Dublin Attractions

Leinster House Dublin

Leinster House in Dublin is the home, of the National Parliament for the Republic of Ireland. The house was the former ducal residence, of the Duke of Leinster. Ever since the year 1922, the house has served as the home of parliament.

Before 1922 the house had also, housed the headquarters of the Royal Dublin Society. Dublin`s famous spring show and the horse show were both, held on the gardens and lawns of this famous House, by the Royal Dublin Society.

Leinster House was formerly known as Kildare House, built and named after James, Earl of Kildare. The Earl had built in the house, in what was then, an unfashionable area of Dublin. He predicted, that this area, would in time become a very sought after area to live.

In the following decades, the Earl`s predictions were proven correct. Merrion Square and Fitzwilliam Square became the locations, of Dublin`s wealthiest residents. Dublin`s north side became the poor side of the city, with many areas becoming slums.

Kildare House was re named Leinster House, after the Earl was made the first Duke of Leinster. The first two floors of the house would also be used, as a model by an Irish, American architect who designed the White House.

The home also, had a famous family member, who would reside on occasions at Leinster House, was Lord Edward Fitzgerald. He was to become heavily involved, with the Irish Nationalism struggle in 1798, which would finally cost him, his life.

In the year 1800 the Act of Union was passed, and Ireland, no longer had its own parliament. With no House of Lords for the aristocrats to attend, many started to sell up, and move to London. It was the 3rd duke of Leinster who in 1815 sold Leinster House, to the Royal Dublin Society. By the end of the nineteenth century the Royal Dublin Society, had added two wings to the original building. These new wings, would house the National Library of Ireland, and the National Museum of Ireland.

Leinster House has stood proud, through troubled times, and has become a symbol of hope for the future. The house has also, had the honour of visits from world leaders such as President John F Kennedy, Ronald Regan, Bill Clinton, and Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke, to name just a few. If you are visiting Ireland in the future, many cheap hotels in Dublin can be found in the city centre.