Killarney house and gardens

Killarney House and Gardens is an attractive early 18th-century manor house at the gateway to Killarney National Park. It was once the home of the Earls of Kenmare, who administered the region at the time. A visit is a must for lovers of authentic manor houses and ancient gardens.

Visit Killarney house and gardens

History of the manor

A true treasure of Killarney National Park, Killarney House and Gardens is a precious vestige of the 18th century.

It does, however, have a long and complicated history. The original Killarney House was known as one of Ireland’s finest homes of the period. A sumptuous place, with dozens of apartments and valuable furnishings.

However, the manor house suffered a terrible fire in 1913… razing the building to the ground in its entirety, with the exception of the stepped gardens and some of the original gate pavilions.

After the fire, the Kenmare family moved to a renovated stable not far from their burnt-out mansion. After the death of the last Earl of Kenmare in the 1950s, Kenmare House and its adjoining lands were sold to a syndicate of American investors.

The property was then bought by Irish-American property developer John McShain and his wife Mary. The McShains rename the property “Killarney House”.

In the years that followed, the McShain family used Killarney House as a summer residence and, in their later years, as their principal residence. The family then arranged for the property to be sold to the Irish state on condition that they retain the use of the house and gardens for the rest of their lives.

After Mrs McShain’s death in 1998, the manor house was soon neglected.

The building fell into disrepair, and the gardens were abandoned in a general sense of oblivion.

Fortunately, in 2014 the Irish government decided to launch extensive reconstruction and renovation work. The site was then closed until 2016, when it was opened to the public.

The house and gardens are restored to their former glory. Killarney House becomes an additional asset for Killarney National Park. It serves as an introduction to the park, providing information about the site, its history and the natural wealth of the surrounding area.

Visit Killarney house and gardens

Magnificent museum and gardens open to the public

Let’s face it: it’s clearly best to visit these places before exploring Killarney National Park. It has to be said that the manor house, like its gardens, is a superb way to get to know the region and better understand its identity and its many facets.

The tour begins at the manor house, where you can visit the apartments, admire the period furnishings and learn more about the Earls of Kenmare who built the house.

Next, you’ll enter an ultra-modern museum dedicated to Killarney Park. You’ll discover its history, geology and ecosystem, as well as the special characteristics of its flora and fauna. It’s all explained in an educational way, with the help of digital installations.

Once you’ve taken the tour, you can stroll through the manor’s gardens. These have been restored in the spirit of the property’s early days. Trees, colorful flowers and lovely views of Killarney Park, with Lough Leane (a magnificent lake), thick forests and majestic mountains (the McGillycuddy Reeks).

Take your time. Soak up the atmosphere. This is undoubtedly the best way to prepare yourself for the discovery of Killarney National Park, with its beautiful nature walks.