Coolclogher House,

in County Kerry, is a large Victorian country house 'in an engaging blend of Romanesque and Neoclassical' styles, designed by the Cork architect William Atkins for John Leahy of Coolclogher or Whitehill, whose estate on the outskirts of Killarney adjoined the more famous Herbert estate at Muckross House. According to the architectural historian Jeremy Williams, 'the house is conceived as two parallel sequences, with the porch, hall and staircase to the rear, and the dining room, double drawing room and conservatory in front'.' The estate today is considerably reduced in size but the house is surrounded by a secluded 60-acre walled park which provides great privacy just a short distance from the bustle of busy Killarney town.

During the late 1990s Coolclogher House was beautifully restored by Mary and Marucie Harnett as their family home, and today they provided luxurious accommodation for visitors to Killarney. Its fine reception rooms are spacious and stylish while the bedrooms are large and comfortable, with large, beautifully equipped bathrooms, good antique furniture and wonderful views over the gardens, parkland and the mountains of the Killarney National Park, with the MacGillycuddy's Reeks beyond. The delightful 19th century conservatory, built around a 180 year-old camellia tree, is an ideal place to breakfast or to while away the time with a book.

The famous Lakes of Killarney, the Killarney National Park, Muckross House and Abbey and Ross Castle are all within easy reach. Killarney is an ideal starting point on the famous Ring of Kerry, going by way of Kenmare, Parknasilla and Waterville, and returning via Cahirciveen, Glenbeigh and Killorglin, but there are also wonderful drives through Beaufort and the Gap of Dunloe, along Caragh Lake to Glencar or, for the more ambitious, a day trip to the Dingle Peninsula. There are world famous golf courses at Waterville, Tralee and Ballybunion while boat trips on the famous Lakes of Killarney, fishing and horse riding can all be arranged.

As Coolclogher is a town house, dinner is not usually offered, but there is a dazzling choice of restaurants in nearby Killarney town. This is the perfect base for a longer stay and a wonderful location for a family reunion or for celebrating a special occasion.


Directions:
From Killarney take the N11 (Muckross Road) and the first left into Mill Road (after the metal bridge). The gates are on the right after half a mile.