The beloved Dinis Cottage Tea Room on Muckross Lake, Killarney National Park, is reopening for the summer season on Saturday, at 10.00 am.

Boatman and local historian John Michael Lyne operates from Muckross boathouse John’s knowledge of the lakes and interest in wildlife is remarkable. Generations of John Michael’s family have been involved with Muckross and Killarney National Park. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

Donal Dux O'Donoghue on the Gap of Dunloe Traditional Boat Trip. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

illarney Boatman Tony Fleming showing visitors the various wildlife and history of Lough Lein during the fine spell of weather .Photo:Valerie O'Sullivan

The management team of Killarney National Park were on hand to welcome this year's custodians - Ed Lacey and Oona Tibbetts, both founders of Wild Sup Tours, (water adventure sports) in Kerry. They are passionate about the environment and Killarney National Park. They hope to serve the finest local produce for the season ahead.

The reopening of the Dinis Cottage is particularly welcomed by the traditional boatmen who operate on the Lakes of Killarney. Boat Operator John Michael Lyne’s family have links to Muckross Lake and Dinis Cottage for 250 years. His knowledge of the lakes is spellbinding, five generations of boatmen, one of the Lyne relatives, rowed Queen Victoria’s barge on the lakes of Killarney during her visit in 1861. J
ohn Michael said, “ I’m delighted to see Dinis Cottage back in action. It is such a lovely amenity and has that special old world charm, often the highlight of peoples' boat trip on Muckross Lake”.

The Fleming family boatmen operate, Ross Castle Boat Tours, on the Lakes of Killarney, Tony Fleming commented “ The opening of Dinis Cottage adds significant value to the Meeting of the Waters tour experience. This charming 19th-century lodge, nestled on the shores of Muckross Lake within Killarney National Park offers visitors a unique glimpse into local history and natural beauty”.
Killarney boating Legend Donal ‘Dux’ O’Donoghue, whose unique quirky stories, and wildlife spotting have brought the famous Gap of Dunlop Lakes of traditional boat tours to another generation - again the O’Donoghue family have been synonymous with the Lakes of Killarney for over 250 years. “ It’s always amazing to be able to stop off at Dinis Cottage, it’s like going back in time, we wish Ed and Oona the very best of luck for the season ahead”

Dinis Cottage will be open every day from 10.00 am - 5.00 pm for the coming season. Ed and Oona said, “We’re really looking forward to the challenge this summer, what a beautiful setting on Dinis Island, Dinis Cottage has such character, we love hearing the stories of the engravings of rings on the Victorian window. Of course the famous cakes by the late great Betty Crosbie, we hope we can live up to all the past operators.”

The Herberts of Muckross built the original Dinis Cottage in the 1700’s as a hunting lodge. By 1820 the famous cottage was rebuilt after falling into ruin. The Herberts managed to Retain its old-world Victorian charm, the famous tea rooms have been serving locals and visitors for over 250 years.