Direction Ireland

Muckross House and Gardens

Southwest Ireland | County Kerry

Muckross House is a one of the most famous and most visited Victorian mansions in Ireland. The estate is situated in the heart of Killarney National Park on the eastern shore of Muckross Lake. The house was built by Herbert family and designed by famous Scottish architect, William Burn. The most of the garden dates back to the 1850s and was laid out by the first owners during preparation for the visit of Queen Victoria in 1861. At the same time first house improvements were carried out. The Queen's visit was so expensive that became one of the factors of financial difficulties of Herbert family. In 1899 they sold property to Arthur Guinness, 1st Baron of Ardilaun. The new owner have never lived there. Muckross House was only use as a hunting lodge. He sold it in 1911 to wealthy Californian, William Bowers Bourn. He bought the house as wedding gift for his daughter Maud and her husband Arthur Rose Vincent. During their ownership the Sunken Garden, Rock Garden and the Stream Garden were developed. The Vincent family lived there until 1929 when Maud died from pneumonia. In 1932, Muckross House and its 11,000 acre estate were donated to the Irish nation and became the basis of Killarney National Park, the first national park in Ireland. The Muckross House was first opened to the public on the 14 June 1964 and since then is one of the most popular attractions in Ireland. Guided tours to the elegantly furnished rooms give a lot of information about history of Muckross House and its owners. There are also many interesting furniture and art pieces. On the grounds of Muckross House there are also restaurant, open air museum - Muckross Traditional Farms, and well preserved ruin of Muckross Friary.

• OPENING HOURS :
  • July 1st - August 31st:
    • Daily: 9 - 19
  • September 1st - June 30th:
    • Daily: 9 - 17.30
  • Last admission 1 hour before closing
  • Closed during the Christmas period
• TICKET PRICES :
  • Adult: €9.00
  • Senior: €7.50
  • Student: €7.50
  • Child(6-18): €6
  • Under 5: free
  • Family(2+2): €28
  • Family(2+3): €32
  • Group (20+): €7.50
• CONTACT :
  • Phone: +353(0)646670144
  • Website: muckross-house.ie
• CAR PARK :
  • Yes