€7m Killarney House renovation begins
Arts and Heritage Minister Heather Humphreys said the final phase of restoration, refurbishment, and new works at Killarney House is progressing in parallel with initial landscaping works to the ornamental grounds and gardens.
The house will be an information and exhibition centre for Killarney National Park and upwards of 90 jobs will be created.
Replying to a question in the Dáil from Kerry South Fine Gael TD Brendan Griffin, Ms Humphreys said work on the house and gardens are advancing.
A network of path and ornamental features dating from the 18th century, when formal gardens were constructed around the house, is being restored.
Discovered last year by archaeologists, the pathways and other features of gardens had long since been covered over. They are located on 35 acres in front of the house.
The house, once the home of the landed Lord Kenmare family and more recently that of the wealthy Irish-American McShain family, is a few minutes’ walk from the centre of Killarney. According to the National Parks and Wildlife Service, plans for the garden restoration were drawn up based on ordnance survey maps and old photos.
Investigative trenching work on the property last year confirmed drawings and maps were correct.
