Killarney has been a tourist attraction in Ireland since the times of Queen Victoria. The countryside is a pastoral wonderland dotted with lakes, forest, and soaring mountain. Here on the banks of Muckross Lake sits the magnificent Muckross House, originally built in 1843. The house actually acted as guest quarters for the visit of Queen Victoria in 1861. The entire estate is now part of Killarney National Park, and many of the rooms have been restored to their former elegance. In the grounds of the house are the stunningly beautiful gardens of Rhododendrons and Azaleas along with streams, a rock garden, and an arboretum. Another recent addition is a faithful recreation of a traditional Irish farm highlighting the traditional methods of farming and the lifestyles of a typical Irish rural community of the 1930's.

The lovely gardens of Muckross House

The breathtaking view of the Lakes of Killarney from Ladies Point.

 In the stables of the old house, several craft workshops have been established and it is here that weaver John Cahill plys his trade. Irish Design Center has been importing directly from John for many years now, and customers greatly admire the colorful scarves, shawls, and throws he designs and weaves in his workshop. In particular, John is renowned for items woven in boucle mohair, a wonderfully soft, textured, and multicolored fibre. In our online store, we have some luscious samples for purchase.