News
Smiles of welcome as Killarney House opens to the public
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THE doors of Killarney House swung open this morning as the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Heather Humphreys, together with Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Brendan Griffin, performed the official launch.
The €10 million project was announced in 2011 by then Minister Jimmy Deenihan and involved a major refurbishment programme for the House and its ornamental grounds and gardens. The project involved collaboration with the Office of Public Works as project managers and Fáilte Ireland.
The three principal rooms of the house, which have been restored to their former glory, are now open to the public for the first time – the dining room, the living room/library and the drawing room. The house is being developed as the main visitor and interpretative centre for the National Park, highlighting the beauty and interpreting the richness and significance of the Park’s landscapes, habitats, flora and fauna as well as telling the story of man’s interaction with the Park over the centuries.
Speaking today Minister Humphreys said: “I am delighted to be here today to officially open the wonderfully refurbished Killarney House, which will be a fantastic addition to the town's already rich tourism offering. The House's setting is absolutely beautiful, with the ornate gardens already proving very popular with visitors and locals alike. The location of Killarney House is also unique and I have no doubt that it will help to draw many visitors staying in the town into the expanse of the National Park.
"It's great to see the main rooms of the House being open to the public for the first time as we enter the peak summer holiday season. Work will continue on the National Park Visitor Centre at the House which, once complete, will provide an added attraction to visitors and an excellent opportunity to explain the significance and importance of the natural heritage of Killarney and Kerry.
“I am also pleased to announce today that the Irish Museum of Modern Art and my Department have agreed a partnership to showcase its collections in Killarney House, which is a wonderful example of how our National Cultural Institutions can expand their reach.”
Significant State investment has been made in Killarney House, with collaboration across a number of Departments and agencies. “Today is a milestone for the town of Killarney who for so long wanted to see the house restored and utilised for the benefit of the local community and economy. This project is a great example of how investing in our natural and built heritage contributes positively to sustainable tourism,” added Minister Humphreys.
Speaking today Minister of State Griffin said: “Killarney House and Gardens, located within walking distance of the town centre, provide an added attraction for visitors and a vital link between the town and the National Park. It also provides another experience for visitors who are exploring Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. 2016 was a record year for tourism and that strong performance is continuing into 2017. A key part of the tourism success story is our policy of investing in heritage sites such as Killarney House.”
The leas-chathaoirleach of the Seanad, Senator Paul Coghlan, Ballydowney, Killarney, said: "The restored gardens were opened to the public last year and I am delighted that we are now seeing the opening of the rooms of the house with original furniture of Lord Castlerosse, Earls of Kenmare and ‘The Man Who Built Washington’, John McShain.”
Killarney House at a glance
KILLARNEY HOUSE, previously known as Kenmare House, was the seat of the Kenmare family until 1956. The Kenmare family are descended from Sir Valentine Browne, appointed Surveyor-General of Ireland by Queen Elizabeth I in 1559.
In 1952, the seventh and last Earl of Kenmare died leaving Kenmare House and Estate to his niece Mrs Beatrice Grosvenor. In 1956 the House with a section of the estate was sold and eventually acquired by Mr John McShain, an American of Irish descent, who, with his wife, used the House as a summer residence from 1958 until their deaths
In 1979, Mr McShain sold the estate to the Office of Public Works to be incorporated into the National Park with the provision that the use of Killarney House and its immediate surrounds be reserved for his wife and himself for their lifetimes. In 1998 upon Mrs McShain’s death, the State took over the property.
The three principal rooms of the house have been restored to their former glory and are presented much as they were when the McShain family was in residence. The items on display include items that originated in the former Kenmare House and also many fine pieces acquired by John and Mary McShain.
The house is set in extensive gardens which lead into the wider demesne area and from there into the natural zone of the National Park. The House is situated in the southern edge of Killarney Town Centre. Its formal entrance, known as the ‘Golden Gates’ faces Countess Road and is less than 400m from the centre of the town.
In 2011, the Minister announced a major refurbishment programme for Killarney House and its ornamental grounds and gardens.
