Muckross

Muckross House and Gardens are the focal point of Killarney National Park. The house was designed by the Scottish Architect William Burn for Henry Arthur Herbert and his wife, the artist Mary Balfour Herbert. The house was completed in 1843 and today is one of the most visited houses in Ireland.

The extensive gardens surrounding Muckross House were initiated during the 1850’s in preparation for a visit by Queen Victoria in 1861. However, it was not until Bourn Vincent purchased the estate early in the 20^th century that the Sunken Garden, Rock Garden and Stream Garden that we see today were developed.

Muckross Abbey, Co. Kerry

Of particular historic interest is Muckross Abbey. The first monastery was established at the site in the 6^th century by St. Fionán to alleviate the overflow at the Inisfallen Abbey. However, the first monastery was burnt down in 1192 and the abbey we see today was founded in 1448 by Observantine Franciscans. According to tradition, the huge Yew Tree that stands in the centre of the main courtyard is said to be as old as the Abbey itself. This would make it over 560 years old.