One of the most attractive features of Muckross House is its garden. Work began on the estate during the 1850’s in preparation for Queen Victoria’s visit in 1861. Over the years, additions were made to the dramatic grounds, such as the construction of the Rock Garden, the Stream Garden and the Sunken Garden. The gardens are famous for their excellent collections of rhododendrons and azaleas. Note the skilled craft workers who use their traditional skills in weaving, bookbinding and pottery in the walled garden center.

Besides the small, medium and large farms that make up the Muckross Traditional Farms, you can also visit the Labourer’s Cottage (known as O’Connors), as well as the Carpenter’s Workshop and Blacksmith’s Forge.
An interesting feature of the farm is the school house building typical of the era. Many schools were built in this fashion, starting from when the Irish government introduced sponsored primary school education in 1831. The school at Muckross Farms is divided into two internal rooms, where one teacher typically taught multiple grades.
The farm also includes a Farm Animal Petting Area with several fun playground equipment such as a bouncy castle. Don’t forget to bring along a picnic lunch to eat in the sheltered Woodland Play Area. Look out for the complimentary circular coach service that picks you up from the different sites across the farm and drops you off at other dwellings.

Guided tours of Muckross House and Gardens take place on days that the site is open.