Muckross

Muckross is a townland and area located in County Kerry, Ireland, situated on the Killarney Lakes. It is most famously known for Muckross House, a large nineteenth-century mansion that is a major tourist attraction. The house and its extensive gardens are a focal point of the Killarney National Park, Ireland's first national park.

The history of Muckross is closely tied to Muckross Abbey, a Franciscan friary founded in the 15th century. While the abbey ruins are now a popular site, they were once a significant religious center. The estate surrounding Muckross House has undergone numerous transformations over centuries, reflecting the changing fortunes of its owners and the broader history of the region.

Muckross House itself was built between 1839 and 1843 for Henry Arthur Herbert and his wife Mary. It later passed to Lord and Lady Ardilaun, who extensively renovated it. In 1920, it was gifted to the Irish nation and became part of Killarney National Park. The park encompasses a diverse landscape of mountains, woodlands, and lakes, attracting visitors for hiking, cycling, and boating. Muckross is accessible by road and is a popular destination for day trips and longer stays in the Killarney region.