dining in Kerry at its best. So why not sit down and enjoy Irish and International cuisine in one of Killarney’s finest restaurants!

Both the Brasserie and Panorama Restaurants at The Europe Hotel have dedicated Children’s Menus.

Sample dishes: Pan Fried Fillet of Hake, Saffron Infused Risotto, Green Asparagus & Peas €22 (Brasserie Day Menu). Pan Fried Breast of Thornhill Duck, Beetroot, Wilted Spinach, Compressed Apple and Foie Gras  €32 (Panorama Restaurant)
Open: February – December, 6 days (Panorama Restaurant closed Sundays)

The Cahernane House Hotel offers it’s guests several options for a delicious meal; the Cellar Bar where you can enjoy lighter bites and the Herbert Restaurant which offers award-winning dining. You’ll be sure to find something to suit your tastes.

Located in the basement of the hotel, The Cellar Bar occupies the original wine cellar of the house. Cosy and inviting, and difficult to leave; we have an extensive selection of beers, spirits and wines for you to enjoy. Curl up by the fire with a good book or recount the tales of your day’s exploring while enjoying your favourite tipple. We are proud to stock locally produced beers from the Killarney Brewing Company.  All their beers are named after local myths and legends, evoking emotions of all things Killarney. There is a selection of light bites, main courses and pastries served daily from 12:30-6pm.

The Herbert Restaurant at Cahernane House Hotel epitomizes the style and grandeur of the original house and commands beautiful views over the surrounding landscape. The restaurant is complete with luxury furnishings, flooring and fittings. Our beautiful Bushfield Interior curtains frame the stunning views over the Tomies and Purple Mountains. Our grandeur twinkling Chandeliers are from Tara Crystal Chandeliers. The intricate wallpaper is from Lewis and Wood, London and silver cutlery is from Robert Welch. The perfect surroundings and ambiance to match our exquisite dining. Dinner is served each evening in The Herbert Dining Room. Recently awarded 2 AA Rossettes in recognition of culinary excellence, The Herbert Dining Room uses the finest locally sourced seasonal produce.

Sample dish: (Cellar Bar) Homemade Burger Platter (Herbert Restaurant) Confit Killorglin Pork Belly, Prawn Cannelloni, Apple Gel, 16-hour Braised Pork & Cider Foam
Open: All year, 7 days

Tel: +353 (0)64 663 1895
Email: info@cahernane.com 
Facebook: Cahernane House Hotel
Twitter: @CahernaneHouse

The Killarney Brewing Company has restored the old Killarney Mineral Water drinks facility to its former glory; it is now one of Ireland’s most exciting new craft breweries and tap rooms. The unique layout and design oozes warmth with a meshing of old world charm and new world ambience;  paying homage to “old school” Killarney yet in a sleek, industrial setting.

All of Killarney Brewing Company’s craft beer is additive and preservative free and is produced in small batches in Killarney.  Using only the finest quality ingredients during the brewing process, this ensures a premium quality, consistent, and exceptional flavour profile throughout. Additionally, all their beers are named after local myths and legends, evoking emotions of all things Killarney. At Killarney Brewing Company, the legend is in the brew!

There are regular tours available from Tuesday – Saturday at 3.30pm, 5pm and 6.30pm. The tour, lasting approx 1 hour, consists of a “cheeky” introductory film in their video room, a walking tour of the brewery, a meet the brewer and finally a complimentary beer tasting and story telling. Cost is €12/person.

Tel: +353 (0)64 663 6505
Email: info@killarneybrewing.com
Facebook: Killarney Brewing Company
Twitter: @killarneybrewco

The Irish Whiskey Experience has been developed by whiskey lovers as a first class destination for whiskey enthusiasts and novices alike. It is a sensory and interactive experience  that guides visitors through the history of Irish Whiskey, the distilling process and a comparative tasting of delicious Irish whiskeys. There are numerous masterclasses to choose from, to suit all occasions and palates.

The Irish Whiskey Experience is a vibrant addition to Killarney’s stunning surrounding countryside and lakes. It is a 5 star attraction and a ‘must-see’ for any Irish whiskey lover. It is hoped that all visitors will leave the experience with a smile on their face and a new appreciation for uisce beatha (the water of life). The Irish Whiskey Experience is also endorsed by the Irish Whiskey Association.

