9. OPENING OF MUCKROSS HOUSE
TO THE PUBLIC, 1964

Muckross House remained closed for over 30 years having been donated to the Irish people by the Bourn Vincent family in late 1932.

Over the years there were many suggestions as to how the House should be used. At a public meeting in December 1963 a local man, Dr Frank Hilliard, suggested that it should be opened as a folk museum. This idea was enthusiastically received. With the cooperation of the Minister for Finance, Dr Jim Ryan, Muckross House opened to the public for the first time on 14 June 1964.