Photographic Exhibition of Beatrice Grosvenor's Time in Killarney

Beatrice Grosvenor relocated to Ireland following the death of her uncle, Gerald, Seventh Earl of Kenmare, in 1952. Later on, in order to pay off accumulated death duties, she sold off a significant portion of the estate to an American syndicate. This syndicate was later bought out by the late John McShain, an Irish American construction magnate, and the lands were subsequently transferred to the Irish State. Mrs Grosvenor retained some lands around Killarney for her own use at the time. These would eventually be sold to the OPW in two lots, the first in 1972 and the remainder, after her death, in 1985.

This photographic exhibition will illustrate Mrs. Grosvenor's association with Killarney, from her early childhood visits to the Browne family, along with her mother and sister, to the later years when she eventually settled in Killarney.

The photographs will show her influence on the town and its environs. She was actively involved in getting Muckross House reopened to the public in 1964. Her association with the Killarney Golf and Fishing Club will also feature. The exhibition will conclude with her induction into the Knights of Innisfallen in 1984 and her funeral in Killarney in June, 1985.
As Beatrice Grosvenor has now been deceased for over 40 years, some may have forgotten or might not be aware of the contribution that she made to Killarney in the mid to late twentieth century. It is hoped that this exhibition will fill the knowledge gap.