Muckross House, Gardens & Traditional Farms
Muckross House, Gardens & Traditional Farms
Muckross House, Gardens & Traditional Farms
4.5
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
We have made the decision to close Muckross House, Craft Centre & Garden Restaurant until March 29th in order to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 virus. We have a social responsibility to our staff, families & customers to do what is right. Stay safe and we look forward to welcoming you when this temporary setback passes. Muckross House, Gardens, and Traditional Farms represent the focal point and nucleus of Killarney National Park. This is Ireland's oldest National Park, and it includes the world famous Lakes of Killarney, as well as the mountains and woodlands that surround them. Muckross and Killarney National Park are open daily all year round (expect the Christmas period). Please refer to website for more details on opening times & prices.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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- anniedwyer84125 contributionsWorth A VisitMuckross House is set in the Killarney National Park & is a must see for anyone visiting Killarney. The house is steeped in history & there is so much to see in each of the rooms. The staff were so friendly & on hand for any questions. There's a lift for those with limited mobility so that's a plusVisited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 14 October 2023
- Gail VEverett, Washington369 contributionsNice stopthis is great find in the killarney national park. Beautiful house and decor throughout. Sad backstory of the place and the family. It would have been nice to have an official tour with someone who could tell what each room was, although staff were helpful when asked. The horse ride to the house was pleasantVisited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 16 October 2023
- DerryChristy21Derry, United Kingdom53 contributionsHistory just jumps out of this houseThis is a must visit when in Killarney. Within the National Park, the house is one of the better examples of its kind I have visited. It’s a self guide tour but every staff member we met was regaled of with facts about the house, including some fascinating ones about Queen Victorias stay, and they were so knowledgeable. Combine this with a walk around the grounds, a carriage ride if that grabs you, and finish off at the restaurant /gift shop on site where the prices are surprisingly reasonable for such a location.Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 11 December 2023
- Sinead O1 contributionBrilliant day outHad the best time in Muckross House today. Some people in our group had additional needs and the staff couldn't have been more supportive and kind. Very accessible all around and affordable for our clients. Great to learn about the history of Muckross House with information given from all staff. We will definitely be returning especially when the farms open up again 😀 Thanks too you all! SineadVisited December 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 12 December 2023
- Ann MBuckland St Mary, United Kingdom16 contributionsExcellent, check befor visiting to see what is open each day, see report.Maxing selection of farm houses staged as they would have been 100 or so years ago. With workers ans wives there to answer questions and show you how life was lived. Animals in excellent condition, well fed and housed in great facilities. Children can see how different children lived in the different farm houses from tiny to a big farmhouse. There is a small bus to tale those who cant manage the distance or the hillside from one farm to another. Unfortunately the Schoolhouse was closed and the Smithy unmanned this was a big disappointment .Visited July 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 23 January 2024
- Joe 67100 contributionsA great visitor attraction in the very heart of Killarney National ParkA superb visitor attraction, the house is fascinating with really nice local guides to chat to in each room. Perhaps more signage in the beautiful rooms in the house would also be good. All around there are gorgeous walks including to Torc Waterfall. There is a very nice cafe, it can get somewhat crowded though.Visited March 2024Travelled soloWritten 31 March 2024
- Missq15Kilkenny, Ireland80 contributionsOne of the best locations to visit.Would highly recommend a visit to the traditional farm, provides an excellent insight into Ireland's history. Animals are well cared for with plenty of water and feed. Facilities so clean and tidy. Each member of the staff provides a friendly face and welcome. Mini bus service available around the farm in case of tired legs. However walk is not too far with a distance over 2km around the farm. The play ground is one of the best I have seen. Great value for money and would definitely return in the future. Easy parking outside. No bikes allowed on the farm route around.Visited April 2024Travelled with familyWritten 29 April 2024
- BigTool455 contributionsA must do when in Killarney.We toured the house and gardens. I would place Muckross House on my top 10 list of places to visit in Ireland. A docent (or some staff person) gave a really interesting and informed presentation regrading Queen Vicky's visit to the estate, while another discussed the sale of the estate to the Guinness owner.Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 29 April 2024
- Jennifer HColumbus, Ohio641 contributionsNice gardensWe didn’t go in the house but enjoyed the gardens. My son had fun running around. The farm wasn’t open yet for the season so that was a bit of a disappointment. It was pretty busy, at least compared to other sites we visited.Visited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten 4 May 2024
- Barry MMemphis, Tennessee407 contributionsA wonderful family experienceStart by saying we had a wonderful lunch. There is so much to love about Muckross - the gardens are gorgeous, the lake vistas are breathtaking, the home tour is superb, and again the dining experience was great. The staff was informed, helpful and courteous. Parking and grounds are free of charge, you only pay if you care to your the interior of the house. There are hiking trails, carriage rides, and other events to make a visit a wonderful family experience.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 12 May 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
5,180 reviews
Excellent
3,341
Very good
1,519
Average
252
Poor
41
Terrible
28
Tony H
16 contributions
July 2020 • Family
Muckross House and Gardens are stunning with wonderful views and well kept gardens. It is obvious that all the workers are very dedicated and proud of their environment . However once you stray from the house and journey around the middle lake towards Dinis Cottage the roads are a disgrace and I would not recommend cycling in this area.Its a shame on the management of the National Parks that there is no effort to repair the paths and make them safe for families of all ages
Written 15 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IzzyKaz
Ballivor, Ireland20 contributions
May 2022 • Family
We didn't realise how big this place was so did arrived until 1pm, however we should have definitely gone earlier morning as there is so much to do and see.
The house was nice, however there weren't much by way of people telling you much about it, it was self guided and the leaflet had only a small amount of information. The lady in the kitchen nearer the end of the tour was lovely though and provided some information.
We didn't get to see the fill gardens just a small rock garden near the restaurant. We skipped the restaurant as there was a fairly large queue and no seating free so I would definitely suggest brining a picnic.
When we first arrive at the house entrance there were some Januting car drivers right there. One approached us to ask if we want to go up to the waterfall, we initially stated we might later, he asked again and I advised we had no cash to which he offered to take us to the Abbey that had an atm or we could use Revolut. So we reluctantly agreed. While the man was pleasant and we had thought about going on one anyway it did take our time away from the farm which was our main reason to visit. Also being put on the spot we forgot to confirm the price beforehand, it turned out to be €60 for a short journey up to the waterfall and back the same way. It was myself, my mother and young daughter and on reflection I feel this was a little expensive, the journey while the views were pretty was brief and we actually felt a bit sorry for the horse also as she seemed tired and hot.
The last visit was to the farm and it did not disappoint!! We just wish we had more time there.
We will return again for the farm and gardens and walking to see the views, armed with a picnic and the ability to decline the jaunting car drivers perseverance for custom 🙃
The house was nice, however there weren't much by way of people telling you much about it, it was self guided and the leaflet had only a small amount of information. The lady in the kitchen nearer the end of the tour was lovely though and provided some information.
We didn't get to see the fill gardens just a small rock garden near the restaurant. We skipped the restaurant as there was a fairly large queue and no seating free so I would definitely suggest brining a picnic.
When we first arrive at the house entrance there were some Januting car drivers right there. One approached us to ask if we want to go up to the waterfall, we initially stated we might later, he asked again and I advised we had no cash to which he offered to take us to the Abbey that had an atm or we could use Revolut. So we reluctantly agreed. While the man was pleasant and we had thought about going on one anyway it did take our time away from the farm which was our main reason to visit. Also being put on the spot we forgot to confirm the price beforehand, it turned out to be €60 for a short journey up to the waterfall and back the same way. It was myself, my mother and young daughter and on reflection I feel this was a little expensive, the journey while the views were pretty was brief and we actually felt a bit sorry for the horse also as she seemed tired and hot.
The last visit was to the farm and it did not disappoint!! We just wish we had more time there.
