Muckross Park Hotel and Cloisters Spa
- Star Rating 5 star
- Location Killarney in Co. Kerry
- Open All Year Round
The Muckross Park Hotel & Cloisters Spa is one of the oldest hotels in Killarney. It opened its doors as The Herbert Arms in 1795 and was part of the original Muckross House Estate. In August 1861 Queen Victoria visited Killarney and stayed at Muckross House just across the road from the hotel and she took lunch in the hotel on Wednesday 28th August. Other past guests include George Bernard Shaw who spent the summer of 1923 in the hotel writing Pygmalion (My Fair Lady). Daniel O' Connell used the hotel to rest and have a glass of 'toddie' during his many journeys from his home in Caherdaniel over the mountains to Kenmare and it was recently discovered that Michael Collins visited the hotel shortly before his fatal shooting at Beal na Blath in 1921.
The only hotel located in Killarney's majestic National Park, with 25,000 acres of magnificent mountains, lakes and streams on the doorstep, this hotel makes the ideal romantic getaway location. The hotel is of course also in the Golfing Mecca of Ireland with 7 championship golf courses on their doorstep as well. Coupled with this there are an enormous amount of activities in Killarney such as Muckross House, Torc Waterfall, The Ring of Kerry and many more making Muckross Park Hotel & Cloisters Spa the ideal location to visit.
Elegant, luxurious guestrooms and suites, award winning bars, superb business facilities and their world class Cloisters Spa all make for a truly memorable hotel experience in the very unique location of the Lakes of Killarney. Just come visit and see for yourself……
The only way to experience the true splendour and service of the Muckross Park Hotel is to stay there. However we wanted to give you a taste of what the experience holds.
At the Muckross Park Hotel & Cloisters Spa, guests can enjoy large luxurious Guestrooms; Suites & Historic suites with everything from crisp linen sheets to fluffy cotton towels with his & her bathrobes and slippers. Each has been designed to be slightly different from the next, furnished with beautiful antiques and luxurious fabrics. The room types are as follows:
Standard Rooms & Suites of which there are:
-The Belfry Suites (2)
-The Grand Suites (3)
-The Presidential Suite (1)
& the Historic Suites of which there are:
-Innisfallen Suite
-GB Shaw Suite
6 Suites, one common theme - unabashed luxury. Those who are used to palaces feel at home in these suites, and during evening turndown service, you will be left foot cream or Aromatherapy Associates oil.
The Belfry Suites
Facilities include:
* Large Studio Suite
* Crisp Irish Linen with Raw Silk Bedcover
* Individually controlled air conditioning
* Plasma Screen TV
* Mini Bar
* Bathrobe and Slippers
* Stand alone Bathtub & Shower
* Mist free mirrors
* Complimentary Newspaper & Mineral water
* Hospitality Tray
* Personal Safe
* Includes a Cloisters Experience
The Grand Suites
As one would expect, the 3 Grand Suites, which include the Tower suite and the Executive suite, are totally luxurious and spacious. The Tower is located right beside the spa for the guests convenience and has great views of the Mountain and Blue Pool River while the Executive suite has been designed in a more contemporary style.
* Crisp Irish Linen with Raw Silk Bedcover
* Individually Controlled air conditioning
* Plasma Screen TV & DVD player
* Mini Bar
* Bathrobe & Slippers
* Jacuzzi Bath with Plasma Screen TV and separate walk-in shower
* Mist Free Mirrors
* Complimentary Newspaper & Mineral Water
* Hospitality Tray
* Personal Safe
* Includes a Cloisters Experience
The Presidential Suite
Presidential says it all about this wonderful suite, and is without doubt the best room in the house. You will truly feel like a King staying here. Faclities include:
* Dining Table with crystal chandelier
* Elegant sitting room Area
* Balcony Jacuzzi Bath with Plasma Screen TV
* Walk-in Shower/Steam room
* Full Surround Sound
* Crisp Irish Linen
* Individually Controlled Air Conditioning
* Plasma Screen TVs & DVD Player
* Mini Bar
* Bathrobe & Slippers
* Stand alone Bathtub and Shower
* Complimentary Newspaper & Mineral Water
* Tea, Coffee making facilities
* Personal Safe
* Includes a Cloisters Experience
In the Heart of Killarney National Park with the Blue Pool River running through its grounds, the Muckross Park Hotel is one of the most enviable addresses in Kerry. Choose to dine in the Blue Pool Restaurant or award winning GB Shaws. Sip a cocktail in the Monks Bar or a pint of the Black Stuff in Molly Darcy's.
The Blue Pool Restaurant
The Blue Pool restaurant at the Muckross Park Hotel offers guests a fine dining experience in an elegant and intimate atmosphere. The hotels culinary philosophy is to create exciting, innovative cuisine based on classical European techniques and utilising the finest locally sourced Irish ingredients. The wine cellar is one of the finest in Kerry and your host will recommend a selection to complement your chosen menu.
Molly Darcy's Traditional Irish Pub
The Award Winning Molly Darcy's Traditional Irish Pub & Restaurant is the perfect location for a taste of Kerry. Where wooden floors, stonewalls, beamed ceilings, open fires and live Irish entertainment create a warm and friendly welcome. You can even join the Molly's Mug club and take home a souvenir of a Muckross Pottery Mug. Dining here of the traditional Irish Fayre and on offer are such dishes as:
• Traditional Seafood Chowder
• Irish Stew
• Bacon & Cabbage
• Mollys Apple Tart and Cream
• Mollys Bread & Butter pudding
Just some of the awards presented to this traditional pub listed below:
Black & White Kerry pub of the year 9 consecutive year
2003 Black & White Pub of the Year
2003 Traditional Irish Music Pub of the Year
2003 Dining Pub of the Year
2002 Black & White Pub of the Year
2001 RAC Award for Dining Excellence
2001 AA Award for Culinary Excellence
When the Muckross Hotel was purchased by Bill Cullen and Jackie Lavin in 1990, this pub/restaurant was renovated and extended. It was renamed 'Molly Darcys' in memory of Bill's maternal grandmother. Molly Darcy was a special woman. Special in that she lived for almost a century. She lived and associated with people who survived the Famine years 1845-51. She stood outside the smouldering ruins of the GPO after the Easter Rising of 1916 with Bill's mother a baby in her arms. Molly coped with the hardships and deprivation of the Troubles, Black and Tans and the Irish Civil War. She lost her husband (Robert 'Sheriff' Darcy) in his prime and supported her family in the tough thirties, and through the Second World War by selling fish and fruit from a barrow in Dublin's Fair City. This was a time of extreme poverty when a mother's proudest boast was that her children were never barefoot.
Molly passed away in February 1991 just two months short of her 100th birthday. Five generations of Darcy's were at her funeral with over 100 direct descendants present. Molly didn't leave a will of money or riches, but passed on a legacy of immeasurable wealth. She left her family a heritage of love, kindness and indomitable spirit, and the strength and determination to overcome life's adversities. Molly had lots of wise sayings and these were her favourites.
'If God is with you, it doesn't matter who's against you'
'If you can't do a man a good turn never do him a bad one'
'Smile, I met a man today who didn't have a smile so I gave him one'.
The Monks Bar
The Monks bar in the Muckross Park Hotel is luxuriously chic and has an air of Brandy and cigars about it. Its wood paneled walls, deep leather couches and low lighting gives the bar a dramatic atmosphere. The Monks bar houses specialty whiskies and wines and has a fantastic cocktail list to choose from.
Your personal journey begins the moment you enter the Cloisters Spa at the Muckross Park Hotel and remains long after you leave. The Cloisters Experience takes you on a journey of the spa where you will experience a range of sensations and can relax in the most luxurious of surroundings. The aim is to give the ultimate Spa experience that extends to a deeper level of relaxation and rejuvenation. Treatments may be chosen from different sections of the menu and may be combined to create your own tailor made package.
Vitality Pool
Set at a balmy 35c, the warm waters help to soothe and ease aches and pains, relax as a multitude of air and water features gently massage those hard to reach areas.