There are daily Irish Whiskey Masterclasses and various courses to choose from including: Distiller’s Apprentice, Golden Ticket (Whiskey and Chocolate pairing), Blender’s Challenge and many more.

Tel: +353 (0)64 663 5700
Email: info@irishwhiskeyexperience.net
Facebook: Irish Whiskey Experience

Set in mature landscaped gardens with a secure car park, on the fashionable Muckross Road, Old Weir Lodge is a highly acclaimed Tudor style, family run, accommodation and boasts a wonderful location, only a few minutes walk from Killarney town centre. The house also enjoys the serenity and beauty of the nearby National Park and lakes, making it an ideal base for hill walking in County Kerry and the south west region. It is near the start of the Kerry Way walking route – the longest way-marked trail in Ireland.

The tranquillity of the bedrooms will ensure that you can relax and unwind with every luxury and convenience close at hand. Each room is beautiful appointed, facilities include; tea/coffee maker, multi-channel T.V. direct-dial telephone, iron, hairdryer, clock radio. We have ground floor bedrooms and an elevator to our upstairs bedrooms. All rooms have a private bathroom with power shower, most with bath and shower, some with shower only; complimentary toiletries. Click on the images below to get more information about each of the bedrooms.

Don’t feel cut off from news from home, we have a computer in the Bricin Lounge, or bring your own laptop; there is free Wi-Fi in all the Lounges and Reception area! In our Innisfallen Dining Room, freshly cooked breakfast is served by our local, friendly staff. Fresh home-baked breads and scones are also available, and all the food is local produce and freshly cooked.

Proprietors Dermot & Maureen O’Donoghue have been welcoming visitors to Killarney for the past 40 years and have an unsurpassed knowledge of the local area. Enjoy the many local tours which are all available from Old Weir Lodge.

Tel: +353 (0)64 663 5593
Email: oldweirlodge@eircom.net
Facebook: Old Weir Lodge Guesthouse
Twitter: @OldWeirLodge

Tel: +353 (0)64 662 3400
Email: info@muckrosspark.com
Facebook: Muckross Park Hotel
Twitter: @muckrosspark

Tel: +353 (0)64 663 8906
Email: jptoleary@eircom.net

Ladies View located between Kenmare and Killarney on the Ring of Kerry (N71) and in the heart of Killarney National Park is one of Irelands best known panoramas. This spot derives its name from the pleasure expressed by Queen Victoria’s Ladies-in-Waiting on their visit here in 1861.

 At Ladies View you will find Ladies View Industries which comprises of a Gift Shop, Cafe and Bar. Our Gift Store has the largest selection of gifts in the area and our prices are the most competitive. Our Cafe and Bar will allow you a welcome break from your tour of the area in a most beautiful and peaceful location.

You won’t find a better location than this to enjoy an Irish Coffee. You will find a comprehensive menu here including our well known home baking and remember to try our speciality – Carrot and Walnut Cake. The Ladies View Industries Cafe also has a seating area outside where once again you can enjoy good food while enjoying the stunning surrounding countryside.

We have a fully licensed bar at Ladies View Industries located within the Cafe area. The Guinness is always good and try an Irish Coffee or our alternative Irish coffee mixed with poitin instead of whiskey. Poitin is an illicit Irish Spirit which has been banned since 1661 however, we have a special permit to sell it here.

Tel: +353 (0)64 663 3430
Email: info@ladiesview.com
Facebook: Ladies View Killarney
Twitter: @ladiesviewkerry

McSweeney Arms Hotel has an on-site restaurant, Tony’s Sandtrap Bar and Grill, where food and drink are top quality. Our Sandtrap is the heart of our hotel for all our guests and locals alike. It has grown in character over the years and is renowned for its warm atmosphere, great food and good company!

Sandtrap Bar and Grill is designed in two parts. On one side, it’s a place to socialise and talk sports with 8 flat screen TVs. Home to a blend of residents, locals and people just passing through, one quiet drink has often turned in to a great night out! On the other side, you can enjoy our delicious home made food served in our popular restaurant. Our menu is fresh, our service is top quality and the atmosphere is easy going. Perfect for a quick bite or a relaxing evening meal. We know you’ll enjoy your meal with us at McSweeney Arms Hotel!

Open: All year, 7 days Breakfast 10.30am – 12noon, Lunch 12noon – 4pm, Dinner 4pm-9.30pm

Tel: + 353 (0)64 663 1211
Fax: + 353 (0)64 663 4553
Email: mcsweeneyarms@eircom.net
Facebook: McSweeney Arms Hotel
Twitter: @fiveirontony

Aghadoe Heights Hotel Lounge & Bar has three great areas to choose from when deciding on your meal. The Heights Lounge features casual all-day, all-evening dining and a menu with dishes from €8 that has plenty of choice with an elegant twist. Afternoon Tea served daily from 12noon-5pm. Traditional three-course Sunday Lunch. There is also a dedicated children’s menu. €29.50 per person.

For pre-dinner aperitifs and all day dining, the Terrace Bar is perfect for an al fresco option with an extensive light menu, delicious afternoon tea and a decadent cocktail list.

The Lake Room Restaurant serves mouth watering dishes from the best of local, in-season ingredients. With an ever-changing a la carte menu, dining in the airy, open plan Lake Room is sheer perfection, from aperitif to the last petit fours. Fine dining, Table d-Hôte dinner menu. Winter menu €45pp, Summer menu €55pp.

Open: All year, 7 days

The Lakeside Bistro, located in the Lake Hotel, overlooks Loch Léin and the 12th Century McCarthy Mór Castle. With the warming golden sunlight pouring in throughout the day and evening this is the perfect spot from which to admire the beautiful scenery of Killarney.

The Lakeside Bistro is popular for morning coffee and scones as well as leisurely lunches for guests, locals and passing tourists. The great, local, fresh produce prepared by our Chefs combined with friendly and helpful staff ensure that guests come back again and again to enjoy this restful and inviting space.

Also available to make your visit more enjoyable is a great kids colouring set, just ask your server. The Lakeside Bistro also offers a tasty vegetarian menu with daily specials and free wifi means if you have to look away from the beautiful view, it is at least easy to do any work that has to be done.

Sample Dish: Deep fried Irish cod in beer batter with tartar sauce, fresh lemon, mushy peas, salad and fresh chips. Price: €15
Open: All year, 7 days 12 noon- 10pm

Extensive broadleaved and mixed forest set among beautiful lakes and the highest mountains in Ireland. Particularly good in spring, with a wide range of typical Irish woodland and upland species, wildfowl in winter, and White-tailed Sea Eagles from the recent reintroduction scheme. Torc Waterfall and Brickeen Bridge are particularly good areas for general woodland birds, including Long-tailed Tit, Jay, Blackcap and Spotted Flycatcher.

The legendary Danny Mann Pub & Restaurant in Killarney has been entertaining visitors and locals alike for over 70 years. With its large open fireplace, flagstone floors, timber beam ceilings and old world furniture, the Danny Mann is the quintessential Irish pub. Here you can experience the best of traditional Irish music while enjoying a hearty meal and one of our potent brews. The Danny Mann is the home of traditional music in Killarney. We feature the best traditional musicians nightly and on weekends in the winter. We also regularly feature Irish dancing. Come on in for a great night out!

At Danny Mann Pub & Restaurant you’ll enjoy fine food and drink and craic in a traditional pub. All at good value prices and served by our friendly staff. Extensive menu served throughout the day and Irish Stew and Irish Coffees are our speciality. You can also enjoy all the major soccer, rugby, football, hurling and racing events live on our Big Screens. We also have a pool table, dart board and cards for your enjoyment.

Open: All year, 7 days during high season, from Nov-Mar Fri-Sun only
Food Served: Breakfast 10am-3pm Sat & Sun, Lunch 12.30pm-5pm, Dinner 5pm-9.30pm. Great value Early Bird 3 Course meals served from 5.30pm-7pm.

Mucros Garden Restaurant, adjacent to Muckross House and Gardens, is an ideal venue for those who wish to enjoy a relaxing meal in the scenic surroundings of Killarney National Park. Set against the spectacular backdrop of Torc and Mangerton Mountains, the Garden Restaurant enjoys magnificent views across the old Victorian Walled Garden area. This modern, 170-seat, self-service, restaurant is the ideal location for those who wish to enjoy a relaxing meal in picturesque surroundings.

