Killarney National Park is one of Ireland's most famous green attractions. It attracts not only by its unique scenery and natural beauty, but also by the fact that within it there are many interesting places to visit. Among them is the Macross Manor House Museum, which is a Victorian house. This manor house was not a battleground, no unique events took place here, but for decades it has attracted travelers from all over the world. Why? The atmosphere there, the beautiful views, the unique interior. To fully understand the popularity of Macross House, you need to visit it, because as you know, it's better to see once than hear a hundred times!
Construction and the time of Macross House's heyday
The estate was built by order of the couple Heinrich and Maria Herbert. The architect was William Byrne, and construction lasted four years, from 1839 to 1843. During the construction phase, the couple did not get past the perennial renovation disputes that steadily plague modern couples: Henry wanted the house to be huge, while Mary insisted that it had enough forty-five rooms. The wise husband yielded to his wife, agreeing with the architect on a plan for a house with forty-five rooms.
Once they moved into the house, the couple began arranging the grounds, creating a beautiful garden with pink and red rhododendrons. Later, in 1972, the estate was opened arboretum with specially brought from the south of the trees.
In 1861 Queen Victoria visited the estate, for whose arrival the owners and staff of servants had been preparing for ten years. All the family's funds went to the royal visit, and there was no more money to maintain the house. Herberts was forced to put Macross House up for sale.
In 1899 the famous Guinness brewers became the owners of the house, but in 1910 they decided to sell the estate. The new owner of Macross House was the American rich man William Bourne, who bought the house as a wedding gift to his daughter and son-in-law. In 1932, the woman dies, and her husband donates Macross to Ireland. For some time the house was empty and collapsed: it was not until 1960 that funds were raised for a major restoration, after which the manor house opened its doors to visitors.
Furniture
The house has an interesting layout:
- The kitchen along with all the utility rooms and maid's quarters are on the first floor.
- The first floor is the Tudor style front rooms.
- Second floor - casual style rooms, guest bedrooms.
Interesting Facts
- About 250 thousand people visit the attraction every year.
- At the end of the twentieth century, the country's best designers worked on the interiors of the estate, decorating them in the traditional style and using unusual household items: cupboards, cupboards, etc.
- Not far from the house, Macross Farm opened, where anyone can experience the Irish way of life. There are blacksmiths, carpenter and saddler's workshops.
- Every year a Kerry Cultural Festival is held on the farm and a summer school for elementary school students is open.
