Castlerosse Hotel, KILLARNEY, Kerry

The Castlerosse Hotel occupies a sublime location overlooking Killarney's Lower Lake with the Magillycuddy Reeks, Ireland's highest mountains, as a majestic backdrop. For this location we have to thank Beatrice Grosvenor C.B.E who built the original hotel in 1960. Beatrice was the last member of the Browne family remaining in Killarney since her ancestor Sir Valentine Browne arrived in 1587. He had been appointed Surveyor General of Ireland by Queen Elizabeth I and received extensive lands in Kerry from the Crown following the Plantation of Munster in 1586. The Brownes, through a strong male line with the recurring first name of Valentine, went on to receive the titles Baron Castlerosse, Viscount Kenmare. The first title was given to Valentine Browne (1638-1694) by James II for his support of the Jacobite cause in the war against William of Orange. In 1800 another Valentine received the superior title Viscount Castlerosse, Earl of Kenmare for his support of the Act of Union with England. The Earldom continued through the male line until Gerald the 7th Earl died in 1952 without a male heir.