How to Visit Muckross House and Gardens
Read our guide on Muckross House and Gardens in Ireland. Includes tips on what to see and do, what to expect, how to get there, and when to go.
Situated on the Ring of Kerry within the Killarney National Park, Muckross House and Gardens are often considered one of the must-see sites in this area.
So once we arrived in Killarney, we couldn't simply miss the opportunity to visit this place for ourselves.
The 19th-century Victorian mansion, a traditional farm, well-landscaped gardens, beautiful views, and nice trails attract many visitors exploring the area around the town of Killarney.
And after our recent visit to Killarney in County Kerry, we can only agree that this is an interesting place to visit while there.
But is Muckross House and Gardens, also referred to as the centerpiece of Killarney National Park, worth visiting?
Whether you're staying in Killarney for a week or road-tripping the famous Ring of Kerry in a single day, you might be asking the very same question. And the answer to this question is, as always, not that simple.
So here's everything you should know about Muckross House and Gardens before you go.
Visiting Muckross House and Gardens
The visit to Muckross House and Gardens is very straightforward.
But the entire complex is pretty large, and first-time travelers might struggle to figure out the best way to see it, which was also our case.
It's always hard to plan a trip if you're not sure what to expect and how much time you need for each area.
In a nutshell, you can enter the ground through several different entrances and walk around for free.
This is great news for budget travelers, as this is not always the rule, as we found out, for example, at Birr Castle or Blarney Castle.
You only need a ticket if you want to explore the House and Farms.
Even though it might be tempting to stroll around the gardens before visiting the House, it's better to tour the House first to avoid waiting times, especially in the summer.
By the way, even though this is a top attraction in Killarney that attracts crowds, it's easy to find a place to have a quiet moment while there.
Without any doubt, the best way to explore Muckross House and Gardens is on foot.
In case you want to see more, rent a bike in Killarney and discover the area at your leisure.
The House and The Gardens
Nestled in a lush green valley by Muckross Lake, the Gardens are one of the most accessible places you can visit in Killarney National Park.
The walk through the magnificent gardens is especially enjoyable.
While here, admire Kerry's flora, beautiful trees, and a fine collection of rhododendrons, and don't forget to visit theme gardens such as Rock Garden, Sunken Garden, or Stream Garden.
The House was built in Tudor style during the 19th century for the Herbert family and is still furnished with the original decor from this era.
In the 1860s, Queen Victoria visited Ireland and stayed in Muckross House during her journey.
The three-story mansion with 65 rooms indeed reflects the owners' lavish life, and you can admire all the beauty on a guided tour.
Before the queen's visit, they renovated and expanded the house and the grounds but almost went bankrupt and were forced to sell the property afterward.
Later, the House was passed over to new owners a few times until it was given to the Irish state.
Interestingly enough, the property became Ireland's first national park, the Killarney National Park.
By the way, taking a guided tour of Muckross House is, together with Ross Castle, one of the best things to do in Killarney on a rainy day.
Traditional Farms
If you're interested in Kerry's rural life in the 1930s and 1940s, head to Traditional Farms.
The genuine hardships of life without electricity and water only in the well will allow you to step back in time and see how times have changed.
There are three different-sized farms, and you will have a chance also to visit a Labourer's Cottage, a Blacksmith's Forge, and a Carpenter's Workshop. This is a family-friendly activity as well.
Muckross Weavers and Pottery
In case you're interested in weaving and pottery, Muckross has been producing quality woven accessories and unique hand-thrown stoneware pottery, which you can buy while there.
There is also a large restaurant with outdoor seating and a gift shop.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
How Much Time Do I Need
In general, you will need about two hours for Muckross House and Gardens.
Touring the house takes about 45 minutes, and you can easily spend another hour in the gardens.
In case you also visit the nearby Torc Waterfall and Muckross Abbey and include a small picnic in the gardens, allow yourself about four hours for this area.
Entrance Fee
Admission to Muckross Gardens is free. The basic entry fee to Muckross House is €7 per adult.
There is also a €7 charge to Muckross Traditional Farms. They offer several different types of tickets (joint, family, groups, etc.).
When to Go
Muckross House and Gardens are open all year round.
