Killarney House and Gardens

About the museum

Killarney House is a nineteenth-century mansion on the edge of Killarney town that was the home of the Earls of Kenmare. After many years out of use it was restored by the State, with the gardens reopened to the public first and the house following in stages, as part of a multi-million euro project run with Fáilte Ireland and the national heritage authorities. Some of the first rooms to reopen, including the garden room, dining room, drawing room and sitting room, were restored in period style and show antiques once owned by the original residents.

Today the house is the Killarney National Park Visitor Centre, managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. A free interpretive exhibition in 15 rooms, with graphic panels, films and interactive displays, explains the history, geology, flora, fauna and biodiversity of Killarney National Park, which includes the lakes, the Muckross estate and Ireland's first national park. Staff and guides give advice on walks, places to see and activities, and professional guided tours of the house are offered.

The formal gardens that surround the house are open every day and serve as a gateway to the park. The local education and training board has developed an outdoor maths trail together with Killarney House and Gardens.

Highlights

• Free interactive exhibition in 15 rooms on Killarney National Park
• Period rooms restored in the style of the Earls of Kenmare
• Visitor information centre with advice on walks and sights
• Historic gardens open daily as a gateway to the park
• Guided tours of the house

Permanent exhibition

• Killarney National Park interpretive exhibition – A free interactive exhibition in 15 rooms about the history, geology, plants, wildlife and conservation of Killarney National Park.

Operated by

National Parks and Wildlife Service

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

The interactive exhibition is free of charge.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The park authority publishes an accessibility page for the Killarney National Park sites.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Hands-on stations

The park offers family activities and school programmes, and the exhibition is interactive.

Getting there & parking

The house is on Muckross Road at the edge of Killarney town. Vehicles may not drive through the gardens and heritage sites.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit