Pictures: Valerie O’Sullivan
Despite a scare that it wouldn’t be opening this year, it can be confirmed that the Dinis Cottage tea rooms in Killarney National Park is, after all, reopening for the summer season on Saturday, June 1 at 10.00am.
Management of Killarney National Park were on hand to welcome this year’s custodians, Ed Lacey and Oona Tibbetts, founders of water adventure sports company Wild Sup Tours in Kerry.
They are passionate about the environment and Killarney National Park and they plan hope to serve the finest local produce for the season ahead.
The reopening of the Dinis Cottage has been particularly welcomed by the traditional boatmen who operate on the Lakes of Killarney.
Boat operator John Michael Lyne’s family have links to Muckross Lake and Dinis Cottage for 250 years.
His knowledge of the lakes is spellbinding and he comes from five generations of boatmen.
One of the Lyne’s relatives rowed Queen Victoria’s barge on the Lakes of Killarney during her visit in 1861.
John Michael said: I’m delighted to see Dinis Cottage back in action. It is such a lovely amenity and has that special old world charm, often the highlight of people’s boat trip on Muckross Lake”.
The Fleming family boatmen operate, Ross Castle Boat Tours, on the Lakes of Killarney.
Tony Fleming commented: “The opening of Dinis Cottage adds significant value to the Meeting of the Waters tour experience.
The charming 19th century lodge, nestled on the shores of Muckross Lake within Killarney National Park, offers visitors a unique glimpse into local history and natural beauty”.
Killarney boating legend Donal ‘Dux’ O’Donoghue, whose unique quirky stories and wildlife spotting has brought the famous Gap of Dunloe traditional boat tours to another generation, said: “It’s always amazing to be able to stop off at Dinis Cottage. It’s like going back in time and we wish Ed and Oona the very best of luck for the season ahead.”
The Herberts of Muckross built the original Dinis Cottage as a hunting lodge in the 1700s. By 1820 the famous cottage was rebuilt after falling into ruin.
The Herberts managed to retain it sold world Victorian charm and the famous tea rooms have been serving locals and visitors for over 250 years.
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