The Executive Committee invites members to a tour of Farmleigh House, which is situated in the north-west corner of the Phoenix Park, and is adjacent to the Chapelizod and Castleknock areas of Dublin. We will meet at 10.30am in the Boathouse café/ restaurant which is situated in the grounds alongside the ornamental lake and is run by Brambles. The guided tour will commence at 11am and takes between 50-60 mins. Following the tour participants are welcome to explore the gardens.
Farmleigh House is the official Irish State guest house, it was formerly one of the Dublin residences of the Guinness family. It was purchased by the OPW on behalf of the Government in June 1999 for 29 million. A fantastic mansion on 78 acres which was in need of refurbishment, the purpose being to provide a venue for state occasions and a place for visiting dignitaries to stay, and for high level Government meetings.
Farmleigh remains a unique representation of its heyday, it is beautifully decorated in traditional style, with elegant staterooms. Edward Cecil Guinness first Earl of Iveagh the great-grandson of Arthur Guinness built Farmleigh House around a smaller Georgian house in the 1880’s. Many of the artworks and furnishings he collected for Farmleigh remain in the house on loan from the Guinness family to the state.
NB: Places for this event will be reserved for members only and on a first come first served basis.
Booking will close on Friday April 27th.
For members with mobility issues there is a lift.
Parking:
There is a large free cark park in the grounds of Farmleigh House.
For participants using Dublin Bus the number 37 stops at Castleknock Gate and is about a 10 minute walk from there to Farmleigh.
Details:
Date: May 2
Time: 10.30 – 12 noon
Cost: This is a free event