News
Killarney’s successful bid will bring Yeats painting back home
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THE Trustees of Muckross House and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, were successful this week in their bid to purchase a painting by John Butler Yeats, which is of historic significance to Muckross House.
“Yeats: the Family Collection” was auctioned yesterday at Sotheby’s in London. The painting, “Mrs Herbert of Muckross with a Maltese Terrier” is by John Butler Yeats (JBY). This was the artist’s first big commission which he received in 1872 and completed in 1873.
It was painted in front of the wallpaper that is still perfectly preserved in Muckross House. She was born Emily Julia Charlotte Keane in January 1848 and married Major Henry Arthur Herbert (known as Harry) in October 1866. It is said that, shortly after the painting was completed, Mrs Herbert left Muckross and never returned. Consequently, her husband refused to accept the portrait and it ended up in the room of JBY’s friend Edward Dowden, at Trinity College.
Following the death of Dowden, the painting was returned to the Yeats family where it since remained. Emily and Harry were divorced in 1882. She died in 1911.
Geraldine Rosney, Chairperson of the Trustees of Muckross House, said the Trustees are happy to welcome it to its rightful place.
“The acquisition of such a significant painting is a further example of this commitment on the part of the Board of Trustees. I’d like to thank the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht who assisted us in making this purchase and without whose help it would not have been possible,” she said. The Trustees are looking forward to unveiling the painting in the very near future.
Green light for Torc Dinis walkway
Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis inside Killarney National Park.
An Coimisiún Pleanála confirmed permission for the elevated platform project, which will complete the popular scenic loop while removing a dangerous 800-metre section along the busy N71 Killarney to Kenmare road.
Walkers and cyclists currently have to navigate narrow bends alongside heavy vehicular traffic and tour buses to complete the circuit between the Dinis and Torc car parks.
Mayor of Killarney John O’Donoghue welcomed the decision, calling it a transformative development for the region: “Since beginning in the Council in 2021, this has been one of my priorities as an issue I inherited from my predecessor Michael Gleeson, he being the first person to initially pursue the idea. I have repeatedly kept it on the agenda at Council meetings and now delighted to see we finally have positive news as this decision, which has been long overdue and eagerly awaited, will prove transformative for the area.”
Mayor O’Donoghue added: “The path, which will be on the lakeside, will offer views to rival those anywhere in the world and I have no doubt will prove very popular with locals and visitors alike. Huge credit is due to Kerry County Council and the NPWS for their co-operation on the issue. Once the decision has passed through its statutory waiting period, the design and tender stage can begin.”
The project, which will be built on a raised platform to protect the natural habitat beneath, will also be fully accessible for people with mobility issues. Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce also welcomed the green light, noting that the completed loop will create a major safe attraction showcasing Muckross Lake, Dinis Cottage, and the Old Weir Bridge.
LAKESIDE PATH: An Coimisiún Pleanála has approved planning permission for a new raised walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis in Killarney National Park.
LOCAL GOLD: Terrie O’Shea, founder and owner of Killarney-based business Sorella Berries, celebrating her Gold award win at the Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards held in Dingle last week. Her hand-crafted chocolate covered strawberries secured the top spot in national competition, earning recognition for the local food producer on the national stage.
Green light for Torc to Dinis walkway
Green light for Torc Dinis walkway Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc...
LOCAL GOLD:
LOCAL GOLD: Terrie O’Shea, founder and owner of Killarney-based business Sorella Berries, celebrating her Gold award win at the Blas...
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