The best time to visit Muckross House and Gardens is summer, as it brings the best weather to Ireland.
However, the spring and autumn are less crowded and present more affordable lodging and travel, making this period perfect for visiting the area.
You can also visit Muckross House and Gardens in winter. Just be prepared for cold and wet weather and short daytime hours.
For more information on this topic, read our guide on when to visit Ireland.
Opening Hours
In the peak season (July and August), Muckross House and Gardens are open from 9 AM to 7 PM, and the last admission is 90 minutes before closing time.
The opening times of Muckross House and Gardens vary troughout the year, so always make sure to check the official site before you go.
For instance, it also remains open in winter but usually closes at 5 PM.
How to Get There
Muckross House and Gardens are only six kilometers south of Killarney's town center, and you have several options for how to get there.
Car
The easiest way and most convenient way to get to Muckross House and Gardens is by car.
The main advantage of renting a car in Ireland is that it gives you all the freedom you need to explore the top sights in this area.
In this case, you will have a chance to easily see the entire Ring of Kerry at your own pace.
Here you will find more tips for driving in Ireland.
Muckross House and Gardens are about 90 kilometers west of Cork. The journey via N22 takes about an hour and a half.
The 120-kilometer drive from Limerick via N21 takes less than two hours.
Galway is a three-hour drive from here. The journey from Dublin takes about four hours.
Rental Cars
When renting a car, we use Rentalcars.com.
Parking
There is a large parking at Muckross House and Gardens where you can leave your car for free.
We arrived early, so there were still plenty of parking spaces left.
On Foot
You can also walk there from Killarney and visit places such as Ross Castle, Muckross Abbey, or Torc Waterfall along the way.
Keep in mind that you would need to tackle almost 15 kilometers.
While this option is not for everyone, it really feels great to explore the entire area on foot.
Bike
There are multiple biking trails in Killarney, and one of the most popular ones connects the town with Muckross House and Gardens.
This is a great way to visit this attraction and also explore multiple sites along the way.
By the way, if you are an enthusiast cyclist, you may consider encircling the national park via the Gap of Dunloe.
Tours
If you don't want to arrange your own transport to explore this area, consider taking Killarney National Park Tour from Killarney, which includes Muckross House and Gardens.
Where to Stay
When it comes to accommodation, the town of Killarney is the safest bet for exploring places, such as Muckross House and Gardens.
The town offers the best range of hotels in this area for all budgets.
If you want to stay as close to the Muckross House and Gardens, there is a luxury hotel just across the street.
There are also plenty of cheaper guesthouses and bed and breakfasts in the town in case you want to keep your budget at bay.
Here are our tips on the best hotels in Killarney.
Budget | Murphys of Killarney - With its superb central location and great hospitality, this hotel is always a safe option when in Killarney. Murphys is a traditional hotel with stylish rooms, an even more traditional Irish pub (with live music during the summer season), and a welcoming atmosphere.
Mid-range | The Lake Hotel - Sitting on the shores of the Loch Lein, the family-friendly Lake Hotel features en suite rooms with mountain views, free private parking, an on-site restaurant serving Irish cuisine, an outdoor hot tub, and free parking.
Luxury | Muckross Park Hotel and Spa - Situated in Killarney National Park, this luxurious 5-star hotel is a perfect place for travelers who want to relax and unwind. Muckross Park Hotel and Spa features individually designed and spacious rooms, a quiet location, free private parking, an on-site restaurant and bar, and an award-winning spa.
Is Muckross House and Gardens Worth Visiting?
There are tons of heritage houses, mansions, gardens, and castles in the country, and selecting which ones to include in your Ireland road trip itinerary is not easy.
And Muckross House and Gardens won't make it any easier for you.
If you are already in Killarney and have plenty of time, Muckross House and Gardens are worth seeing, even if you don't intend to go inside the mansion.
In fact, this is a great option for those traveling around Ireland on a budget, as you can walk around the gardens and admire the house from outside for free.
Otherwise, a visit is not exactly cheap, especially if you want to get the full experience, as expenses quickly add up.
Similar to Kylemore Abbey or Powerscourt, the overall experience feels a bit touristy.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
