Originally built in 1726 as the seat of the Earles of Kenmore - and, thus, called “Kenmore House” - the building was designed like a French Château and was part of a 137,000 acre estate. The Viscount Kenmore at that time ( Valentine Browne) designed of the house himself, making it two stories tall with dormered attics. A servants wing was added fifty years later. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert stayed here during their August 1861 visit to Killarney. Upon learning of the Kenmore’s plans to build a larger home, which was to be named “Killarney House,” Queen Victoria chose the site on which it was to be constructed. This was to become a large Victorian-Tudor mansion. Unfortunately, the new “Killarney House” was destroyed by a fire in 1913. Rather than rebuilding the destroyed mansion, the existing stables (which had been undamaged) were converted, between 1913 and 1915, to what is now the present-day structure.
In 1959, the last Earl of Kenmore bequeathed the estate to his niece, Beatrice Grosvenore. Seven years later, it was sold to John McShain, a building contractor from Philadelphia. His family eventually donated the entire estate to the Republic of Ireland and it became the Killarney National Park.
Based on what we saw of the converted stables, the original house must have been magnificent!
In 1959, the last Earl of Kenmore bequeathed the estate to his niece, Beatrice Grosvenore. Seven years later, it was sold to John McShain, a building contractor from Philadelphia. His family eventually donated the entire estate to the Republic of Ireland and it became the Killarney National Park.
Based on what we saw of the converted stables, the original house must have been magnificent!
Killarney House was originally built in 1726 as the Kenmore House...( this picture is of the stables for the original mansion after conversion into their new home following the 1913 fire. Imagine how many horses they must have had in order for the stables to be this large).
...on 137,000 acres of beautiful land.
Following a devastating 1913 fire that destroyed the original house, the owners decided not to rebuild, but rather convert the stables into their new home.
This was certainly a bold move.
A few old photos and drawings of the original mansion do still exist.
They do present an image of the grandeur of the late Victorian Era.
Certainly, the rooms in the converted stables are sumptuous.
The second sitting room.
Since meals are a very important time for conversation, having a large and comfortable dining room would be mandatory
Killarney House faces a large lawn and garden.
Looking out across the lawn from the second floor, you can just make out the lake in the distance.
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