Arcadia Ireland

This weekend we had a fantastic trip to Killarney National Park, as part of our Co-Curricular themes; Active and Imagined Ireland. Students from University College Cork, University of Limerick, NUI Galway & University College Dublin spent their morning exploring Muckross House & Gardens before heading on a hike of Killarney National park in the afternoon. 

Muckross house is a nineteenth century mansion in the middle of the stunning Killarney National Park. Originally built by wealthy private owners the Herbert’s, the house ultimately ended up a gift to the new Irish state in the 1930’s. It was unfortunately left idle and for several decades. Finally in 1965, the people of Killarney came together and lobbied to government to establish a trust to restore Muckross House to its former beauty and splendour and open it as a museum.

Following our tour of the house, the students had free time to eat lunch and explore the gardens – perfect for a picnic! After our rest we met up with local mountain rescuer and guide Julie, who led us on a two hour exploitative walk of Killarney National Park. A stunningly sunny day, Julie led us on a loop of the great Killarney Lakes; through a cave and up into forest, on the Lakes edge with beautiful views overlooking the Lakes islands. We finished up with a trip to Torc waterfall, passing a bag pipe player along the way.

Another great trip - Belfast in two weeks!!