House & Gardens KILLARNEY Gateway to the National Park

| By Margaret O’Regan

Killarney is the place that launched a billion postcards. And now that postcards are a dying art form, it’s becoming the place that launched a billion tweets, Facebook posts and Instagram pics.

At the heart of it all is the majestic Killarney National Park, which has attracted visitors and tourists for well over 250 years. The Park covers 26,000 acres and includes the Muckross and Kenmare Estates, and stunning Lakes of Killarney.

The Park contains a unique combination of picturesque lakes, mountains, ancient woodlands, wildlife and antiquities. This varied landscape includes the most extensive native woodlands in Ireland, lakes, rivers, blanket bog and heathland. It is home to a collection of plants and animals that live nowhere else in Northern Europe: Strawberry Tree, Kerry Slug, Irish Spurge, St Patrick’s Cabbage and the Killarney Fern. Killarney House dates from the 1700s and was originally the stable block of the first residence of the Earls of Kenmare, the

Browne family, but in the late 1950s it was bought by ‘The Man Who Built Washington’, Philadelphia’s John McShain, and his wife, Mary. It became the Irish home for the McShains and their daughter, Sr Pauline McShain. The family gifted Killarney House and its estate to the Irish people, to be incorporated into the Killarney National Park. The house and gardens have been carefully restored to their former glory and today you can enjoy a tour of the historic rooms and take in the beauty of the extensive pleasure gardens.

The new interpretive exhibition is now the gateway to Killarney National Park, and will lead you to discover more about this beautiful and diverse landscape and the work to protect it.

Our National Park is the best of our natural inheritance, to cherish and protect as a legacy for future generations. Come and enjoy our little piece of ‘Heaven on Earth’: discover Killarney House and its beautiful gardens.

OPENING TIMES:

9.15am to 5.15pm (seven days a week) (Closed between 1pm and 2pm for lunch)

Guided tours daily

E: infokillarneyhouse@npws.gov.ie

Tel: 01 539 3620 www.nationalparks.ie/killarney www.facebook.com/KillarneyNationalPark

Killarney House dates from the early 1700s and was originally the stable block of the first residence of the Browne Family who became the Earls of Kenmare. In the early twentieth century the house was transformed into a private residence and today it is the Visitor Centre for Killarney National Park. Killarney House and Gardens has been carefully restored to its former glory.

Visit for free the family-friendly, modern, interactive exhibition and discover more about the Park’s beautiful and diverse landscape, its history, and the NPWS’s work to protect and conserve our natural and wild heritage. Tour the three historic rooms that our welcoming Visitor Guides illuminate with the history and stories of the people that lived and worked in Killarney House. Come and visit – we are looking forward to seeing you.

Opening times: 9:15 am to 1pm and 2pm to 5:15pm

Phone: 01 539 3620 Email: infokillarneyhouse@npws.gov.ie www.nationalparks.ie/killarney/

The local cuisine draws inspiration from traditional Irish dishes, as well as international flavours from around the world. One of the must-try dishes in Killarney is the classic Irish stew, made with tender pieces of beef, root vegetables, and aromatic herbs. For seafood lovers, the town offers a variety of fresh fish restaurants. Don’t forget to indulge in some of the local cheeses and artisanal bread, which are perfect for a quick snack or a picnic in the park. With its rich and diverse food scene, Killarney is a foodie’s paradise that’s full of flavour and character. From upscale to on the go, there is an option for all pockets.

THE PEREGRINE Killarney Park

The newest addition to The Killarney Park, The Peregrine is undoubtedly one of Killarney’s most stylist new restaurants.

Nestled in the heart of Killarney in a contemporary setting, Executive Head Chef Eric Kavanagh and his team have created an exceptional culinary dining experience which celebrates Kerry’s finest produce. Expect a relaxing ambience perfect for romantic dinners as well as those intimate gatherings with friends and family. The Peregrine promises a unique experience to savour, where your taste buds are delighted, your senses are ignited and where magical moments take flight. To make a reservation, call +353 64 66 35555

T: +353 64 6635555

E: info@killarneyparkhotel.ie www.killarneyparkhotel.ie

EIRCODE: V93 CF30

THE TAN YARD Plaza Hotel

The Tan Yard Restaurant is the perfect location to enjoy an atmospheric and intimate dining experience with friends or family.

Located in the Killarney Plaza Hotel, where town centre meets National Park, The Tan Yard restaurant boasts magnificent views, a comfortable and relaxed interior and a menu which draws inspiration from its natural surrounds. Featuring prime cuts, vegan options and artfully prepared cocktails using the best of local produce, The Tan Yard promises to take its diners on an immersive farm to fork experience.

T: +353 64 6621177

E: bookings@thetanyardkillarney.ie www.thetanyardkillarney.ie

EIRCODE: V93 X3VW