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 Historic house once belonged to Daniel O'Connell |
Caherdaniel Killarney, Co. Kerry Ireland +353 66 947 5113 |
Derrynane House was the home of Catholic emancipator Daniel O'Connell (1775-1847). An impressive speaker, he was Ireland's first Catholic MP. O'Connell was born into a very old, wealthy Irish family that had made their fortune through smuggling and trading. Ironically, these illegal gains enabled Daniel O'Connell to pursue a career in law and politics. The charming house has been carefully restored and includes many unique pieces of furniture and possessions. Included is the dueling pistol O'Connell used to shoot John d'Esterre, as well as the single black glove O'Connell wore to church each week to mourn his victim. The gardens around the house are quite beautiful and worth a stroll. For those who want to go further, there is an interesting walk along the dunes. Admission rates for adults is EUR2.50; for senior citizens/students it is EUR2; while for children it is EUR1.50. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Stunning gardens with medieval castle ruin |
Hotel Dunloe Castle Beaufort Killarney, Co. Kerry Ireland +353 64 4 4111 |
These world renowned gardens have a very wide variety of plants and shrubs. Surrounding the shell of MacThomas' medieval tower house with the Gap of Dunloe as a backdrop, they are quite breathtaking - few gardens have such a dramatic setting. Camellias, magnolias, roses, rhododendrons, Australian gums, South African lilies, New Zealand cabbage trees, Japanese maples, North American dogwoods, and Chinese swamp cypress all feature. Non-residents are made very welcome. A plant catalogue is available at reception where visitors should apply for admission. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Stunning gardens with mountain backdrop |
Kenmare Place Killarney, Co. Kerry Ireland +353 64 3 1633 |
Recently willed to the town, these lovely gardens are a peaceful oasis in the centre of Killarney. Pleasant paths skirt along expanses of manicured lawns, shaped trees, and flowerbeds. Cherry Lane, spectacular in spring when the trees lining the road are in full bloom, leads to Knockreer Estate and Ross Castle. The gardens' centrepiece is Killarney House. Once an immense stable, it was converted into a stylish home in the early 1900s. The house is currently undergoing extensive restoration and is closed to the public. The interesting exterior provides a charming foil for the surrounding gardens. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Pat Neary |
 Photo: Mandy Leahy |
 Photo: Pat Neary |
 Photo: Kari Wright |
 Scenic graveyard with interesting history |
Muckross Village Killarney, Co. Kerry Ireland +353 64 3 1633 |
Killegy stands on a hill overlooking Muckross Estate. Dating from the 12th century, the site's small church was rebuilt as a mortuary chapel in the 18th century for Colonel Maurice Hussey of Cahernane. At the front of the hill stands an enormous Celtic cross. This marks where Henry Arthur Herbert of Muckross House is buried. Rudolf Erich Raspe, author of The Adventures of Baron Munchausen, is also here in an unmarked grave. On the left side of the hill is the understated grave of Arthur Rose Vincent. The last private owner of the Muckross Estate, Arthur Rose Vincent gave the estate to the Irish Nation. Locals claim he was buried standing up so as he could look over his beloved lakes for eternity. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Estate gardens and abundant wildlife |
Cathedral Place Killarney, Co. Kerry Ireland +353 64 35960 |
The most accessible area of the 25,000-acre Killarney National Park, this was the estate of the Browne Family, Earls of Kenmare. There are several gentle walks through the extensive grounds with spectacular lake views, oak wood demesne, and formal gardens. Varying in length from a modest half kilometre to several kilometres, almost all ages and abilities are catered for. A variety of wildlife can be seen including Red deer, Sika deer, otters, and birds. Herds of black Kerry Cattle, originally brought to Ireland by the Celts, are also featured in Knockreer. The thatched Deenagh Lodge gatehouse once guarded the front estate entrance. It now serves coffee and snacks during the summer. The estate is quite easy to explore with maps posted at most junctions. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: mozzercork  |
 Photo: JC O'Shea |
 Photo: sabrina joyce |
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15th-century abbey with ancient graveyard |
Muckross Estate Killarney, Co. Kerry Ireland +353 64 3 1633 |
Built in 1448, this Franciscan friary is one of the best preserved in Ireland. The ruins are partly Norman, partly Gothic, with impressive cloisters surrounding a massive yew tree; this yew is said to be as old as the abbey itself. When the abbey was attacked in 1589, the friars hid sacred vessels and church valuables on one of the 30 lake islands. Although tortured, the friars would not reveal their secret and the riches were never found. The abbey is surrounded by a graveyard, which holds the remains of ancient O'Sullivan, MacGillycuddy, and O'Donoghue chieftains, as well as the last King of Desmond. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Daniel White |
 Photo: Daniel White |
 Photo: David B. Vernon |
 Photo: Woody Wade |
 Photo: Mark Riley |
 Photo: R. Streibel |
 Photo: Andrew J. Siegel |
 Photo: Andrew J. Siegel |
 Photo: Vincent Chamard |
 Photo: Tobias Engelhardt |
 Photo: Andrea L. Emrick |
 Photo: pweiland2001 |
 Photo: Shannon Hauser |
 Photo: thsandok |
 Photo: Amy Kidd |
 Photo: Mieneke Andeweg |