Jacuzzi
Gives you a pleasant massage to all the body, helping in reducing the muscle tension and activating the circulation system.
Outdoor Hot Tub
Relax overlooking the Blue Pool River.
Herbal Sauna
Awaken your senses with aromatic essences. This has a higher humidity than conventional saunas therefore health benefits are increased with the dry heat. The sauna clears the body of toxins and improves circulation - a wonderful treatment to enjoy before or after a massage.
Salt Grotto
The salt grotto is decorated with mosiacs and filled with mist containing mineral salts. Through inhalation the salts and aromas aid breathing and increase metabolism, especially beneficial for people with respitary ailmenst such as asthma. Recapture the healing essence of the sea with each breath.
Ice Fountain & Themed Shower
The crushed ice from the Ice shower is ideal for cooling the body after a herbal sauna or steam. The themed shower is a "fun" feature within the thermal suite, the shower has different themes "Cold Mist", "Caribbean" and "Atlantic Rain" seasonal fragrances are dispersed to enhance the experience.
Thermal Loungers
The smooth stone of these loungers is heated to gently warm the muscles as you relax overlooking the Riverside Gazebo Garden
Rasul
Taken from a Arabic method of exfoliation and cleansing, this herb filled steam promotes restful sleep and a
calmer spirit.
Foot Spa
To enhance the thermal experience feet can be warmed and soothed in two individual foot baths. A wonderful way to relax with a partner or friend to complete your treatments.
River Relaxation Room
Complete your journey by relaxing under a blanket on our four poster beds overlooking the Blue Pool river.
SIGNATURE TREATMENTS
Arabic Mud Rasul
Apply freshly prepared mud of the highest value - then simply relax in the steam to absorb the benefits of the minerals in the mud. It's that easy. Experience the traditional cleansing ritual with a friend and give your body and mind a relaxing mud cleanse followed by a replenishing foot soak and scrub
Lomi Lomi
A Sacred Hawaiian Massage, which takes place in the monastic style temple of the Cloisters Spa. Lomi Lomi massage is done by hands-on therapy, using palm and elbow touch over the back of the body. The recipient could almost believe that they are lying in the sun being caressed by the warm waters of the Pacific.
Cloisters Hot Stone Full Body Massage
This truly holistic experience brings harmony to both mind and body. It helps to release stress, pain and toxins from your body, improves circulation and creates a feeling of peaceful and spiritual well being.
BALANCE
Reflexology
Acupressure is applied to zones on the feet that correspond to all parts of the body and organs. This treatment stimulates the body's own healing and balancing process.
Hopi Ear Candling
The Hopi Native American Indians have been using ear candles as an effective natural therapy since ancient times. This treatment calms the mind and clears the head and ears.
Reiki
This energy treatment is used to heal areas in the body, mind and soul. The treatment is simple yet effective. The therapist places his/her hands over parts of the body to create a sense of peace and healing.
Indian Head Massage
A deeply calming treatment which focuses on releasing the tense areas of the head, neck and scalp. Everyone should try it.
MASSAGE
A massage at The Cloisters Spa is a truly individual journey where you discover the real power of touch. An enlightening experience that will harmonise your body’s subtle energy. A remedy awaits, whether you need calming, energising or de-stressing. Massages here combine the most popular techniques of the world, including Thai, Chinese acupressure and Aromatherapy in our body ceremonies. To the more traditional European techniques used in Swedish and sports massage and natural healing properties found in our earth with hot and cold stone massage.
The Muckross Park Hotel was built in 1795. It is the Oldest Victorian Hotel in Killarney. It was part of the original Muckross House Estate owned by the Herbert family, that also features the historic and magnificent Muckross Abbey. The Muckross Park Hotel Complex is also home to Kerry's famous Molly Darcy's Traditional Irish Pub & Restaurant & G.B. Shaws A La Carte Restaurant. Eloquently named in tribute to the hotels famous past visitor the Playwright George Bernard Shaw who once frequented the hotel with his wife Charlotte.
