The Muckross House

Muckross House is a magnificent manor house in Ireland’s Killarney National Park. Located less than 6km from Killarney town, this 19th-century mansion is said to have been built for Henry Arthur Herbert, County Kerry’s Member of Parliament. Set on the Muckross peninsula, the house faces Muckross Lake and Lough Leane. A magnificent view of the Irish wilderness!

History of Muckross House

A 65-room manor house in the heart of Killarney National Park!

Aerial view of Muckross House – ©Trustees of Muckross House

Built in 1843 in pure Tudor style, the manor house has no fewer than 65 rooms!
Built by William Burn, a renowned Scottish architect, Muckross House was commissioned by Henry Arthur Herbert, a wealthy local landowner.

Built in Victorian Gothic style, the manor house features ashlar facades and numerous towers… An elegant and expensive style, intended to reflect its owner’s high social status.

From the outset, the manor house was endowed with magnificent wooded gardens, occupying an area of over 4 hectares. A perfect place for the family to stroll!

The Herbert family occupied the House of Muckross for over 50 years, hosting many illustrious guests and throwing lavish parties. Among its many celebrities and historical figures, Muckross House has played host to :

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert: In 1861, Queen Victoria and her husband, Prince Albert, stayed at Muckross for three days during their official visit to Ireland. Their visit was a major event for the region and helped increase the popularity of Muckross House as a tourist destination.
Winston Churchill: The famous British statesman visited Muckross on several occasions, notably in 1929 and 1956. He appreciated the peaceful beauty of the estate and found it an ideal place to relax and recharge his batteries.
Charlie Chaplin: The Hollywood film star visited Muckross in 1936 with his wife, Paulette Goddard. They were impressed by the grandeur of the house and the beauty of the gardens.
Michael Jackson: The King of Pop stayed at Muckross in 1996 during his “History” world tour. He was fascinated by the history of the house and spent hours exploring the gardens.

However, the decline of the Herberts’ fortunes in the early 20th century forced them to leave their beloved home.

Muckross House then fell into oblivion, until its complete restoration by the Irish state in the 1970s.

Visit Muckross House

A manor house open to the public

The Muckross House – © gaborphotos

Now run by Dύchas The Heritage Service and the Trustees of Muckross House, the house is now open to the public, giving you the chance to discover all its facets!

Guided tours allow you to explore the best of the manor house, with its period rooms, furnishings and original decor. A guide is on hand to tell you all about the history of each wall and room. The anecdotes are amusing and will bring you closer to the history of the region.

You can then explore the gardens. It’s a rather unusual place, with its Japanese ponds, rhododendrons and exotic trees.

What better way to enjoy a relaxing stroll through the countryside? Stroll the lanes, lose yourself in Irish nature and enjoy the unique atmosphere of Killarney National Park!

You can also sample local Irish cuisine in the former stables, now converted into a restaurant. You’ll be served traditional Irish dishes: the perfect way to learn about the local produce!