Visitors have a choice of between eight and ten options from our hot food buffet, which is served daily between noon and 3pm. Service is extended until 4pm during peak season. Mucros Garden Restaurant offers an excellent range of menu options, including vegetarian and gluten free, and value for money.

Mucros Garden Restaurant also caters for those who would prefer just a light snack. Freshly made sandwiches, soups, scones and pastries, are available at very competitive prices, while our on-site bakery provides an excellent array of gateaux and mouth-watering deserts. These include firm favourites such as Baileys Cheesecake, Strawberry Cream Meringue and Bannofi Pie. A popular lunchtime venue, both for visitors to Muckross and for local Killarney residents.

Sample Dish: Breast of Irish Chicken stuffed with Clonakilty Pudding – €9.95
Open: All year, 7 days 10.30am – 5.30pm, 7 days. July & August: 9am-7pm.
Food served: Hot food 12 noon – 3pm • Snacks served 9am – 5pm

Nestling on the lakeshore of Lough Lein, Killarney’s lower lake, The Lake Hotel enjoys the most magnificent setting in Killarney with the truly unique backdrop of the mountains, islands, woodlands and the 12th century McCarthy Mor castle ruins.  The Lake Hotel is a four star hotel run by the Huggard Family & has been welcoming guests since 1820, so a long tradition of warm Irish hospitality awaits all visitors.

The secret to success that has served the family so well down through the generations is the emphasis placed on quality, attention to detail, first rate customer service, a warm welcome and a determination that all visitors to hotels run by the Huggard family become friends as well as guests. The Lake Hotel, which has been carefully developed to become one of the finest establishments in the country, has enjoyed remarkable success, including the receipt of several national quality awards for cuisine, quality, service and hospitality.

Awaken for breakfast in the elegant dining room, The Castlelough Restaurant. Observe the wild deer stroll across the lawn, unwind over morning coffee in the Lakeside Bistro and absorb the peace and tranquillity imposed by the presence of the lakes. Wander down the pathways to the ancient castle ruins and be surrounded by the freshest of air and a landscape that is untouched but admired by visitors over the centuries. As the light fades and colours change, enjoy an aperitif in the Devil’s Punch Bowl Bar before tasting the finest of Irish food and reflecting on the abundance of natural beauty in this part of the world.

Killarney is a great centre for fishing. The Killarney Lakes are rich in salmon and brown trout. The good news for anglers is that no permit is needed to fish for trout on the Lakes. The rivers Flesk and Laune are also good, especially late in the year. For rainbow trout try Barfinnihy stocked lake on the Moll’s Gap/Sneem road. For sound advice and tips contact Jeremy O’Neill, from O’Neills of Killarney, at his tackle shop on Plunkett Street.

O’ Neills of Killarney is family owned and run business, established in 1949. They supply the largest selection of fishing tackle in the Kerry region, combined with local expert angling knowledge, a trip to O’ Neills is a must for all anglers. They also supply all the permits and licences you will require for fishing in Kerry. Along with or fishing tackle section, they also sell a wide range of gifts and souvenirs.

Tel: +353 (0)64 663 1970
Email: dennybaggy@hotmail.com
Facebook: O’Neills of Killarney

Reenadinna yew woodland in the Killarney National Park is about 0.25 square kilometres (62 acres) in size and is located on low-lying karst limestone pavement between Muckross Lake and Lough Leane on the Muckross Peninsula. The Killarney Yew Woodland is one of the rarest types of woodland in Europe. It is estimated that the wood developed 3,000-5,000 years ago.

The Gap of Dunloe is one of the finest glaciated valleys in Ireland. During the last Ice Age, c.150,000 – 10,000 years ago, mile high glaciers, armoured with huge rock, burst a passage through here. See it as part of a walking or cycling tour or take a pony and trap. The famous ‘Gap of Dunloe Tour’ passes through here and through Killarney’s three lakes. Here also is the famous Kate Kearney’s Cottage bar and restaurant where there’s often excellent Irish traditional music and dancing during the summer months.

Take a short stroll off the N71 to Kenmare to see this cascade. Torc Waterfall can be spectacular after heavy rain as the water rushes off the mountain above and shoots off the 60-foot (18 metre) rock face. Continue up the steps at the side of the waterfall to see fine views of the lakes and mountains.

