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Hope of some sort of recovery in 2021 for Muckross House, Gardens and Traditional Farms

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By Donal Hickey, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Muckross House, Gardens and Traditional Farms

 

Like every other visitor-orientated operation, Muckross – a partnership between the State and a voluntary board of trustees - had a ‘challenging’ 2020, but there are hopes of some sort of recovery in 2021.

The outlook for the coach tour business and overseas visitors, however, is poor and many places will again be looking to Irish people to make up for these losses in some way.

In ‘normal’ years, between 110,000 and 120,000 people visit the House, and around 70,000 to the Farms.
Last summer in Killarney, we had a large influx of Irish people, families in particular, which compensated in part for the lack of other visitors and the year overall would be far worse only for that.
The immediate priority in Muckross is to recover from the adverse effects of COVID-19, to get the business moving again and to safeguard employment. The Muckross trustees employ around 65 people and at least as many more are taken on as seasonal staff.
The house was built in 1843 and, given its age, ongoing and expensive maintenance works are required.
The restaurant, craft shop, weaving, pottery, bookbinding, research library and farms are run by the trustees, but the trustees have no responsibility for the National Park.

PROJECTS

Most of the big projects by the trustees, in recent years, involved work to the House, including the restoration of all the windows and repairs to the roof and chimney at a cost of around €1.2m. Work was also done to the basement of the house, including the old laundry and servants’ dining hall, at a further cost of €0.47m.

A capital project currently nearing completion in the restoration of the old Victorian stables which also involves the provision of new toilets and refurbished offices upstairs.
In the next few years, the focus will switch to the Traditional Farms which were opened almost 30 years ago. Repair and maintenance work is needed there, especially to the old houses. That work would be phased over a number of a years. The schoolhouse was the last major project on the Farms, seven years ago.
The Farms will be open in 2021 and we hope that more visitor activities can take place there than was the case in 2020, when people were just allowed walk through the place. The level of activities on the Farms in 2021 will, of course, depend on what’s permitted under COVID-19 restrictions.
HOPE
I’d be hopeful of a general improvement in 2021, particularly in the second half of the year, and am confident Muckross will bounce back once ‘normality’ returns.
Major new capital projects are unlikely to begin in the short-term, however. Priorities include new and upgraded car parking facilities and the restoration of the glasshouses, which are well over 100-years-old.
But, ambitious plans for a multi-million Euro boating museum, based on the history and lore of the fabled Lakes of Killarney, have definitely been pushed further down the road by the present crisis.

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Generous public raises over €1,400 at Christmas Day Goal Mile

Organisers of the Killarney Goal Mile have extended their sincere thanks to the local community following an “overwhelmingly successful” event on Christmas Day. The annual fundraiser, which took place in […]

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Organisers of the Killarney Goal Mile have extended their sincere thanks to the local community following an “overwhelmingly successful” event on Christmas Day.

The annual fundraiser, which took place in the Killarney House and Gardens, saw a massive turnout of walkers and runners. Goal Ireland has officially acknowledged a total of €882.50 raised in cash on the day, with a further €535 donated through the online portal, bringing the combined total for the international aid agency to over €1,400.
In a statement of appreciation, Goal Ireland noted that the generosity shown in Killarney will help transform the lives of millions of vulnerable people in 2025. The funds will provide food, shelter, and safety for refugees in Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. Locally, the money will also support street children in Ethiopia and provide training and tools for young entrepreneurs to support their communities.
Closer to home, Kerry Cancer Support Services also expressed deep gratitude to participants for their impressive generosity. Organiser Anne Mangan highlighted the vital role of the charity’s transport service, which is a primary beneficiary of the local collection.
“The transport service is described by those using it as a travelling support group,” Ms Mangan said. “It offers not just transport to appointments, but comfort, understanding, and companionship during what can be a very difficult time for patients and their families.”
The organisers concluded by offering a “Míle Buíochas” to everyone who took time out of their Christmas morning to support these two worthy causes.

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Beaufort Golf Club reopening under new management

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Beaufort Golf Club is entering a new chapter as it is set to reopen under new management.

The Magill Family, who own the course, have described the reopening as a “modern but respectful evolution” of the club, building on Beaufort’s strong heritage while investing in facilities, technology and experiences that appeal to younger players and new members.

Pauline, the club’s new Golf Operations Manager, alongside Ella, are now the welcoming faces of Beaufort Golf Club.

Both have been overwhelmed by the positive response from members and the wider local community, with strong support evident since the reopening.

A major redevelopment of the clubhouse kitchen and restaurant is currently underway.

Central to this project is the finalisation of a new, fully branded restaurant franchise, to be run on site by a five-star Michelin trained chef.

Beaufort Golf Club is set to become the first golf club in County Kerry to fully adopt robotic mowing technology for its fairways, representing a major advancement in course maintenance, consistency, and sustainability.

The robotic mowing programme is led by new Head Greenkeeper Padraig Bruton, alongside Tony who remains onsite with an expanded greens team.

Looking ahead, the club has ambitious but carefully phased plans. Shane Spellman, who is overseeing the investment, said “the club is exploring complementary leisure and sporting activities on site, including a padel court, golf simulation and other facilities, all to broaden its appeal and strengthen its role as a community hub”

To mark the reopening, Beaufort Golf Club is offering a reduced sign-up fee for new members until the end of January, while welcoming back former members at existing rates.

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