Killarney, Ireland is a magical place. Ireland as a whole is a beautiful, amazing verdant isle but there is something about Killarney that is just *that* more full of wonder and magic. After visiting the area, we honestly can believe that leprechauns are real and fairies and gold and all of those things are entirely possible. Even the Irish know this place is extra special- this is the first of only 6 nationals park in the country! Located on the southern edge of the lake is Ross Castle, a restored 15th century tower castle museum. And we know that you’re here for the castles but you HAVE to also visit Muckross house which is a manor located within the park.
Oh, and we’d be lying if we said we weren’t humming this classic Bing Crosby tune while we took in the sights! :p
Location & Other Info
Ross Castle, Mountnugent, County Meath, Tel: +(353)871250911, https://www.ross-castle.com
The National Park, Killarney, Co Kerry. Ireland, Tel: +353 (0) 64 6670144, http://www.muckross-house.ie
Pronunciation Made Easy 🙂
Ross Castle- Ross Castle (I mean, this is an easy one)
Why You Should Visit
- Literally one of the most beautiful places in Ireland, if not the world
- Some many beautiful areas and attractions in a concentrated area
- Learn about Tower castles & feudal Ireland
- See how the ‘other half’ lived in 1800’s Ireland
- Explore the oldest Irish national park
- Famed Torc Waterfall is a short driving distance
Muckross House
Quick Attractions Must-See’s & Must-dos
- Explore Muckross house and see their amazing decor & ancient (and extinct) Irish elk
- Spend time on the Muckross house estate & farm & gardens (hello cute farm animals!!)
- See how people lived in the 15th century in restored Ross castle
- Take a short drive to Torc Waterfall to see one of the most magical places on earth! We’re not saying that you’ll see a leprechaun but we’re not saying you won’t
Torc Waterfall
Brief BUT Interesting History
Let’s start with the history of Ross Castle and then we’ll get into Muckross house, as Ross castle is actually a castle and also predates Muckross house by a few centuries.
Ross Castle in Killarney is one of at least 2,900 Tower Houses or Tower Castles in Ireland. Built in the last 15th century by the O’ Donoghues clan as a home and stronghold. The castle changed hands a few times and was eventually leased to the Browne family. Interestingly, Ross castle was one of the last to surrender to Oliver Cromwell in the Irish Confederate Wars. An old Irish prophecy claimed that Ross castle would not fall unless attacked by ship on the lake. The castle was attacked by ship on the lake, proving that some prophecies actually come to fruition.
The Browne family was able to prove that the heir apparent was too young to have been involved in the confederate war so the Brownes were able to keep the castle and surrounding lands. Unfortunately, the Brownes did end up losing both as well as a large house constructed near the castle when they backed King James II. They were exiled for a time and ended up returning to Killarney and building Kenmare Mansion.
The castle ended up being converted to military barracks and was occupied into the 19th century. Today, the castle is owned and operated by the Irish Office of Public Works and serves as an excellent museum showing how Irish clans from the 15th and 16th century lived. This castle is not opulent or extravagant but amazing in its accuracy in depicting history and we loved every minute.
Moving to the newer and more glamorous Muckross house, we’re taking a ten minute jaunt just a wee bit south on a strip of land that borders both Lough Leane lake and Muckross lake. Built by William Arthur Herbert for his wife, famed colorist Mary Balfort Herbert in 1843, Muckross house sits on aptly named, Muckross Peninsula. This large, stately home was built in the popular Tudor style and boasts 65 rooms! The house was finished just before the Irish famine and Mary spent time and funds supporting the local people living on the muckross estate. Mary is also known for her beautiful watercolor works depicting the area’s near Muckross house and Torc waterfalls.
The house underwent major renovations and improvements in the 1850’s in preparation for Queen Victoria’s 1861 visit. These improvements along with the death of William in 1866 contributed to the financial issues of the Herberts. Muckross house was sold to Arthur Guinness in 1899. Guinness never lived in Muckross house but purchased the estate to preserve the beautiful landscape and rent out the home to hunting parties.
In 1911 Muckross house was sold again to a wealthy American and gifted to his daughter Maud and her new husband Arthur Vincent as a wedding gift. The couple adored the house and lived there until her death in 1929. Heartbroken after the loss, Arthur and his in-laws decided to gift the house and the 11,000 acre estate to the new Irish republic as Ireland’s first national park. Initially the park was named Bourn-Vincent Memorial Park but was later changed to Killarney National Park. Later on Killarney Park was expanded with the acquisition of land from the nearby Kenmore Estate.
Today Muckross house is open to the public for guided tours and visitors can explore the lovely gardens, farm areas, and lake.
Ross Castle Interior Room
‘Good to Know’ Tips
- Muckross House has different ticket packages that can save you money on their website- check out options in advance
- Plan 2-6 hours for Muckross house, farm, incredible gardens, and lake areas
- Ross Castle is tucked back along the lake, away from the main area in Killarney- follow your GPS/Google maps
- Plan 2-3 hours to visit Ross Castle and check out optional boat rides in the warmer months
- Plenty of parking is available at both Muckross house and Ross Castle.
- Muckross house has cafes available for visitors and a gift shop as well. As always, we recommend doing souvenirs a bit different*
Gifts & Souvenirs*
Ever find yourself struggling to cram in that book or souvenir from your trip into your already packed suitcase? We recommend buying the book or some cool memorabilia before or after your trip to save you space and have something to look forward to when your trip ends!
