Tommy Barker returns to Parknasilla to learn about its heritage and designer

Is there an architect in any period of Irish history with as many hotels and suites to his credit, as Kerry’s James Francis Fuller? 

Born 180 years ago this year, he’s now recalled here in 2015’s Irish Heritage Week (August 22-29).

The fruits (some of them exotic fruits, others more like lemons?) of the Celtic Tiger building splurge saw hotels mushroom around the country, creating millions in fees for architects at home, and abroad, as the international chains piled in, and as spa and golf resorts became de rigour for the masses.