Muckross House
Situated 4 miles south of Killarney, in Kerry County, Muckross House together with its whole property turned into the first national park in Ireland, by 1932.
Even though the Killarney National Park's size has since then grown by 15,000 acres, the Muckross House, its gardens and farms are still great places where to start a park tour. In fact, the park's visitor center is conveniently situated at Muckross House.
It's quite easy to drive by automobile to Muckross House from Killarney, by taking N71, the chief Kenmare road. Or you could get there other ways, including a horse cart, bike, and walking trails.
History of Muckross House
Constructed in 1843, the 19th-century Victorian house has been transformed into a museum.
Henry Arthur Herbert, the first owner, sold the home and its 4,450 hectares to Lord Ardilaun in the year 1899. As a member belonging to the Arthur Guinness brewing family, he rented Muckross to rich fishermen and hunters.
In 1911, Ardilaun decided to sell the entire property to William Bowers Bourn, who in turn gave it to his daughter as a wedding gift after marrying Arthur Vincent.
But in 1929, the daughter, Maud, died suddenly from pneumonia. Three years later, the surviving husband and parents chose to donate Muckross House and its estate to the Irish government, as a memorial to Maud. It inevitably turned into Killarney National Park.
Muckross House Tour
Constructed from Portland stone, which was imported from England, the home's exterior is adorned with flower-laden pots. Hunting trophies and antlers decorate the entrance hall.
In addition to antlers from 3 red deer stags and 2 little sika deer, imported from Japan, you'll also see huge ten-foot-long Irish deer antlers.
