Muckross House, Killarney, Co. Kerry, Ireland

Muckross HouseThe world renowned Muckross House is situated amidst the spectacular scenary of Killarney National Park - Ireland's premier National Park, comprising 10,000 hectares of mountains, woods and lakeland.

Visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the house, visit the traditional farms, the craft shop or the garden restaurant.

Phone: +353 64 6631440 or visit our website: www.muckross-house.ie

Sunday 19 August 2012

A short history of Muckross House.

Muckross House
This nineteenth century Victorian mansion 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 worldwide 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.

A still morning on Muckross Lake

Muckross House was built for Henry Arthur Herbert and his wife, the water-colourist Mary Balfour Herbert. This was actually the fourth house that successive generations of the Herbert family had occupied at Muckross over a period of almost two hundred years. William Burn, the well-known Scottish architect, was responsible for its design. Building commenced in 1839 and was completed in 1843.


Muckross House, probably mid 1860s
Rhododendrons in bloom during the month of May, Muckross Gardens.
 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.



Autumn colours, Muckross Gardens
During the 1850s, the Herberts undertook extensive garden works in preparation for Queen Victoria's visit in 1861. Later, the Bourn Vincent family continued this gardening tradition. They purchased the estate from Lord and Lady Ardilaun early in the twentieth century. It was at this time that the Sunken Garden, Rock Garden and the Stream Garden were developed.

For more information about Muckross House, the estate and its history see our website here.

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