News
Muckross House opens a new chapter in its history
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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
BREAKING: Move finally underway at new Killarney Community Nursing Unit
The HSE has confirmed to the Killarney Advertiser that the long-awaited move to the new Killarney Community Nursing Unit is officially underway.
Earlier today, HSE staff began transferring resident belongings and medical equipment into the newly built multimillion-euro facility on Lewis Road. The phased relocation of residents from St Columbanus Home and Killarney District Hospital will take place over the coming days, with the first residents expected to be settled into the new hospital by the end of this week.
This development marks a major step forward for the facility after a long series of false starts, including a recently missed target date of Monday, August 10.
In a statement issued today, the HSE confirmed the commencement of the transfer and outlined the scale of the operation.
“HSE South West is this week beginning the process of moving to Killarney Community Nursing Unit, on a phased basis,” the statement read. “This is a significant logistical operation, involving the move of a significant number of residents with varying levels of needs. There are a number of factors which will affect how long the move will take, however we are working to move all residents safely and in the shortest possible timeframe.”
Private dog park to open near Gap of Dunloe
Killarney and its surrounding areas are set to gain a long-awaited dog park, though the new facility will be a privately operated venture rather than a municipal amenity.
Located in the Gap of Dunloe near Kate Kearney’s Cottage (Eircode V93 K7N2), the enclosed park has been designed to provide a safe space for dogs to run freely.
Co-owner Declan Casey said that the facility will cater to both open socialising and private bookings, allowing owners of nervous dogs or restricted breeds to reserve the space exclusively for hour-long sessions.
The private initiative comes after repeated calls for a public dog park in the area over recent years. In May 2021, Councillor Brendan Cronin put forward a motion requesting that the Municipal District build a facility in town, citing a similar successful scheme in Lucan, County Dublin.
At the time, council officials noted that while the project had merit, local authority land was unavailable and discussions with the National Parks and Wildlife Service would be required.
The issue was raised again in January 2023 by Councillor John O’Donoghue, who highlighted the growing number of dog-friendly local businesses and the rising demand for dedicated space. However, Kerry County Council stated it had no plans to construct a public facility due to challenges around funding, location, and ongoing maintenance.
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