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 19th-century friary with Belgian and Irish decoration |
Fair Hill Killarney, Co. Kerry Ireland +353 64 31 334 |
Built in 1867, the Friary Church is a fascinating combination of both Irish and Belgian styles. The interior walls are painted with intricate, Celtic designs, while a stunning Flemish high altar dominates the back gable. This altar has elaborately carved niches featuring beautiful wooden statues of angels and saints. The two most prominent niches feature statues of St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, and St Joseph, the patron saint of Belgium. Within the sacristy of the altar is the skull of Fr. Francis O'Sullivan, Provincial of the 62 Irish Franciscan houses when he was brutally murdered in 1653. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Brian M. Kane |
 Photo: Robert English |
 Photo: Alan Creech  |
 Photo: Melody Koert-Saul |
 Traditional lace designs and lace museum |
The Heritage Centre The Square Killarney, Co. Kerry Ireland +353 64 42636 / +353 64 41491 |
In 1862 Sister M. F. Cusack, known as "The Nun of Kenmare," began teaching lace making in the town. Devised as a relief measure providing employment for women, the lace quickly became known around the world for its beauty and quality. An American millionaire paid £300stg in 1886 for a Kenmare Lace bedspread, an amazing sum for the time. Gradually the tradition of lace-making waned as fashions changed and demand decreased. Today, Kenmare Lace is being made once again. A group of local women have revived the tradition and saved the art from extinction. Their work is on display, with pieces for sale in the Design Centre. Occasionally, there are demonstrations of the technique as well. The Centre also has a fine collection of antique lace that was made during Kenmare's lace-making heyday. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 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 |
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Unusual Edwardian church in the manner of Luytens |
Countess Road Killarney, Co. Kerry Ireland +353 64 3 7753 |
Although Methodism began in Kerry in 1790, the Killarney Methodist Church is the only active Methodist community in the county today. The present building was completed in 1911. The charming church interior is in the manner of Sir Edwin Lutyens, with red brick walls and green tiled windowsills. On the back wall a trio of leaded glass windows symbolise Ireland, England, and Scotland with shamrocks, roses, and thistles. The active congregation makes visitors extremely welcome and offers a variety of social activities in addition to religious services. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tim Callahan |
 Photo: Mary K. Savelli |
 Photo: vadrefjord |
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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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A unique collection of vintage cars and bicycles |
Scotts Gardens Killarney, Co. Kerry Ireland +353 64 3 2638 |
This is a comprehensive collection of Irish cars and bicycles through the ages. There are numerous motor vehicles in great condition, from the 1898 Benz to the 1981 DeLorean. The 1914 Wolseley driven by James Mason in The Blue Max and the 1925 Vulcan, which appeared in the film Michael Collins, are other priceless exhibits. Pride of the motor collection is the one-of-a-kind 1907 Silver Stream made in Co. Kildare. The museum also has a large bicycle collection that traces the history and development of the bicycle from 1825 to modern times. Admission: EUR 5 for adults; EUR 3.50 for students and seniors; EUR 2 for children. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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19th-century school of historic importance |
Cathedral Place Killarney, Co. Kerry Ireland +353 64 3 1633 |
In 1793 Nano Nagle and Bishop Moylan founded the Killarney Presentation Convent. Nagle, founder of the Presentation Order and pioneer of Catholic Irish education, lead a wealthy and privileged life in France for most of her youth. Upon her return to Ireland, she braved imprisonment and death to establish Presentation Catholic schools. The Killarney site began as a convent, establishing a school in 1887. The school's main building is an attractive brick structure with many period features. Arched windows framed by arched concrete moldings attest to its religious associations. The school was extended in 1980, but has maintained its original street frontage. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Unique statue to four Gaelic poets |
Fair Hill Killarney, Co. Kerry Ireland +353 64 3 1633 |
The Speir Bhean (Spirit Woman) monument is a commissioned statue honouring Kerry's four leading Gaelic poets. Somewhat stark, the statue was a controversial choice. The four commemorated men are Piaras Feirtear (1616-1653), Geoffrey O'Donoghue (120-1690), Aogan O'Rahilly (1670-1726), and Eoghan Rua O'Sullivan (1748-1784). In addition to writing evocative poetry, Piaras Feirtear was an active fighter for Irish independence. It is particularly poignant that he was hung across the roundabout from the monument, where the Franciscan Friary Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Gothic Revival cathedral designed by A.W. Pugin |
Cathedral Place Killarney, Co. Kerry Ireland +353 64 3 1014 |
Designed by Augutus W. Pugin in English Gothic style, St Mary's Cathedral is regarded as his finest Irish work. It was completed in 1855, strictly adhering to Pugin's exterior and interior designs. During the Famine, construction work stopped for five years while the covered area of the cathedral was used as a fever hospital. In the 1970s the then Bishop of Kerry, Dr. Eamon Casey, spearheaded a refurbishment of the cathedral. While the exterior was restored to its original glory, the interior was modernised with concrete altars and pews replacing the carved wood originals. The Augutus W. Pugin designed furnishings are now on display in the Muckross House Folk Museum. All of the original stained glass windows are intact and are quite beautiful. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sean Munson |
 Photo: Gaël Hernandez |
 Photo: Susie Boeckmann |
 Photo: Felix Haslimeier |
 Photo: Dave Meehan |
 Photo: Deon Stephenson |
 Photo: Kelly Delaney |
 Photo: Sharon & Larry Gallagher |
 Photo: Irish Dave |
 Photo: atutitu09 |
 Photo: Alexandra Diaz |
 Photo: Kevin Pulliam |
 Photo: Bud Kocher |
 Photo: Kiersten Wheeler |
 Photo: Chris Haines |
 Photo: Janelle Payne |
 Photo: Bruce Niedt |
 Photo: Alyssa Barker |
 Photo: Bruno R. Yasoni |
 Photo: davide olivi |
 Photo: John Regan |
 Photo: Christi Cerdà |
 Photo: Philip Nevin |
 Photo: Ian Helsby |
 Photo: SiMPa-tica |
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Anglican church built in English Gothic style |
Rookery Close Ballycasheen Killarney, Co. Kerry Ireland +353 643 1832 |
This very pretty church was built in 1870 in English Gothic style. Long ago, the site was part an ancient religious complex and once included St Mary's Well, reputed to cure a variety of ailments. The interior of the church is quite attractive with impressive stained glass windows and gothic details. In contrast to churches on a grander scale, it may be easier to appreciate the intricate interior architecture and decoration here. The Victorian tiled floor is particularly impressive. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Emily Hegarty |
 Photo: Emily Hegarty |
 Photo: niallosul |