Ireland Friday Freebie: Muckross Gardens

Posted by: Michele Erdvig | September 30, 2011

Ireland Friday Freebie: Muckross Gardens

Muckross House & Walled Gardens

Muckross Gardens spread from the house to the famous Lakes of Killarney, beyond which the rugged mountains stand sentinel. Close to the house are formal gardens, laid out in geometric patterns. Beyond, well-kept lawns slope down to the lake, interspersed with old trees, magnificent rhododendrons and azaleas, a rock garden, a water garden and nature trails. In spring and summer Muckross Gardens are splendid.

Muckross estate is set on a peninsula between Muckross Lake and Lough Leane. Mountains and old forests rim the area making it a landscape of outstanding beauty. Miles of pathways fan out from Muckross House and Gardens meandering through Killarney National Park. The paths are reserved for bicycles, jaunting cars and foot traffic. Motor vehicles are banned. Jaunting cars can be hired in front of the house.

The history of the estate is long and interesting. Queen Victoria visited Muckross estate in 1861 and planted a tree in the garden. Throughout the centuries the estate was owned by the Herbert family, Lord Ardilaun and the Bourn Vincents and was gifted to the Irish nation in 1932. Although the house was closed till 1964 the estate served as pleasure grounds for locals and tourists and still does today. It is one of Ireland’s favorite gardens.