Killarney Forum: Killarney House

I agree its not a lot Ry, but at least its starting. And building prices have come down significantly in the last year or so, so the money will go further.

Even just securing it is better than what was happening.

Agreed, someone might step in and buy it outright now.

Despite my numerous trips to Killarney I have never been quite sure where Killarney House actually is. Is it the house just beyond the gates at the Countess Rd junction with Muckross Rd or is the the other house up on an incline with a view over the lakes. I'd like to know which is which. From the photo in the link maybe the former?

One million is a large amount to spend on refurb of what looks to be quite a small house though. The re-instatement of Pleasure Gardens is interesting too--will check it out in Septemeber.

Yes, the Killarney House is behind what are known locally as The Golden Gates at the end of Countess Road. It is the site of the original home of the Earls of Kenmare who owned most of Killarney proper. All the old tall walls around he town area and to the north designated their lands. The structure that stands presently is merely the stables and courtyard of the original massive structure. When the house itself burnt to the ground the family had the house 'up on an incline with a view over the lakes' built in the Knockreer Estate or what locals call the Demesne (pronounced domain). The present structure standing there is also the remains of what was left after a fire.

But back to the Killarney House. I was just talking with my hubby last night about if they ever get around to opening the house that I have some artifacts that I would like to donate. And here this morning Bean goes and tells me that it is about to happen - so thank you for that Bean. My grandfather was one of the farms laborers that worked on the farm attached to Killarney House. He also lived on the property with his family in one of the houses that faces Ross Road and backs into the large courtyard with stables, horse dip and the pigeon tower. And so growing up I, my siblings, cousins and other children from the farm had the unofficial run of the place when the McShanes were not in residence. Oh the stories I could tell about what we got up to!!!

Oh and Majidi, the picture in the times is really only showing about a quarter of the present house. The image you are seeing is the front of a large rectangle that loops around and internal courtyard.

Some images of its former glory:

The original Knockreer House (up on the hill). Pictures 2 and 3.

chestofbooks.com/travel/…Ireland-Part-31.html It was after this one burnt in 1913 that they moved back to the stables of the present day Killarney House. And when the present day Killarney House was sold to Mr. McShane, Lady Grosvenor moved back to Knockreer.

The original Killarney House …wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/42/Killar… The present day stables are to the side of and dwarfed by this structure.

Bean - Fantastic news. It always looks so sad when I walk by.

Tony - Thanks for the links to pics. We would love to hear of your childhood escapades! ;-)

What a lovely old house Bean, I'll look forward to hearing about it and I'll be ready to see it the next time I visit Ireland.

Sorry Sally, my legal counsel is advising against the release of such information:)

Tony - LOL! I was hoping for some summer fun here on the forum. I guess those youthful indiscretions were really something. Fond memories for you. A tease for us. ;-)