Farmleigh is an estate of 78 acres situated to the north-west of Dublin's Phoenix Park.
It was purchased by the Office of Public Works on behalf of the Government in June 1999 and developed in order to provide accommodation for visiting dignitaries and guests of the nation, for high level Government meetings and for enjoyment by the public.
Farmleigh remains a unique representation of its heyday, the Edwardian period, when wealthy industrialists had replaced landowners as the builders of large mansions in Ireland. Their tastes were eclectic, mising a variety of architectural styles and decors.
Edward Cecil Guinness first Earl of Iveagh, the great-grandson of Arthur Guinness, built Farmleigh 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.
The Benjamin Iveagh collection of rare books, bindings and manuscripts is held in the Library. The extensive pleasure grounds are a wonderful collection of Victorian and Edwardian ornamental features with walled and sunken gardens, scenic lakeside walks and a range of plants that provide both visual and horticultural interest throughout the seasons.
The Estate also boasts a working farm with a herd of Kerry Black cows. Farmleigh is managed by Facilities Management Services at the Office of Public Works.
House Tours
There are guided tours of the house every day. Tours run every hour from 10.15am to 4.15pm and last approximately 45mins.
Each tour is strictly limited to twenty-five people and tickets are issued on a first-come-first-served basis.
Entrance is free of charge.
Please note that, because Farmleigh is a working Government building, the House may close at short notice. You can check Farmleigh.ie for updates or telephone +353 (1) 815 5914 for further information.
Last tour of the House is at 16.15
Food
The Boathouse Restaurant with its deck overlooking the ornamental lake at Farmleigh, allows you to enjoy a wonderful setting in a landscape unchanged since the 19th Century.
The emphasis is on quality nutritional food, complemented by an excellent wine/drinks list, speciality coffees and confectionery. Take a moment to reflect on your experience at Farmleigh with lunch alongside nature.
The cafe opens from: 10am-5pm Monday to Wednesday and 10am-5.30pm Thursday to Sundays. Please note that Barbeques are not permitted on the Farmleigh Grounds
Getting There
Farmleigh is accessed via the Phoenix Park. There is free car, coach, and motorcycle parking on site.
Please note that there is a five-minute (approx.) walk from the car park to the House and a seven-minute (approx.) walk from the car park to the Gallery, Gardens, and Boathouse restaurant.
Sometimes the House may be in use for Government events and so may be closed on occasion to the public. Please check with Farmleigh reception 01 8155 900 ahead of time just to be sure.
