The Interpretative Exhibition in Killarney House – Gateway to The National Park was formally opened today by Minister of State Brendan Griffin. The opening finalises the Killarney House, Pleasure Grounds and Gardens project which was initiated in 2011.
Josepha Madigan, Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht welcomed the opening saying:
The refurbished Killarney House and interpretative centre, in its historic and beautiful setting is now opened and operating as the National Park Visitor Centre. It will provide an added attraction to visitors to the area. Visitors will gain an appreciation of the many features of the National Park and may even be persuaded to extend their stay or return to Killarney to the benefit of the local and national economy. This flagship €10 million project led by my Department, has delivered an enchanting world- class and beautiful addition to our oldest National Park. This wonderful exhibition at Killarney House will continue to educate, fascinate and delight many generations to come.
The Exhibition is a form of orientation for visitors within the house and park. It seeks to educate and encourage exploration and participation creating a link between the tangible and intangible heritage of the Park. The exhibition includes over 300 pieces of graphic artwork, 16 pieces of audio visual content which includes films and interactives and interviews with park staff. There are 450 images and photos, some of which were supplied by NPWS staff.
Minister Madigan continued:
Gifts to the State are invaluable in preserving our cultural heritage. Following the great generosity of the McShain family, my Department was committed to retaining and preserving the integrity and character of Killarney House. I am delighted that my department, in partnership with Fáilte Ireland has delivered such an educational and beautiful addition to one of our National Parks. The exhibition at Killarney House will continue to educate, fascinate and delight many generations to come.
Speaking at the opening, Minister of State Brendan Griffin said:
The opening of this interpretative exhibition in Killarney House is a hugely positive development, not just for Killarney but indeed for the whole south-west region. Today’s opening is the culmination of many years’ dedicated work by Fáilte Ireland and the National Parks & Wildlife Service and is an example of how the potential of a State asset can be realised for the benefit of the local area, its economy and tourism in general. With the opening of the new interpretive exhibition today and the previous restoration of the gardens and the formal rooms, the redevelopment of Killarney House is now complete. 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. Indeed, Killarney House will provide ease of access as the gateway to the National Park and enhance Killarney’s reputation as an area of unequalled natural beauty and a must visit destination.
Orla Carroll, Director of Strategic Development at Fáilte Ireland said:
The official opening of the Interpretive Exhibition marks the completion of the redevelopment of Killarney House. Working closely with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Fáilte Ireland has provided €5.2 million in funding towards the works as part of our strategy to ensure that our visitor attractions motivate visitors to return by providing them with unique, memorable and unforgettable experiences. The south-west now possesses an iconic visitor attraction that will attract visitors to stay longer throughout the year and help boost revenues of the local tourism industry.
Notes to Editors:
Themes of the Exhibition
The following topics and themes of the exhibition can be experienced through message panels, film and interviews and very interesting and exciting interactives.
- A landscape shaped by ice
- The Woodlands of Killarney
- Conservation in action
- Making a difference
- History of the House
- Beauty or beast? Rhododendron
- The Park as inspiration
- Waterfalls of the National Park
Killarney National Park
Killarney National Park contains Ireland’s first National Park, the Bourn Vincent Memorial Park, carved out of the Muckross Estate, which was granted to the State in 1932. Acquisitions by the State in 1979 and 1986 added the Kenmare Estate to the National Park, creating the 10,289 hectare Killarney National Park, which includes the Lakes of Killarney, and contains the largest area of Ireland’s remaining oakwoods. This distinctive combination of mountains, lakes, woods and waterfalls under ever changing skies gives the area a special scenic beauty. It is estimated that Killarney National Park receives over 1 million visitors per year. The Park includes important cultural heritage sites such as Muckross House, Muckross Abbey and Ross Castle. A herd of red deer, the only remaining native large mammal in Ireland roams the uplands of the park. The Park is the core area of re-designated expanded UNESCO Kerry Biosphere.
Killarney House
In 1998, Killarney House was acquired by the State. It is a property of significant architectural and historic importance. The development and restoration was structured to establish Killarney House and Gardens as the gateway interpretative centre for Killarney National Park, highlighting the natural beauty to be found there. Killarney House is a visitor centre in its own right and 3 formal rooms have been carefully restored to their former glory telling the remarkable history of the house and its inhabitants. The rooms include antique furniture, some of which belonged to the Earls of Kenmare, original paintings and chandeliers that hung in the House in the days of its previous owners. The historic rooms were officially opened in July 2017. The restored Gardens of Killarney House were opened to much acclaim in August 2016. This exhibition was designed by Bright 3D, with production and fit out by Marcon Ltd.