We will return again for the farm and gardens and walking to see the views, armed with a picnic and the ability to decline the jaunting car drivers perseverance for custom 🙃
Written 15 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ORourkesIreland
Wexford, Ireland37 contributions
Aug 2020
Free to get in. Ideal place if you want to hire bikes. A bit chaotic in the restaurant, however, selection was good and setting is very nice. Staff were a little timid in getting people to que in the right ques. We qued for about 5 minutes in one que before we were told that we were in the Ice Cream que. We were just looking for a cuppa. We moved to a different one, where a lady took all our details (phone number, name etc) when she then realised that we were put in the wrong que and moved us again. However, if you got in the right que (sign posts would be great - or even staff shouting as to what que to join) the place is lovely. I recommend hiring bikes and cycling around the park. Definitely a great day out.
Written 12 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martin Carroll
Winchester, VA613 contributions
Apr 2021
If you are in Killarney and you are interested in Irish history, I highly recommend that you make a stop at the "Muckross House" which is located in the Killarney National Park. The tour of the house is excellent as it provides the history of the time. The gardens are beautiful. The house was built in 1843. In 1932, the owners of the house presented it to the Irish People.
The Muckross House is located in the Killarney National Park which is less than a mile from the center of the city of Killarney.
You can take a ride in a traditional "Jaunting Cart" our to view the waterfall which is woods around the beautiful open land of the Park !
The Muckross House is located in the Killarney National Park which is less than a mile from the center of the city of Killarney.
You can take a ride in a traditional "Jaunting Cart" our to view the waterfall which is woods around the beautiful open land of the Park !
Written 12 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RSsydney
Sydney, Australia1,151 contributions
Aug 2019
My wife's colleague is from Ireland and recommended that we visit Muckross House especially to see the gardens. We drove there on our way from Kilkenny (via The Rock of Cashel) on our way to Kenmare, the display was great. We walked around the grounds and enjoyed the old world charm. We had lunch at the restaurant too, the lentil pie was really flavourful. Highly recommend.
Written 2 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John M
Lurgan, UK2,310 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
We were travelling around the killarney area for a few days and decided to visit the Muckross House and Gardens before we drove into town. We went for the combined ticket with the traditional farms included and we had a great time exploring the area. The house is very good and great view of the lake and surrounded by the mountains. We walked around the house and then did the tour around the farmhouses and the old school which was very interesting and would highly recommend that you do the same with your trip to Muckross House
Written 6 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Geraldine
Cork, Ireland1,959 contributions
Sept 2020
We visited Muckross House recently and really enjoyed the house (very interesting with knowledgeable, friendly staff to answer questions), the gardens (really beautiful), and the traditional farm (lovely range of animals, well laid out, great kids playground). It would have been 5 stars from us except just before we were leaving we decided to have some tea and cake in the cafe. What a horrible experience - rude staff, huge delays (due to the same person taking your payment also making your tea), scandalous prices (E4.40 for a tiny slice of cheesecake) - absolutely appalling treatment of customers. Such a shame as until then our experience was fabulous. I'd recommend going but take your own food and stay far away from the restaurant/cafe.
Written 15 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sabina S
Rathdrum, Ireland29 contributions
Feb 2020
Visited with Japanese business partners on a terrible rainy stormy day. We got soaked from the Car Park to the house. We were greeted with "No tours until 2pm", not "Hello" or "How are you". On questioning why the times of the tours are not advertised on the web or brochure, we were told that each day is different at this time of the year. After this first disappointing encounter, we did enjoy the tour. The tour guide was very knowledgeable, kind and friendly and I would recommend a visit.