There is a detailed guide of the Torc Waterfall walk on our mobile app under the Best Walks in Kerry.

Ladies View is about 12 miles from Killarney on the N71 road as you go towards Kenmare. If you walk up the road from the traditional viewing point, there is another parking area and a path that leads to a wonderful view of the upper lake. It is also part of the Killarney National Park and has been a major stopping point for tourists for many years.

Most visitors agree that Ladies View is the finest viewing point in Killarney. From here you can look down along the lakes and mountains of the Killarney Valley. Fine views of the Eagles Nest and Torc Mountain on either side of the lakes. To the left, the Gap of Dunloe, Purple Mountain and the MacGillycuddy Reeks can be seen. Ladies View derived it’s name when a lady-in-waiting of Queen Victoria described it as “the finest view in all the realm.”

You can enjoy a delicious meal at the Ladies View Industries Cafe which is located at the traditional viewing point area and also includes a gift shop and bar.

The hill of Aghadoe offers marvelous views of Killarney town, the lakes and mountains. Here also are remains of the 11th century Aghadoe Cathedral and Round Tower, a medieval monastery,  and ruins of the 13th century Parkavonear Anglo-Norman Castle, one of the few circular tower castles built by the Normans in the southwest.

Inisfallen Island is situated on Loch Léin, the monastic settlement here probably dates back to the 6th century. Today you can see the ruins of the later medieval monastery. One of the most important books of Irish history, the Annals of Inisfallen, was written here between the 11th and 14th centuries. The Irish high king, Brian Ború was also said to have been educated here in the 10th century. There are open-boat trips to the island from Ross Castle.

St Marys Cathedral was designed by English architect Edward Pugin and built between 1842 and 1855. During the Great Famine (1845 – ’49) work was stopped as the church was used as a refuge for the hungry and the sick. A tree at the western end marks a children’s burial ground. The spire was added in the early 1900s. Sadly, the interior was destroyed during ‘renovations’ in the 1970s. It stands at 278 ft/85m.

The ogham stone outside the cathedral (see Beaufort Ogham Stones) is said to have been taken from the Dingle Peninsula. It is now positioned outside the Bishop of Kerry’s residence near St Marys Cathedral. The inscription on ogham stones usually has the lineage of a person, possibly ancient head-stones marking burials.

Tel: +353 (0)64 6631014
Email: killarney@dioceseofkerry.ie

Dating from the 14th or early 15th century, Ross Castle is a tower house built by O’Donoghue Ross, the local chieftain. It was one of the last castles in Ireland to fall to Cromwellian forces in 1652. Ross Castle stands on Ross Island which is in fact connected to the mainland and is just a narrow neck of land jutting out into Loch Lein. The access was trenched across to afford extra protection to the castle in earlier days. Further out is a smaller rock named O’Donoghue’s Prison Rock, where the chieftain imprisoned and confined his rebellious son, Teighe Mergach (angry one) and his associates.

There is a legend regarding Prince O’Donoghue consulting books of black magic and using strange potions in an attempt to regain his youth. On one occasion, as he was reading one of his magical books, all the devils in the world appeared to him and created a noise that was so loud the castle would crumble to pieces. His wife let out a horrendous shriek which caused the castle to sway from side to side. In a panic, O’Donoghue jumped out of window and disappeared below the surface of the lake taking with him his books, table and horse. The story goes that he lives on in a lively palace at the bottom of the loch and that every seventh year he can be seen riding his charger with silver hooves across the lake.

Today the castle is authentically restored and contains 16th and 17th century furniture. Ross Castle is open to the public during the high season. Access for people with disabilities to the ground floor only by prior arrangement. Visitors may experience delays during the summer months so it’s best to check out the next tour on your arrival.

Opening hours: 13th Mar – 28th Oct 2014 from 9.30am – 5.45pm

Guided Tours: Scheduled tours. Access is by guided tour only – 40 minute duration. Videos/cameras are not permitted while on tour. Please note site is very restricted and can only accommodate groups of 15. All tour groups must pre-book.

White-Tailed Sea Eagles have been re-introduced in the area in recent times. Roughly 20 birds a year have been brought here from Norway over a five year period. Unfortunately, some of the birds have picked up poison used by sheep farmers against foxes but about 60 birds are doing well. The older birds should start to breed in 2011.

