Killarney House should be a heritage centre

ALONG with many natives of Killarney I was shocked by the appalling neglect of Killarney House, as you reported it (February 1).

It is shameful that this beautiful structure so generously given to the State by the McShain family has been allowed to fall into ruin at a time of prosperity.

Hopefully, there will be a resurgence of goodwill and practical endeavour from our public representatives to bring about its restoration.

Bord Fáilte and the commercial interests who gain so much from tourism should unite in a practical campaign to save the house and ensure its continued security.

The property could incorporate within it, or adjacent to it, a heritage centre devoted to historical and cultural matters relating to Killarney and surrounding areas. There is a crying need for such a facility in Ireland’s premier tourist location. Killarney needs a centre of information relating to its rich heritage as embodied in the ancient monasteries of Inisfallen, Aghadoe and Muckross Abbey, not to mention other areas of Irish interest which would be appreciated by thousands of Irish and foreign tourists every year.

Fr Con McGillicuddy

33 Grace Park Road

Drumcondra

Dublin 9