The Herbert Family of Muckross enjoyed a high social standing, which reached its climax in 1861 with the visit of Queen Victoria to Killarney. Although the Queen had visited Ireland on two previous occasions, in 1849 and 1853, this was the first time that Kerry was included in her itinerary. The Queen was accompanied by Albert, the Prince Consort, the Prince of Wales, Prince Alfred, Princess Alice and Princess Helena. The Royal party stayed the night of Monday, August 26th at Killarney House; home of the Earl of Kenmare. They then travelled on to Muckross, where they spent the following two nights. The Queen's visit to Killarney House was very much a state occasion. However, her stay at Muckross was a much more private affair. The local press reported that Her Majesty 'had declared her intention of being "very quiet" while at Muckross.' (The Kerry Evening Post, Wed. August 28th, 1861). At 6.30 pm on the evening of Monday 26th, the Royal train arrived in Killarney from Dublin.
The Royal party were then escorted to Killarney House, where a large dinner was held that evening. The next day the Queen embarked at Ross Castle for a day on the Lakes. Lunch was served at Glena Cottage. In the evening the party returned to Ross Quay, from where they were escorted back to Killarney House. At about 6.30pm that same evening, Tuesday 27th, the Queen and her family set out for Muckross.
They were accompanied by The Right Hon. Henry Arthur Herbert, Viscount Castlerosse (of the Kenmare family) and a troop of the Royal Dragoons, The Times described how Mr and Mrs Herbert received the Queen on the lawn at the door of Muckross House. A host of other ladies and gentlemen were also present and greeted the Queen enthusiastically. (The Times, Fri. August 30th, 1861). Elaborate preparations had been carried out at Muckross for the Royal visit. Tapestries, mirrors, Persian carpets, silverware, musical instruments, linen, china and servants uniforms, are all said to have been specially commissioned for the occasion. The curtains, which still hang in the Dining Room of Muckross House, were specially woven, probably in Paris, for the occasion.
The Queen's apartments at Muckross were described in the local press as follows: 'An entire section of the mansion has been set apart for the royal family, so that all their apartments communicate without the necessity of passing into the corridors to be used by other occupants of the house. The Queen will live here in privacy, and from the windows of her rooms she can walk into delightful grounds, which will be kept private during her stay at Muckross. In her sitting room - which, like all the others, is a splendid apartment furnished richly and tastefully, there is a series of views of the Lakes of Killarney, painted by Mrs Herbert.
They are works of the highest artistic excellence.' (The Kerry Evening Post, Wed. August 28th, 1861) The following day the Queen, accompanied in her carriage by Mrs Herbert, drove around the Muckross Demesne, visiting Dinis Island, Mangerton and Torc waterfall. Following lunch at The Muckross Park Hotel , the party then embarked at Muckross boathouse for Tomies to view a stag hunt upon the Lake. (The Kerry Evening Post, Sat. August 31st, 1861).
On Thursday 29th August, the morning of her departure, Queen Victoria visited Muckross Abbey, a 15th century Franciscan friary within the Muckross demesne. Eleanor, the eldest Herbert daughter described this visit as having been, 'very quiet, hardly any of the suite with us, they were all enchanted and wandered over it gathering ferns and leaves as recollections. She is to have ivy from the Abbey and ferns from various places sent to Osborne as recollections of this place.'
Before departing from Muckross, the Queen sent for Mrs Mary Herbert and presented her with a bracelet of gold, pearls and diamonds. Her daughters, Eleanor and Blanche, also each received a piece of jewellery. The Royal Collection at Windsor Castle contains three water-colours by Mary Herbert. Presumably Mary presented these to the Queen on her departure. At noon the Royal party left Muckross House for Killarney Railway station. There they boarded their train for Dublin, which they reached in just a little over five hours. Mr Miller, Chief engineer of the Great Southern and Western Railway drove the train both to and from Killarney. (The Kerry Evening Post, Sat. August 31st 1861).
The unstable financial situation of the Herberts in the late 19th century may have stemmed from the outlay involved in preparations for this Royal visit.
