Muckross House of Killarney in County Kerry is spectacular.  It is a 19th century Victorian mansion built in the lush green Killarney Park and sits on a glorious mountainside Muckross lake and waterfall.  The house is open for tours and has been lovingly restored.  The tour tells the story of the Herbert family who built and owned the house for many generations.  It focuses quite prominently on renovations and plans made specifically for a visit by Queen Victoria in 1861.  The house was eventually lost to the Herbert family and purchased, quite inexpensively, by the Guinness family who ironically had marital ties to the Herbert family.  Eventually, in the early 20th century the house and grounds became impossible to maintain and was gifted to the state.  It is now a state park boasting, tours, wildlife viewing, horseback riding, watersports, crafts, weavers, pottery, and more.

Lovely sunken garden

Rock garden built on a natural limestone outcropping

Horse drawn carriages can take you to the waterfall however it is only a short walk if you have the time.

For more on my Irish wanderings click here…