Dublin Attractions: Leinster House
- Date: 2008-07-12 - Word Count: 427
Share This!
Formerly known as Kildare House, after James Fitzgerald the Earl of Kildare who commissioned it in 1745, Leinster House has been central to Dublin and Ireland's history. It later got its name Leinster House (Dublin is part of the province of Leinster) after James Fitzgerald became Duke of Leinster. The building acted as a family home to the high-profile Fitzgerald's for many years to come.
In fact one of the most famous early residents was Lord Edward Fitzgerald who was the fifth son of the Duke of Leinster. He was a supporter of the United Irishmen who sought Ireland's independence from England in 1798 Rising. He was actually arrested before the rebellion took place and died from wounds received during his arrest.
In 1815, the third Duke of Leinster, sold the building for £10,000 plus a yearly rent to the Royal Dublin Society and so it passed from the hands of the Fitzgeralds. It would take over 100 years before Leinster House would become the centre of the Irish nation. Following the foundation of the Irish Free State in 1922, the Government acquired a section of the mansion for use by the sitting parliament. And from that day forth, Leinster House became the home of the Oireachtas (the National Parliament) including Dail Eireann (the House of Representatives) and the Seanad (the Senate).
As for the design of the building, the German-born Richard Cassels created this and it fits well within the style and architecture of the 1700's. And it's believed that the Leinster House design actually acted as an inspiration for the White House in Washington DC. The Irish architect, James Coburn studied architecture in Dublin and he went on to win the competition to design the White House in 1792.
Although it's at the heart of Irish society with bills and laws debated on a daily basis, Leinster House still opens its doors to the public for tours of the building and sometimes you'll even get to view proceedings from the Public Gallery.
Tours usually last around 30 minutes and run at various times throughout the day and on certain days of the week. It's worth noting that May and June are the busiest months of the year with school groups adding to the numbers. To arrange a tour we recommend that you visit the Houses of the Oireachtas official website as various procedures need to be followed.
The main entrance to Leinster House is on Kildare Street. Kildare Street runs parallel to Grafton Street (Dublin's pedestrianised shopping street) and is only about 200 metres or so away.
In fact one of the most famous early residents was Lord Edward Fitzgerald who was the fifth son of the Duke of Leinster. He was a supporter of the United Irishmen who sought Ireland's independence from England in 1798 Rising. He was actually arrested before the rebellion took place and died from wounds received during his arrest.
In 1815, the third Duke of Leinster, sold the building for £10,000 plus a yearly rent to the Royal Dublin Society and so it passed from the hands of the Fitzgeralds. It would take over 100 years before Leinster House would become the centre of the Irish nation. Following the foundation of the Irish Free State in 1922, the Government acquired a section of the mansion for use by the sitting parliament. And from that day forth, Leinster House became the home of the Oireachtas (the National Parliament) including Dail Eireann (the House of Representatives) and the Seanad (the Senate).
As for the design of the building, the German-born Richard Cassels created this and it fits well within the style and architecture of the 1700's. And it's believed that the Leinster House design actually acted as an inspiration for the White House in Washington DC. The Irish architect, James Coburn studied architecture in Dublin and he went on to win the competition to design the White House in 1792.
Although it's at the heart of Irish society with bills and laws debated on a daily basis, Leinster House still opens its doors to the public for tours of the building and sometimes you'll even get to view proceedings from the Public Gallery.
Tours usually last around 30 minutes and run at various times throughout the day and on certain days of the week. It's worth noting that May and June are the busiest months of the year with school groups adding to the numbers. To arrange a tour we recommend that you visit the Houses of the Oireachtas official website as various procedures need to be followed.
The main entrance to Leinster House is on Kildare Street. Kildare Street runs parallel to Grafton Street (Dublin's pedestrianised shopping street) and is only about 200 metres or so away.
Related Tags: dublin attractions, leinster house, dublin attraction, dublin city ireland, dublin city attractions, kildare street, what to see in dublin
Book www.goireland.com/dublin/hotels-in-dublin-county-page1.htm"> Dublin hotels now for your stay.
Helen Kelly writes for Ireland travel website www.GoIreland.com
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- Snowdonia And The Arts: Ten Snowdonia Theatres And Galleries
The landscape of Snowdonia has long inspired the works of artists and craftspeople, and it's easy to - Rome: The 7 Hills That Was
Forming the geographical center of Rome within the walls of the ancient metropolitan is 7 Hills of R - Sonoran Sky - Rocky Point's Vacation Hotspot
The Sonoran Sky Hotel is the fourth member of the Sonoran family, which is a chain of hotels and res - Popular Buddhist Pilgrimage Spots In India And Nepal
Buddhism is one of the most popular religions in the world and was originated in India. Therefore, B - Five European Flight Destinations Worth Checking Out
It is easier than ever to travel throughout Europe nowadays, with cheap flights available from regio - A Short Guide To Menorca And Majorca
Are you tired of the everyday grind? If so, you may be thinking about taking a winter holiday break - Golfing Attractions When Visiting Edinburgh
Scotland is synonymous with golfing. Even if you've never played a game - never even picked up a gol - The Hidden Treasures Of Sardinia
Apart from the standard celebrated, active and sophisticated metropolitan areas and historic environ - Hyderabad Hotels - The Best Places To Sojourn
The heritage city of Hyderabad is flooded by tourists all through the year. Attracting people from a - Top 5 Whale Watching Destinations
Whale watching is one of those awe-inspiring experiences you don't soon forget, but with so many dif
Most viewed articles in this category:
- St Thomas Villas For Rent
Choosing St Thomas villas is a tough decision to make. There is a lot to consider when making this v - Soothing Aromatherapy At Your Favorite Marrakech Riad
While it is true that the real adventurers never lose enthusiasm towards going places, we can not de - Tenerife, The Canary Islands
Tenerife, in the Canary Islands off the coast of Africa, although belonging to Spain is a popular de - Oahu Hawaii, The Birthplace Of Surfing, Still Shreds
Hawaii, especially the island of Oahu, has long been considered the birthplace of surfing. The first - Why Not Take A Holiday In Vancouver - Despite The Weather?
'YOU'VE BROUGHT THE WEATHER with you, I see,' the driver joked as we wafted through the drizzle towa - Tenerife's Golf Course Information
Tenerife's mild and sunny year-round climate makes it a golfer's dream destination and the island is - Areas Of Tenerife
A look at what the different resorts of Tenerife, Canary Islands have to offer. Tenerife has many va - The sunshine state of Australia
Blessed with nature’s most remarkable gifts, Queensland is Australia's second largest state; i - Australia - A Land of Natural Wonders
The huge monolith known as Uluru – formerly Ayer’s Rock – remains one of Australia - Top Things To See During A Holiday In Hong Kong
In my capacity as the UK Director of Operations for One World Tours Limited, one of my jobs is to en