Muckross Heritage Week 2013

As part of National Heritage Week, which is taking place from Saturday August 17th to Sunday August 25th, Muckross House, Gardens and Traditional Farms is pleased to present a wide range of events that are ideal for all family.
A full and varied programme of  events will be held throughout the week reflecting the rich heritage of Ireland.
Admission to the events in the Schoolhouse at Muckross Traditional Farms and Mucros Craft Centre is FREE!
Also, there will be reduced admission prices to both Muckross House and the Traditional Farms on Sunday August 18th and Sunday August 25th respectively; with entry to each attraction costing €1 per person and €3 for a family on these dates only.
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Date: Saturday August 17th
                                                                                                                       

Title: An Introduction to the Irish Harp
Killarney based professional Harpist and Soprano,
Marina Cassidy offers an enchanting introduction to
the Irish Harp through the haunting and mesmerising
melodies of traditional Irish instrumentals and
contemporary music.

Admission:  Free
Time:  12.00 - 16.00pm
Location:  The Schoolhouse at Muckross Traditional Farms
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Date:  Sunday August 18th
                                                                                                                       

Title:  Songs & Stories with Ger Wolfe
Cork born singer, songwriter Ger Wolfe offers an afternoon of songs, music and chat.
Sharing with all his love of music in this "Workshop of Song".

Admission:  Free
Time:  12.00 - 16.00pm
Location:  The Schoolhouse at Muckross Traditional Farms
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Date: Monday August 19th                                                                      
Title:  Introduction to Hand Thrown Pottery
Ever wanted to learn to throw your own pottery?
Mucros Master Potter, Margaret Phelan offers an introduction to the basics of hand thrown pottery in Mucros Craft Centre.

Admission:  Free
Time:  12.00 - 16.00pm
Location:  Mucros Craft Centre
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Date:  Tuesday August 20th                                                      

Title:  From Seed to Seat / Biddy Hats to Súgan Chairs
Come and watch Master Craftsman Pat Broderick as he demonstrates the age old tradition of making Biddy hats and Súgan Chairs.

Admission:  Free
Time:  12.00 - 16.00pm
Location:  The Schoolhouse at Muckross Traditional Farms
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Date:  Wednesday August 21st                            

Title:  Basket Making
Join Master Craftswoman Diane Carton as she demonstrates the ancient craft of basket making - weaving skill and time together beautifully.


Admission:  Free
Time:  12.00 - 16.00pm
Location:  The Schoolhouse at Muckross Traditional Farms
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Date:  Thursday August 22nd                                          

Title:  Butter Making
Learn to make your own butter with the Mná Tí from Muckross Traditional Farms.


Admission:  Free
Time:  12.00 -16.00pm
Location:  The Schoolhouse at Muckross Traditional Farms
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Date:  Friday August 23rd                                                                

Title:  The Bodhrán, Bones & Spoons
Discover the history and unique music of the time old traditional musical instruments of the Bodhrán, Bones and Spoons with local musician Tom O' Sullivan.


Admission:  Free
Time:  12.00 - 16.00pm
Location:  The Schoolhouse at Muckross Traditional Farms
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Date: Saturday August 24th                                                       

Title:  Dr. Bill Mangan Hurling Tournament
The Dr. Bill Mangan under 10's Hurling Tournament will see hurling teams from clubs Dr. Crokes, Kenmare, Kilgarvan and Tralee Parnells compete in this annual tournament.

Admission:  Free
Time:  12.00 - 2.00pm
Location:  Muckross Traditional Farms
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Date:  Sunday August 25th                                                      

                             
Title:  Siamsa Tíre the National Folk Theatre
Siamsa Tíre, the National Folk Theatre brings a taster of its Summer Repertoire to Muckross, for Heritage Week 2013.




Admission:  Free
Time:  12.00 - 16.00pm
Location:  The Schoolhouse at Muckross Traditional Farms
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Muckross featured on the National Geographic Website! -- National Geographic Photo of the Day

Muckross featured in National Geographic's photo of the day today! You can see it here:
Ireland Picture -- Landscape Photo -- National Geographic Photo of the Day

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.

A step back into the 1920's!

As part of Heritage Week, members of Dóchas Drama Group have been performing as members of the Herbert family, the one time owners of the Muckross estate and as various other characters that were part of Muckross House at the time, including Butlers, Maid's and more!

Their presence throughout the tour of the House is very entertaining as they go about their day as they would have almost 100 years ago! But don't just take our word for it, experience it for yourself! Dóchas cast members will be performing again next weekend, Saturday 25th August and Sunday 26th August, during regular tours of the house from 2pm onwards, all as part of Heritage Week here at Muckross.

Heritage Week is finally here!

Today marks the beginning of Heritage Week 2012 here in Muckross, with a packed week of events taking place. We have a whole host of free events taking place in the Gardens, including Céilí workshops and ancient music workshops, plus the regular House tours will have the added fun of meeting characters from our past that lived in, owned, visited or worked in the House during the 1920's, on selected days,  with members of Dóchas Drama Group playing the parts!

Life in the House had its ups and downs for the servants!

The Craft Shop is celebrating Heritage Week by offering a 10% discount to any customers who have purchased a Joint ticket to the House and Traditional Farms from Monday 20th to Friday 24th, but we will save the best for last!

This Sunday, August 19th and Sunday August 26th admission to Muckross House or Traditional Farms is just €1 per Adult, Child or O.A.P or just €3 for a Famliy ticket! So join us this Heritage Week for family days out that you can't afford to miss out on! See Facebook and our Blog for more!