merrion street

The much anticipated formal launch of the Gardens at Killarney House takes place today (Friday) at 11am. The Minister of State for Regional Economic Development, Michael Ring T.D., will formally open the Gardens in what will be a day of music, pageantry, activities and fun for all the family.

This launch will afford locals the earliest opportunity to see at first-hand the on-going restoration and magnificent re-creation of the gardens, which has been funded by the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and Fáilte Ireland.

Speaking in advance of the event, Minister Ring said:

“This will be a great chance for the public to enjoy the newly restored grounds on the 155th anniversary of the visit of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and Family to (the first) Kenmare House on 26th August 1861.  I am delighted that my Department, along with Fáilte Ireland, have been able to fund this wonderful restoration of the gardens at Killarney House.  Killarney, as we know, is a major tourist town and it will be a great boost for the town to have one of its prime attractions open to the public once more. The opening promises to be an enjoyable day for all the family and I would encourage the public to come along and watch as a brand new chapter in Killarney's history is revealed.”

Orla Carroll, Director of Strategic Development with Fáilte Ireland stressed the importance of this type of investment for the future development of the tourism sector.

“If we are to compete internationally as a compelling destination, we need to think big. Providing funding to big projects around the country which have the scale, the strength and the appeal to attract many more overseas visitors to our shores is critical to the future growth and success of Ireland’s tourism sector.   This wonderful development in Killarney is a perfect example of how investment in tourism projects enables us to create jobs, further rural development and deliver on the promise of unique and compelling experiences for visitors.”