THIS historic photograph shows one of Killarney’s historical architectural gems in all its splendor.
The striking building in the background was the original Killarney House –known locally as Lord Kenmare’s Mansion – which was situated on Knockreer Hill overlooking large areas of the Kenmare estate.
The area, now referred to locally today as The Mansion, previously encompassed over 140,000 acres, stretching into several other counties.
The landmark red-brick Elizabethan style house was built in the 1870s but it was destroyed in a fire on the last day of August 1913.
This nostalgic photograph, posted on social media by park ranger and talented photographer Peter O’Toole, highlights the sheer beauty of the former residence of the Earl of Kenmare before the blaze destroyed it.
According to media archives, the fire originated in a room on the top floor of the right wing of the building and it was and discovered by a male servant in the early hours of the morning.
By the time fire crews arrived at the scene, a large part of the right wing of the house was engulfed in flames.
Desperate efforts to control the fire were not helped by the inadequacy of the private water supply and incompatibility with hose fittings.
While valuable furniture, tapestry, a collection of china and marbles were destroyed, a number of priceless paintings, furniture and books were saved. The private chapel at the end of the eastern wing remained intact as did the western wing which housed the servants’ apartments.
Because of the damage caused, however, the entire building was later destroyed,
Killarney House was originally built in 1873 at a cost of £200,000. A popular destination for tourists visiting the Killarney Lakes, it has played host to many distinguished visitors, including the late King Edward when he was Prince of Wales.
