The Muckross traditional farms are an authentic outdoor interpretation of rural life in Kerry in the 1930s and 1940s, on a 70 acre elevated site. Traditional buildings and field systems are recreated and domestic farming and craft practices are carried out daily during the visitor season. Step back into the past on Muckross Traditional Farms and visit a very different Ireland – the Ireland of the 1930s and 1940s. Then, a trip to the well was still a daily chore for the housewife and electricity had yet to be introduced to the countryside. The horse reigned supreme - all farming activities were carried out using horsepower and traditional farm machinery. The rhythm of life followed a yearly cycle and the farmer`s activities were governed by the seasons and the weather.

Visit three separate working farms (small, medium and large), each complete with animals, poultry and machinery. The farm dwellings are furnished in traditional style, complete with dressers, settlebeds and mealbins. There is also a Laborer`s Cottage, a Carpenter`s Workshop and a Blacksmith`s Forge.

State-sponsored primary school education was introduced to Ireland in 1831 and was organized at parish level. This schoolhouse is typical of many rural Irish schools built from c. 1910. Divided into two rooms internally, each teacher usually taught several different classes within the one classroom. Pupils were expected to bring sods of turf to school for the open fires. Separate dry toilets, for boys and girls, were always located in the yard at rear.

Younger visitors will enjoy our small Farm Animal Petting Area, complete with its own Bouncy Castle. Parents can enjoy a sheltered picnic in our Woodland Play Area, while their youngsters have fun on the wonderful slides and swings.

A free complimentary coach service, with universal access, circles the site continuously. Visitors are welcome to board and alight from the coach as they choose, while visiting each of the farm dwellings along the way.