Kentucky Irish American. (Louisville, Ky.) 1898-1968, 1899-06-24

boat awaits them. The caretaker, who
lives in the cottage near by, jealously
guards the approach to prevent the public
from acquiring any right Of way. Diris
island, situated below the old wire bridge,
at the juncture of the three lakes, known
as the Meeting of the WATERS" is SINH
larly looked after. A landing stage has
been made here, but visitors can only
land by permission. They can not claim
any public right.
The drive from Muckross is along the
mountain, dividing the lower and mid
die lakes and over Brickeen bridge, built
by the late Mr.. Herbert at his own ex-
pense. Diris is famous for its mild
climate throughout the year, and here
are to be found, in the open, tropical
plants flourishing in full bloom and
splendor which to succeed in any other
part of the district have to be specially
cared for.
The shooting and fishing are practically
unlimited. The mountains may be de-
scribed as one vast deer forest. The
noble animals, the last Of their kind in
Ireland, roam at will over the mountains
belonging exclusively to the Kenmore
and Muckross estates. The owners have
always watched over them with jealous
care, and as a result the mountains may
be said to be "swarming" with these
kings of the forest. In passing it may be
of interest to note that quite recently six
kinds were sent from Muckross over to
the Queens deer forest at Windsor. II
may also be noted that one of the mount.
ain drives was opened by the Queen dur
ing her visit in 1861 and is now known as
the Queens drive" one of the CHIEF
tourist roads.
In the demesne, close to the house, are
to be seen the Royal Oaks, five i'll num-
Der, two of which were planted by the
Queen and Prince Consott and the re-
mainder by other members of the royal
family during their visit to Muckross.
And now for the abbey-the famous
Muckross abbey, that may soon belong
to an American nabob. 1t is commonly
referred to as Muckross abbey. The cor
rect name is "The Abbey of Irrelagh, >
and comprises the well-preserved ruins o.
a monastery founded by Chief MacCarthy
for the Franciscan Friars in 1910. This
and the church attached and the public
burial ground surrounding are the only
parts of Muckross that the public have {
right of entrance to.
Books could be written concerning the
abbey itself. Antiquarians have devoted
much time and labor toward clearing NJ
all doubts concerning its origin and his
tory. 1t is unique. 1t has braved the
stress and storms of existence for owe
FIVE hundred years, and. excepting it
roof, which fell victirA 70 the rage o
the Cromwellians, 1t is to all appearance
fit to endure the trials of an other cycl,
of existence.
The lovely cloisters Swallowed by thu
yew tree, supposed to be co-evil with thu
building itself, are never ending source
of interest to the thousands who annual,
visit Muckross.
The ultimate fate of Muckross is natur
ally subject of great interest in Killar
ney. Sell Muckross and close it to visit
ors, and Killarney as tourist resort viii
be practically extinct. The majority o
the inhabitants of the town depend OF
the tourist traffic for their existence
Strong hopes were at one time entertaine'
that Muckross would be bought by tn
Government and become a royal resi-
dence, but that delusion has been dis
PEELED within the last few days. Situate
in any other country, it would in a
probability be acquired and maintaine
as national park. Ireland will regar
it as national calamity should the hi
toric lakes and the Muckross the Fai
fall into the hands of any one who in hi
proud selfishness would close its gate
aud allow none to enter this Eden of tn
Emerald Isle but those happy in h
friendship.
1t has been the time-honored custoi
for years to allow the public to sail ovt
the waters and wander over the parks {
this earthly paradise.