Cahernane House History
The Beginning
Cahernane House was built as the family residence of Henry
Herbert in 1877 at a cost of £5,992. The work was carried out by Collen Brothers Contractors. The original plans by architect James Franklin Fuller, whose portfolio included Ballyseedy Castle, Dromquinna Manor and the Parknasilla Hotel, was for a mansion three times the present size. One generation on, the Herbert family had fallen on hard times and the property was being utilised as a hotel.
Through The Ages
By the 1860s, Cahernane was in the hands of Henry Herbert. Appearances were of utmost importance to the families who ran the ‘Big Houses’ in Ireland and Cahernane was serviced by a large number of staff including horsemen, boatmen, gardeners, game-keepers and domestic staff. However when Henry married Catherine Stewart she was not at all happy with the house and particularly the sanitary arrangements; which at that time consisted of a row of outdoor ‘closets’ attended by a servant known as ‘Patsy the Bucket’. It’s not difficult to understand Catherine’s unease so in order to appease her, Henry had the original classic Queen Anne style house demolished in 1877 to make way for a more modern Victorian mansion – the house we welcome you to today.
Towards the end of the 1800’s Ireland was entering a turbulent period of her history. The Land League led by Charles Stewart Parnell had taken up the cause of Irish tenant farmers who had long suffered unfair treatment at the hands of their British landlords. In 1881 the British Government succumbed to the pressure and passed the Land Act which guaranteed fair rent, fixed tenure and freedom from sale thereby protecting the tenants but sounding the death knell for many of the large estates. Muckross Estate closed that same year.
Cahernane only fared slightly better and was passed on to Arthur Herbert in 1898 along with significant debts.
The Final Years
By 1914 Arthur had leased the house for use as a hotel. A 1939 brochure from The Polytechnic Touring Association offers a seven-night stay for £3!
The Herbert family continued their ownership of Cahernane House until the death of Christopher Reginald Courtney Herbert during the Second World War. The house was then sold to Vincent Albericci, a cafe owner from Cork City. However the family had held on to a small portion of land in the grounds and Gwendolen Herbert lived in the gardener’s cottage until her death in 1966 when over 200 years of Herbert history in Cahernane finally came to an end.
Modern Day
Today the hotel is operated by International Hotel Management Company PREM Group. The hotel has been lovingly revived and offers national and international guests a unique and experiential stay in a magical environment, rich with history and elegance.
To date PREM Group have invested a total renovation figure of €7.8 million. Our former ‘Coach House’ has become home to 8 new luxurious bedrooms while the elegant Drawing Room, overlooking Killarney National Park, The Library and The Atrium have all been completely re-imagined. We look forward to welcoming you to Cahernane and have you enjoy our enhanced and unique guest experience.
Cahernane House Hotel History FAQ
What is the history of Cahernane House Hotel in Killarney?
Cahernane House Hotel’s history dates back to its origins as a Herbert family residence, with the present Victorian mansion built in 1877 for Henry Herbert. Designed by architect James Franklin Fuller, the house replaced an earlier Queen Anne-style residence and became one of Killarney’s distinctive country houses. By 1914, the property was being leased for use as a hotel. Today, Cahernane House Hotel preserves its historic character while offering luxury accommodation close to Killarney National Park, making it an appealing choice for visitors interested in Irish heritage and historic hotels in Killarney.
Who were the Herbert family, and why are they important to Cahernane House?
The Herbert family were prominent landowners whose history in County Kerry stretches back to the 17th century, with family connections to both Cahernane and Muckross. Henry Herbert commissioned the Victorian mansion in 1877, while his son Arthur inherited the property in 1898 during a period of financial difficulty. The family maintained connections with Cahernane until the 20th century, with Gwendolen Herbert living in a cottage on the grounds until her death in 1966. Guests staying at Cahernane House Hotel can experience a historic country house closely connected to Killarney’s social and architectural heritage.
When was Cahernane House built, and who designed the Victorian mansion?
The present Cahernane House was built in 1877 and designed by Irish architect James Franklin Fuller. Henry Herbert commissioned the building to replace the family’s earlier Queen Anne-style house, creating a more modern Victorian residence. Fuller was also associated with notable Irish properties including Ballyseedy Castle and Dromquinna Manor. The mansion’s period character remains central to Cahernane House Hotel’s appeal, offering guests the opportunity to stay in a historic Victorian manor house near Killarney National Park.
When did Cahernane House become a hotel in Killarney?
Cahernane House was being used as a hotel by 1914, when Arthur Herbert leased the property for hospitality purposes. The transition followed financial pressures affecting the Herbert estate during a period of major social and economic change in Ireland. A hotel brochure from 1939 advertised a seven-night stay for £3, offering a fascinating glimpse into early tourism in Killarney. Today, Cahernane House Hotel continues this hospitality tradition, combining its country house heritage with modern luxury accommodation for visitors exploring County Kerry.
Can guests still experience the historic character of Cahernane House Hotel today?
Yes, guests can experience Cahernane House Hotel’s Victorian heritage through its historic manor house setting, elegant interiors and restored reception spaces. Following extensive investment in restoration and refurbishment, the hotel retains its period atmosphere while providing modern accommodation, including bedrooms in the former Coach House. Visitors can enjoy the Drawing Room, Library and peaceful surroundings overlooking Killarney National Park. For couples, heritage enthusiasts and travellers seeking a luxury historic hotel in Killarney, Cahernane House Hotel offers a distinctive combination of history, comfort and contemporary hospitality.