An Irishman's Diary

ONE OF THE most elaborate of all royal visits to Ireland was Queen Victoria’s third visit in August 1861 when she was accompanied by Albert, the prince consort, and four of their children. The highlight of her visit came when she travelled by train to Killarney to spend three nights as guest of Lord Castlerosse and Colonel Herbert, two leading landlords of Kerry.

Alighting from the royal coach on the hand of Albert, the queen was formally welcomed by her hosts and ceremoniously escorted to an open carriage in front of the Railway Hotel. Escorted by dragoons and mounted constabulary, the cortege passed along the Ross Road where thousands of people waved and cheered. Many had paid for vantage points on five specially-erected tiered galleries. All the substantial landlords and the magistrates of Kerry along with their families had privileged positions at chosen points. Entering Killarney House by the Keeper’s Gate, the cortege moved slowly along the long avenue to where Lady Castlerosse awaited amid a carpet of crimson and scarlet cloth to receive the monarch. A sumptuous meal was served while the royal standard flew high above the house of Kenmare.

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