Muckross House, the Kingdom of Kerry & Bell X1

County Kerry is known around Ireland as “The Kingdom” – Come discover one of the Jewels of the Kingdom of Kerry, a place called Killarney.

Muckross House, the Kingdom of Kerry & Bell X1 – July 23rd

Today Thursday, July 23rd at 8:00PM (GMT) join Bell X1, one of Ireland’s best known and most loved alt-rock bands, along with Dowry Strings, the quartet led by violinist, composer and singer-songwriter Éna Brennan (Dowry),  for a live performance from Muckross House & Gardens in Killarney, Co Kerry. Among Bell X1’s track-listing nestles a song called ‘The Great Defector’ which became one of the biggest Irish singles of all time.

Over the past few weeks Courage 2020 has live-streamed a number of entertaining performances from some of Ireland’s best-known heritage sites. This concert will be made available worldwide, free of charge, thanks to the support of the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, IMRO and RTÉ. Watch the performance live on YouTube and Other Voices website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube pages.

Explore Killarney

On your visit to Killarney, County Kerry here are some suggestions of what is waiting for you to explore –

Muckross House & Gardens, Killarney, County Kerry. 

The Muckross Estate forms the core of the fabulous Killarney National Park and at the heart of this is Muckross House and gardens, a fabulous Victorian country mansion set amid the spectacular scenery, 3.6km from Killarney Town. The elegantly furnished rooms portray the lifestyles of the landed gentry, while downstairs in the basement you can experience the working conditions of the servants employed in the house back in the day. Many exotic trees and shrubs flourish in the mild climate and sheltered location of the Muckross gardens. Attractive features include a fine collection of rhododendrons and azaleas, an outstanding rock garden on a natural rock outcrop and beautiful tree-fringed lawns.

Killarney National Park, Killarney, County Kerry. 

You may have heard of Killarney National Park in County Kerry – Nestling between Killarney and Kenmare, these 26,000 acres of woodland, mountains and lakes are a favorite with tourists and locals alike. It was the first national park established in Ireland, and it was created when Muckross Estate was donated to the Irish state in 1932. It has Ireland’s only native herd of Red Deer and the most extensive covering of native forest remaining in Ireland. Killarney National Park encompasses every kind of terrain for which Ireland is famous. There are plenty of picture perfect opportunities at its spellbinding lakes and forests and beside the beautiful Torc Waterfall.

Torc Waterfall, Killarney, County Kerry. 

Torc Waterfall is formed from the Owenriff River which flows out from the lake called the Devil’s Punchbowl on Mangerton Mountain. Torc Waterfall (meaning “cascade of the wild boar”) and the Devil’s Punchbowl, like all Irish landmarks, have names derived from the legend they are associated with. There is a legend in Killarney of a man who was cursed by the Devil to spend each night as a wild boar and he lived in hiding in a cave beneath Torc Waterfall.

The MacGillycuddy Reeks, County Kerry. 

Carrauntoohil in County Kerry (pronounced car-awn-too-hill) is Ireland’s highest peak at 3,406 feet, in Ireland’s highest mountain range, the MacGillycuddy Reeks. This mountainous region stretches across the center of County Kerry in the southwest corner of the country, with Killarney being the nearest major town from the start of most trails. It offers a energetic challenge for hiking enthusiasts, with multiple routes to choose from and difficult conditions at any time of year. At the foot of these mountains are the world-famous lakes of Killarney, where the mountains sweep down to the shores of the lakes.

The Lakes of Killarney, County Kerry. 

Famous all over the world, The Lakes of Killarney are a delight to the senses and a great photo stop. Consisting of three main lakes – Muckross Lake, Upper Lake and Lough Leane.  An ideal way to experience this natural wonder is by availing of the many lake tours available with companies including the Lily of Killarney Lake Tour with Tangney Tours or Killarney Lake tours.

Alternatively, take a traditional jaunting car around the lakes. This is an extremely entertaining activity that lasts around 1 hour and is particularly enjoyable activity for the kids of all ages.

Ross Castle, Killarney, County Kerry. 

Ross Castle sits on the edge of Killarney’s lower lake and was built by O’Donoghue Mór in the 15th century. The Castle came into the hands of the Brownes who became the Earls of Kenmare and owned an extensive portion of the lands that are now part of Killarney National Park . Legend has it that O’Donoghue still exists in a deep slumber under the waters of Lough Leane. On the first morning of May every seven years he rises from the lake on his magnificent white horse and circles the lake. Anyone catching a glimpse of him is said to be assured of good fortune for the rest of their lives.

The Gap Of Dunloe, County Kerry. 

Travel to Kate Kearney’s Cottage outside Killarney and then either horse ride or travel by Jaunting Car through the Gap of Dunloe to Lord Brandon’s cottage. From here you can travel by boat down the lakes to Ross Castle. Once here your private chauffeur driver or coach driver can meet you to transfer you back to Killarney town.  Or if you feel more energetic, you could hire a bike and do the Gap of Dunloe trip in reverse meeting the boats in the morning beside Ross Castle and then cycling through the Gap of Dunloe in the afternoon.

The Ring Of Kerry

Don’t forget there’s the famous Ring of Kerry touring route, which showcases some of the most spectacular sights and quirkiest towns and villages that Kerry has to offer.  Tour the Ring of Kerry with one of our private chauffeur drivers and luxury vehicles. Savor the sights and sounds and see what has made this famous driving route one of the most popular routes on the Emerald Isle.

The Kerry Locals

Along with its breath taking scenery, the Kerry natives have made their own inimitable mark on the world. There was the famous Antarctic explorer Tom Crean, it was the birthplace of Daniel O’Connell, Ireland’s Great Liberator,  John B. Keane from Listowel made his play “The Field” into a successful film and you most definitely heard of the Oscar-nominated actor Michael Fassbender (a native of Killarney).

Broadcaster Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh’s voice is familiar to generations of sports fans, in particular for his commentary on GAA (Gaelic Games) – A native Kerryman he is known in Ireland as the “Voice of Gaelic Games” –  Explore the Kingdom of Kerry and hear his wonderful voice on this video –

Overall Killarney and the Kingdom of Kerry is a land of pure majestic beauty and it’s here waiting for you to explore……..

Make a Break For the Kingdom

Contact Specialized Travel Services to tour County Kerry and the Wild Atlantic Way and to discover a glorious mix of challenging mountains, lively towns and scenic landscapes that will take your breath away! Send an email to newyork@jeremyd50.sg-host.com or complete our contact form and maybe take a look at our Private chauffeur drive tour of Ireland’s Country Houses for inspiration for your Ireland vacation.

Note: Featured image at the top of the blog is of Muckross House and Gardens, Killarney, County Kerry – Tourism Ireland © Chris Hill Photographic 2011