AFTER several years of vision and hard work, the redevelopment of Killarney House is now complete.
The Killarney House, Pleasure Grounds and Gardens project, which was initiated in 2011, was finalised at the official opening on Friday. The redevelopment has included the restoration of the gardens and the formal rooms and is now complete, with the new interpretive exhibition centre unveiled last week. This will now operate as the National Park Visitor Centre and gateway to the park itself.
Minister of State Brendan Griffin formally opened the grounds on Friday, and speaking at the event, he said the development is of great benefit to the local area.
“The opening is a hugely positive development, not just for Killarney but for the whole south-west region,” Minister Griffin said. “I am sure that it will cement its reputation as a unique and iconic visitor attraction, providing even more incentives and reasons for visitors to stay in the region for longer.”
The opening on Friday was the culmination of the work done by Fáilte Ireland and the National Parks and Wildlife Service. The flagship €10 million project – led by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht – is hoped to increase benefit of the local and national economy.
Minister Josepha Madigan feels the added attraction will be something of great interest to visitors.
“This exhibition at Killarney House will continue to educate, fascinate and delight many generations to come,” she said.
ABOVE: Michael Leane, left, Cormac Foley, Former Superintendent Killarney National Park and Jerry Murphy, Gardener Killarney House and Gardens
Members of the McShane family – John McShane was former owner of Killarney House and Gardens – at the official opening of the new Interpretative Centre, ‘A Gateway to Killarney National Park’, at Killarney House and Gardens, by Minister Brendan Griffin. Also included is former Minister Jimmy Deenihan, and Harry O’Donoghue, former butler and now supervisor.
Members of John McShane’s family, former owners of Killarney House and Gardens.
Photos by Valerie O’Sullivan
A poignant minute of silence was held at the opening of the Killarney House Interpretative Centre for the Late Frank McMahon, Regional Manager NPWS, who passed away in September. Frank’s family were in attendance, including his wife, Siobhan; daughters, Niamh and Ciara; son, Seán; and his parents Don and Veronica McMahon.
Photo by Valerie O’Sullivan
Walking through the ice age: Michael and Grace Donnelly at the official opening of the new Interpretative Centre – ‘A Gateway to Killarney National Park’ – at Killarney House and Gardens, by Brendan Griffin TD, Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.
Josephine O’Driscoll, Fáilte Ireland; and President Killarney of Tourism and Commerce, Paul O’Neill.
Former chef at Killarney House Jimmy Sugrue with park ranger and photographer Peter O’Toole.
Members of the O’Donoghue family, whose family has close link with the McShane and Kenmare families.
Thomas Eustace Vesey, 7th Viscount de Vesci of Abbeyleix, last remaining relative of the Late Beatrice Grosvenor, Kenmare family, of the original Killarney House and Kenmare Estate.
Betsy Joyce-Bracken, niece of the Late John McShane, with Minister Brendan Griffin.