The following locations are in close proximity to the Muckross Park Hotel
Kenmare (30 mins)
Kenmare, with its pastel coloured houses, is the usual starting point for the Ring of Kerry round trip. The small town, founded by a handful of Englishmen in 1670, has every tourist convenience imaginable, including 2 of the most luxurious hotels in Ireland, both of which have been awarded the much coveted Michelin star: the Park Hotel and Sheen Falls Lodge. A trip round the peninsula of Iveragh should not be missed; it has some of the most magnificent landscape in Europe, as any of the hundreds of people on bicycles, motorbikes, cars and busses traveling the 110 mile long coast road will tell you. Starting the Ring of Kerry trip from Kenmare means that you will meet the countless busses from Killarney going the other way instead of being stuck behind them!
Killarney (5 mins)
Killarney lies on the edge of the astoundingly beautiful Killarney National Park with its three magnificent lakes and the spectacular MacGillycuddy Reeks mountain range. The park is also home to Muckross House and Gardens. Killarney is a wonderful base for all manner of activities including angling and water sports, golf, riding, orienteering, hiking, cycling, and canoeing. The town itself is quite small but full of charm as you will soon see as you walk down the brick footpaths and pass curious old-style shop fronts. Killarney is well known for its excellent shops, restaurants and cosmopolitan appeal. It is also renowned for its evening entertainment including many singing pubs, cabarets, dancing venues, and banquets. Traditional Irish music can also be heard in many of the local pubs.Cork & Blarney (1.5 hrs)
Cork City has undergone a transformation in recent years with the city centre geting a compete facelift. Always a much prettier and more pleasant city than Dublin, now Cork really sparkles. And so do its residents who claim to be Ireland's friendliest. Whatever the truth of that claim it is certainly true that there is no shortage of characters in "the real capital" as the locals jokingly claim. The city itself dates back to the 7th century and boasts some fine Georgian architecture. There are a number of places worth visiting while in Cork including the imposing St. Finbarr's Cathedral, St Anne's Church, which houses the Shandon Bells and Cork City Gaol.Blarney is a charming village but is most renowned for its castle and stone. The impressive castle, perched on solid limestone, dates from 1446 and is situated on magnificent grounds. To acquire "the gift of gab" one must kiss the Blarney Stone. This involves bending over backwards at quite a height and should not be attempted by the faint-hearted!
Skibbereen (1.5 hours)
This thriving town is the 'capital' of West Cork, centre for all the agricultural, industrial and tourist activities of the region. Its streets are full of life and character and it is an ideal base from which to discover the delights of West Cork. You could easily spend days or weeks exploring West Cork, wandering up and down its lovely quiet roads. Although popular, it is never crowded like Kerry, and there are always delightful places to discover. Around each western headland the unsuspecting visitor will discover coastlines dominated by scenic harbors and colorful fishing villages such as Glandore, Baltimore and Schull, secluded beaches and dozens of sparsely populated islands such as Sherkin and Cape Clear. These islands, which were once populated with Gaelic speaking colonies, now offer the visitor endless hours of exploring an old-world traditional Ireland.Muckross House & Gardens (5 mins)
Situated in Killarney National Park, Muckross House and Gardens are among the most popular of Irish visitor attractions. Queen Victoria paid a visit here, to the Herbert family, in 1861. The House was later owned, in turn, by Lord Ardilaun (of the Guinness family) and by the Bourn Vincents. Today, many of the rooms in this magnificent mansion have been restored to their original Victorian splendour.Between the months of April and July, Muckross Gardens are spectacularly adorned with the red and pink flowers of mature Rhododendrons. Other garden features include a Sunken Garden, a Rock Garden and a Stream Garden. An Arboretum, containing many trees from the Southern Hemisphere, was established here in 1972.
Muckross Traditional Farms are situated adjacent to Muckross House. These working farms recreate and portray the traditional farming methods, and way of life, of a typical local, rural community of the 1930s. The Walled Garden Centre incorporates the Garden Restaurant, Mucros Craft Shop and the three Mucros Craft Workshops. The Garden Restaurant offers excellent menu choices, while Mucros Craft Shop offers an extensive range of quality giftware. Handcrafted items from Mucros Pottery, Mucros Weaving and Mucros Conservation Bookbinding are also on sale here.
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