Farmleigh House Dublin
Discover Irish State guest house
Hidden in Farmleigh Park and accessible from Phoenix Park – Farmleigh House was a huge discovery for me. A little bit of history: the house was built in the late 18th century and for over 150 years was owned by the Guinness family, which was one of the richest families in Ireland. Some remarkable architectural elements and famous pieces of art are to be found inside, along with suites made for kings and queens visiting Ireland after the House became property of the Irish Government. I won't tell you more about it as you have to see it with your own eyes. Free guided tours available every day (currently outside only, and you need to book ahead), although I recommend checking the website in case anything changes. If tours are fully booked, you can come and wander around by yourselves anyway.
I made a mistake when I took a bus 38 going from town, which brought me to the northern side of Farmleigh Park. After wandering around for nearly 45 minutes (I thought I could get in at one of the gates along the road) I rang the reception and understood that I have to go all the way back to Phoenix Park as you can only enter the territory from there. Well, now you know and won't repeat my mistake!
There are two beautiful gardens near the Farmleigh House – The Walled Garden – with roses even in winter - and the Dutch-Style Sunken Garden that is a little hidden behind the trees.
About this spot
Our Dublin City Guide
Find your way with 112 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Dublin
That One Corner in Temple Bar
Say 'cheese'!
At that one corner in Temple Bar in Dublin,
by
Daiana
Andreea Nagy Deac
Teachers Club
The piece of quiet
This is a real Teachers Club in Dublin! It has a lovely bar that is open to the public and if you're lucky, you might even catch some singing lat at night!
by
Ginger
Greenidge
The Cobblestone
Drinking pub with a music problem
"The Cobblestone" in Dublin has kept the spirit of old traditional Irish music! They even have a special part of the pub for musicians & their audience...
by
Ginger
Greenidge
Hacienda
Where "the movie people" meet
"Hacienda" is Dublin's semi-exclusive, speakeasy bar. It's one of these places you really need to know where to look, but it's worth it...
by
Ginger
Greenidge
Wigwam
Tipi with concrete walls
"Wigwam" makes some of Dublin's finest coffee! But this place is much more than this: in the basement, you'll find a social club to make you evening fun!
by
Ginger
Greenidge
Bullet
Duck and Dumplings
"Bullet" (named after the type of Chinese oven) reinvented my love for dumplings. Some of the best Chinese food in Dublin for sure...
by
Ginger
Greenidge
Howth Walks
Nature near Dublin
Howth is a peninsula and fisher village near Dublin. I like going there to hike up to Howth Head (in all weathers!), with its collection of rocky hills...
by
Alina
Ecke
Whelan's
Alternative live music venue
"Whelan's" on Camden Street in Dublin is your very best if you're looking to see well-established alternative bands perform in a unique & intimate venue...
by
Sarah
Corcoran
Jam Art Factory
Unique Irish art
"Jam Art Factory" is an independent gallery and art retailer who are passionate about showcasing new Irish design & talent, from ceramics to street art...
by
Sarah
Corcoran
Wall of Fame
Irish musicians in one spot
The Irish "Wall of Fame" is a life-long photography exhibition on a street in Dublin. It's a wonderful photography collection of international Irish stars.
by
Alina
Ecke
Chapters Bookstore
Haven for book lovers
"Chapters Bookstore" is a haven for book lovers in Berlin. It has a huge selection of new as well as second-hand books & knicknacks. They also buy books!
by
Sarah
Corcoran
Smock Alley Theatre
Unique historic theatre
"Smock Alley Theatre" in Dublin was renovated and reopened in 2012 after a 225-year break! The thing I love most about it is the variety of performances...
by
Sarah
Corcoran
Heading to Dublin?
112 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Dublin?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 112 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Dublin
Get to know our other Spotters from Dublin
As featured on:
