An Bord Pleanála has ruled that the main entrance to Muckross House in Killarney should not continue to be used by visitors, rejecting an appeal by local campaigners.
A board inspector had said that the "frisson" of being able to follow in the footsteps of the wealthy former owners had to take second place to practical requirements.
The board has ruled in accordance with its inspector and said the front door grand entrance should not be used by the 200,000 people who visit the house - "a splendid piece of Victorian architecture" - each year.
Queen Victoria stayed there in 1861, as did many of the most famous Victorian writers, politicians and artists of the 19th century who visited Killarney.
The public will now have to use a rear courtyard entrance. Management at Muckross House, which is owned by the State and run by a charitable trust, have indicated the grand entrance will be available for occasional and ceremonial use and visits by dignitaries.
The changes will allow a lift, the opening of an Edwardian stud/office and universal access. It will also allow the house to better manage an increasing number of visitors.
Objections had been raised by local residents and jarveys, who fear they will lose business as most of the visitors will now be steered away from their traditional stand on the avenue leading to the front entrance.
Diarmuid Cronin, speaking on behalf of objecting residents, said closing the main entrance would take from the historical authenticity of a visit to the house. Alternative arrangements for wheelchair users could have been provided, he said.
However, these arguments were rejected. Senior planning inspector Robert Ryan said:"Increasing numbers require careful management not only in terms of health and safety regulations, but also from the point of view of security and providing proper display of antique items, cutlery, tableware, etc." People would still be able to wander around outside of the house, the inspector said.
It is estimated that a total of more than 1.5 million people visit Muckross park, with its gardens, traditional farms, boathouses and other facilities, each year.
The board ruled that "having regard to the fact that Muckross House is a protected structure of great architectural and tourism importance that is open to the public, the proposed revisions, allowing for universal access both externally and internally . . . would not seriously detract from the design or layout of the building and would enhance its availability to all visitors".