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A NEW era in the running of historic Muckross House, Killarney, has been ushered in with the signing of a fresh agreement for the running of the leading tourist attraction between the State and a local board of trustees.

Rory D’Arcy, chairman of the board of trustees, welcomed what he described as a new development in the partnership with the National Parks and Wildlife Service. The partnership has been in operation for more than 50 years.

Michael Ring, Minister of State for Regional Economic Development, signed on behalf of the State and Mr D’Arcy signed on behalf of the trustees.

The board of trustees of Muckross House is a voluntary body with charitable status. The trustees share a common interest in the preservation of Muckross House in particular, as well as in the history and folk life of Kerry.

The board works in close cooperation with the Department in the care and upkeep of Muckross House.

At the prompting of the first board of trustees, led by the late Dr Frank Hilliard, Muckross House opened to the public as a folk museum on June 14, 1964. Since then, the board of trustees has been involved in the management of this magnificent House.

This latest agreement, which covers the next five years, continues the successful partnership approach built up by the State and previous boards. Mr D’Arcy said it is a fine example of what can be achieved with the goodwill and endeavour of the community working in conjunction with the State.

“This is a historic day for the Trustees and this agreement further emphasises our commitment to safeguarding the historic fabric of Muckross House for future generations,” he said.
“It is the start of a new era and that commitment is emphasised by the ongoing Capital Works Programme which includes the refurbishment of the windows.”

Minister Ring said: “Looking back, the founding members of the Trustees of Muckross House deserve enormous credit for their foresight and initiative at a time when economic development and the promotion of a quality tourist product in this State was at a very modest level indeed. “With the new agreement that we have signed today, I am confident that a framework for the successful continuation and further development of this partnership is in place.

“This agreement will ensure the management and preservation of Muckross House to the highest standards and the promotion of Muckross House and its ancillary facilities as a State Heritage facility.”

Visitor numbers to the house last year were 129,000, a number which has steadily increased over the last number of years.
 

 
Minister Michael Ring, Rory D'Arcy, back row, Frank Lewis, Trustee, Pat Dawson, Regional Manager, NPWS, Ann Tangney, Head Guide, Muckross House, Cllr Michael Gleeson, Trustee, Trevor Donnelly, NPWS, Bernard Collins, Trustee, Geraldine Rosney, Vice Chair Trustees, Michael Larkin, Trustee, Marcus Treacy, Trustee, Senator Paul Coughlan, Trustee, MEP Sean Kelly, Padruig O'Sullivan, NPWS Ranger Base, Michael O'Shea, Trustee, Adam Larragy, NPWS, and Denis Reidy, Manager Muckross House.
PICTURE: VALERIE O’SULLIVAN