Written 10 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JPF50
Maidstone, UK120 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Lovely house with knowledgeable guides and it had lifts so that those with mobility issues could reach each floor. Excellent restaurant with plenty of seating staff were very proactive in clearing the tables so there was always availability. Food was all freshly cooked and there was a good choice. The lunch buffet was really good value for money with several choices of main courses and fresh vegetables. The deserts and cakes were mouthwatering. I think a lot of locals use it for coffee and lunch. We loved the farm with the reconstructed farmhouses and buildings showing the differences in size and income. We went on a Wednesday and the farm was extremely quiet. In two houses there were ladies making soda bread over an open turf fire and in another a lady was churning butter for an evening function. We enjoyed talking to them all and learning about the history of the buildings. The grounds of the house are extensive and the gardens easy to walk round. We loved the whole visit and were there for a good 5 hours. The carpark and gardens are free to visit and it’s an ideal place for a pop in or an extended visit.
Written 4 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roberta Aherne
Dunshaughlin, Ireland309 contributions
Sept 2020 • Couples
The house and the gardens are beautiful but very expensive unguided tour. No audio guides available either. The “hot” food in their restaurant is actually microwaved. The tasteless food I ever tried in my life. Might be worth to go to Muckross just for a walk outside and some pictures.
Written 7 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
If a family wer to get a jaunting car from kilarney center out to muckross house do they bring you back or how would you return to kilarney after say a 3 hour visit ? Thank you
Written 20 July 2020
Hi there,
I believe that all your questions are answered if you check the Killarney Horse and Carriage tours website, 1-5h round trip to Muckross House
Hope this helps
Written 21 July 2020
Hello. We would like to visit the Muckross Gardens, but I don't understand if the entrance is free, and how we can park there and if it's free too.
Thank you.
Written 30 June 2019
Hi, there is a free parking outside the gardens. You can take a walk from there, entrance is free, but there are also horse carriages with very friendly drivers (ask for a horse called Billy the kid with a friendly lady driver. Cost around 40 EUR, but for us it was worthwhile. She brings you to the mansion and waits for bringing you back to the parking. Enjoy.
Written 1 July 2019
Tour is 1 hour... all the rest depends if you would like to take a walk in the park or around the lake...
Written 3 October 2019
Do you pre-book the guided tour or are they sold on a first come, first serve basis?
Written 21 March 2019
You don’t have to book in advance. going round with a guide is the only way to visit the house. You just turn up pay the entrance fee then you are sent to waiting area. It’s worth checking times to avoid waiting. It might be every hour. That’s how long it takes to go round the house.
Written 22 March 2019
HI! Did you book a tour or just drive up, just starting my trip planning and this sounds great- have a rental car so wasnt sure if needed a tour or not. :) Thanks!
Written 26 July 2018
We were not part of a tour. We just drove up (plenty of parking is available) and bought tickets. There was a bit of a line (queue) at the ticket office -- maybe a fifteen minute wait. Access to Muckross house is via guided tour. For the traditional farms (which is recommended), you just walk through. Another thing: There are some nice hikes around the adjacent lakes, and hiking costs nothing. There is a boat concession; you could take a boat ride across the lake for about 5 euros and hike back, or I think that the round trip is about 7 euros.
Written 26 July 2018
Can the Hotel arrange horse riding and clay pigeon shooting ?
Written 17 February 2018
You will need to provide more information. What hotel are you staying at? Most hotels will arrange horse riding for a small fee. I am unsure about clay pigeon shooting.
Written 23 March 2018
Hello,
Would any one know when the Hydrangeas are blooming at the
Muckross House in Killarney?
Thank you
Written 15 June 2017
A Tripadvisor member
Slatington, Pennsylvania
They weren't blooming in mid-May (but the rhododendrons were fantastic!) so I would say they are about due now...in the US they are blooming now and Ireland is slightly ahead for the blooming season because of the additional sunlight.
Written 25 June 2017
We will be there in August. Are the gardens worth visiting at that time of year? What would be in bloom? Thank you!
Written 22 April 2017
Hi Joan, Muckross House, Gardens and Traditional Farms are worth visiting all year round. However, it is particularly beautiful in Spring/Summer when the Cherry Blossoms bloom, and there is a frothy pink and white display around the park. Hope to see you soon!
Written 24 April 2017
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