Above: The Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Heather Humphreys TD, sitting at the writing desk of Lord Castlerosse, 6th Earl of Kenmare, shares a joke with Pat Dawson, Manager, Killarney House & Gardens, and Harry O’Donoghue, whose family have connections with the house for three generations. PICTURE: VALERIE O'SULLIVAN
Patient transfer to new hospital to begin on Monday
Following several false starts and long delays, the phased transfer of patients and residents to the new state-of-the-art Killarney Community Nursing Unit on Lewis Road is set to begin on Monday, August 10.
A major stumbling block regarding staff transfers and safe staffing levels was resolved following negotiations under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).
With an agreement reached between the HSE and representative unions, including the INMO, SIPTU, and Fórsa, at long last, staff and residents are prepared to move into the new facility.
Welcoming the breakthrough, Councillor Marie Moloney expressed cautious optimism:
“It’s good news that an agreement has been reached with the staff and that transfer of residents and patients can finally take place to the Community Nursing Unit. So many families have been waiting for so long to see their loved ones transfer to this beautiful new facility. Let’s hope there will be no further delays.”
HSE National Director and Integrated Health Area Manager for Kerry, Julie O’Neill, confirmed that the agreement enables the facility to open safely on a phased basis:
“I welcome the agreement reached at the Workplace Relations Commission, enabling us to proceed with the opening of our new Community Nursing Unit in Killarney. I would like to thank everyone involved in reaching this agreement and acknowledge the constructive engagement of all parties.”
Fianna Fáil TD for Kerry and member of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health, Michael Cahill TD, also welcomed the news:
“This is very welcome news for older people and their families across Kerry. The new Killarney Community Nursing Unit has been eagerly awaited and I am delighted that agreement has now been reached to allow its phased opening from August 10. I know the delays have been a source of frustration for many families but today’s announcement provides certainty that residents will soon begin moving into this modern, purpose-built facility.”
Deputy Cahill acknowledged the efforts of all parties involved in negotiations, noting:
“I want to thank the HSE, the Workplace Relations Commission and the representative unions, the INMO, SIPTU and Fórsa for their constructive engagement in reaching this agreement. Ensuring safe staffing is essential, and I am pleased that a solution has now been found.”
He added:
“As a member of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health, I will continue to work to ensure Kerry receives the healthcare investment and staffing it deserves. The opening of this new unit is a major step forward for residential care in our county, and I look forward to seeing residents welcomed through its doors from August 10.”
Call for plaque at historical burial site
Local history enthusiast Anthony Kerrigan has formally written to Kerry County Council proposing the installation of a commemorative plaque or historical marker at the unmarked Moyeightragh Burial Ground in Killarney, and is calling on Killarney Advertiser readers to back the initiative.
The ancient site is said to be in the vicinity of of Lewis Road and Fitzgerald stadium
The sacred site, registered under Monument Record KE066-068002, sits in the vicinity of Lewis Road and the Fitzgerald Stadium footprint. In his letter to council officials, Kerrigan explained how the landmark faded from view over generations.
“Historical mapping shows that this ancient burial ground was progressively built over and divided following the construction of Lewis Road in the 1850s and subsequent urban developments,” Kerrigan wrote. “While the site is completely invisible on the surface today, it remains a designated archaeological monument where subsurface human remains are protected in situ.”
Kerrigan highlighted that recent discoveries underscore the risk of the location being forgotten entirely, noting how the displacement of significant artefact, such as the 18th-century Margaret Shea grave ledger uncovered nearby during Park Road archaeological testing in 201, illustrates how vulnerable the memory of the site is to the passage of time.
Advocating for a permanent marker near the site, Kerrigan explained the cultural importance of recognising those buried there.
“As a matter of community respect, civic pride, and historical preservation, I believe a modest, non-invasive plaque or information board should be placed nearby,” he stated. He noted that such a marker would serve to honour past generations of Killarney citizens, educate visitors about the town’s shifting landscape, and prevent the total erasure of the designated heritage asset from local consciousness.
Kerrigan pointed out that the proposal aligns directly with the core objectives of the Department’s Community Monuments Fund regarding the enhancement and public accessibility of archaeological monuments. He expressed a desire to coordinate with the Council’s Heritage Office, the Burial Grounds Section, and local history groups like the Kerry Archaeological and Historical Society to ensure appropriate text and placement.
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