Lake cruises are a delight; they relax the mind and body and provide views you don’t see from land. Dero’s Waterbus Tours on Killarney Lakes provide on-board commentaries on the history, wildlife and lore of Killarney’s Lakes. Landmarks include the 4,000-year-old copper mines on Ross Island and the medieval monastery on Inisfallen Island. Departure is from Ross Castle.

Tel: +353 (0)64 663 1251
Email: info@derostours.com

The Beaufort Ogham Stones are on a narrow windy road between Beaufort Village and the Gap of Dunloe. There is no parking area and the road is not really safe to walk. The stones were discovered on the roof of an ancient underground passage-way during the building of the Dunloe Castle Hotel.

Dating from c. 300 AD, ogham is the oldest form of writing in the Irish language. Letters from the Roman alphabet were represented by a series of horizontal and sloped lines, usually along the edge of standing stones.

Muckross Abbey is one of the major ecclesiastical sites found in the Killarney National Park. It was founded in 1448 as a Franciscan friary for the Observantine Franciscans by Donal McCarthy Mor and contains the tombs of Gaelic Chieftains. In 1588, Florence McCarthy married his cousin in a secret midnight wedding here.

It has had a violent history and has been damaged and reconstructed many times. The friars were often subjected to raids by marauding groups and were persecuted by Cromwellian forces under Lord Ludlow. Several of the monks were murdered when the abbey was looted and burnt by Cromwellian soldiers in 1652.

Today, Muckross Abbey is largely roofless but, apart from this, generally quite well preserved. The present ruins include a church with a wide, square tower and fine windows, and a vaulted cloister with an arcade of arches around a square courtyard. In the middle of the courtyard grows an ancient yew tree, said traditionally to be as old as the Abbey. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Muckross Abbey became the burial place of the three Gaelic poets: Geoffrey O’Donoghue, Aodhagan O’Rathaille and Eoghan Rua O’Suilleabhain.

Muckross Traditional Farms are in the grounds of Muckross House. The various farm cottages, houses and schoolhouse are a representation of the lifestyles and farming traditions of a rural community in the 1930’s – from the small cottage of the farm-labourer to the grand house of the big land owner.

Visit three separate working farms (small, medium and large), each complete with animals, poultry and machinery. The farm dwellings are furnished in traditional style, complete with dressers, settlebeds and mealbins. There is also a Labourer’s Cottage, a Carpenter’s Workshop and a Blacksmith’s Forge.

State-sponsored primary school education was introduced to Ireland in 1831 and was organised at parish level. This schoolhouse is typical of many rural Irish schools built from c. 1910. Divided into two rooms internally, each teacher usually taught several different classes within the one classroom.

Our younger visitors will enjoy our small Farm Animal Petting Area, complete with its own Bouncy Castle. Parents can enjoy a sheltered picnic in our Woodland Play Area, while their youngsters have fun on the wonderful slides and swings. There is a cafe as well.

A free complimentary coach service, with universal access, circles the site continuously. Visitors are welcome to board and alight from the coach as they choose, while visiting each of the farm dwellings along the way. Save money by purchasing a joint ticket for Muckross House and Traditional Farms.

Muckross House is a fine Victorian Mansion that was built by the Herbert Family in 1843. Among its guests were Queen Victoria of England and Irish poet William Butler Y eats. Elegantly furnished rooms portray the life of the gentry. Muckross House is set against the stunning beauty of Killarney National Park. The house stands close to the shores of Muckross Lake, one of Killarney’s three lakes, famed world wide for their splendour and beauty. As a focal point within Killarney National Park, Muckross House is the ideal base from which to explore this landscape.

Originally it was intended that Muckross House should be a larger, more ornate, structure. The plans for a bigger servants’ wing, stable block, orangery and summer-house, are believed to have been altered at Mary’s request. Today the principal rooms are furnished in period style and portray the elegant lifestyle of the nineteenth century landowning class. In the basement, one can imagine the busy bustle of the servants as they went about their daily chores. Building of Muckross House commenced in 1839 and was completed in 1843.

Open to the public and parking is free. An OPW Heritage Card costs just 21 euros for adults / 55 euros for a family and give you entry to 65 sites all over Ireland, valid for 12 months from date of purchase. Available Muckross House.