Killarney, the scene from Emerald by Jessie Buckley

In Killarney, the mountains offer a living spectacle. With their shimmering lakes and magnificent forests, the spectacular landscapes of this County Kerry town provided a glamorous backdrop for the early years of Academy Award-winning actress Jessie Buckley. Located in southwest Ireland on the Wild Atlantic Way, Killarney blends wide-open spaces with simple, old-world pleasures.

Jessie Buckley has always emphasized the influence of the Irish landscape and oral traditions on her work.

During the Hamnet press tour, she confided: « I grew up surrounded by nature, in Killarney… What I love about Irish nature is its wildness.

Things grow simply because they want to. » It’s an environment that is both melancholic and moving.

Jessie Buckley’s family contributes to Killarney’s warm welcome, as the 4-star Arbutus Hotel has been run by the Buckley family since 1926.

With its traditional Celtic style, it’s the kind of place where you might suddenly find yourself singing spontaneously.

A love of storytelling is clearly a family affair, as Tim Buckley (her father) is the poet-in-residence and bar manager at the Parknasilla Resort in Sneem, where he organizes historical walks in the area.

Outside the city center, nature reclaims its space, with breathtaking landscapes that inspire artists.

Just a stone’s throw away lies the magnificent Killarney National Park, with its shimmering lakes and ancient forests, worthy of a film set.

Whether you stroll through the historic Muckross House and its gardens, cycle in the shade of the estate’s trees, or embark on a boat trip on Lough Leane, it’s easy to see why creativity thrives here.

Jessie Buckley’s Oscar win follows an exceptional awards season, marked by a shower of accolades for her role as Agnes in Hamnet, including a Golden Globe, a Critics’ Choice Award, an Actors Award, and a BAFTA.

Her rise has also become part of Killarney’s cultural landscape, forging an unbreakable bond with its mountains, its music, and its people.

Whether you’re exploring the lake-dotted parks or chatting with locals over a smooth pint, you’ll feel it: Killarney doesn’t just witness excellence, it nurtures it.