Dec 23, 2024

Farmleigh House Dublin

Discover Irish State guest house

""Farmleigh House" in Dublin was built in the late 18th century and was home to the Guinness family. It's accessible from Phoenix Park. Such a discovery!"

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.

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

About this spot

Farmleigh, Castleknock

free

18155914

Explore Dublin like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Dublin guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Dublin

Irish Film Institute

Hangout spot for film lovers

The "Irish Film Institute" in Dublin looks strange - the good kind. Come discover Irish film here. Personally, I love the beer garden out back...

002-building
Art & culture
008-ticket
Cinema
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Ginger

Greenidge

Feb 16, 2025

Admiral

Eastern European food at its best

"Admiral" is a true yacht spot in the center of Dublin, a nautical-themed restaurant with delicious Eastern European and Russian dishes!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Ginger

Greenidge

Feb 16, 2025

Killiney Hill Park

A park walk with views

"Killiney Hill Park" is one of the best destinations you could pick when looking for a not-so-tiring hike in Dublin, just 20 minutes outside the city!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Daiana

Andreea Nagy Deac

Feb 14, 2025

Kalabasa Market

Multi-cultural food experience

"Kalabasa Market" in Dublin just has it all: it's a restaurant, a market for exotic stuff, a cocktail bar... it even offers live music experiences!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Daiana

Andreea Nagy Deac

Feb 13, 2025

Memorial to Human Rights Defenders

The silenced

"Memorial to Human Rights Defenders" by studio Grafton Architects is a hidden gem of an art piece in Dublin, a true must-see for art lovers...

002-building
Art & culture

By

Daiana

Andreea Nagy Deac

Feb 13, 2025

Knead Pizza & Bottle Shop

Craft beer & #zass

"Knead Pizza & Bottle Shop" in Dublin is a super cool pizza/beer place. Delicious pizza, effortless & cozy vibe, a wide selection of craft beers...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Daiana

Andreea Nagy Deac

Feb 11, 2025

Mish Mash

Cozy cafe to feel at home

"Mish Mash" is a tiny cafe in Dublin that feels like a piece of home. I love their selection of soups, the fantastic coffee, and the heavenly cakes...

002-building
Art & culture
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Ginger

Greenidge

Feb 9, 2025

Dash Burger

Best burger in town

You might've heard exaggerations like 'this is the best burger in town.' But "Dash Burger" is different. I wouldn't mind not eating anything else ever again.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Ginger

Greenidge

Feb 9, 2025

Pipers Corner

Old-school Irish music

"Pipers Corner" in Dublin was opened because the owner, Seán Potts, an uilleann piper, was tired of how commercial the Temple Bar area had become...

002-building
Art & culture
028-beach-bar-1
Bars
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

By

Ginger

Greenidge

Feb 7, 2025

MediKate Garden

Place for meditation

"MediKate Garden" in Dublin is a neighborhood garden that fulfills the locals' need for organic food & a place of tranquility.

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Ginger

Greenidge

Feb 7, 2025

The Icon Walk

On Temple Bar

Artists from The Icon Factory have made "The Icon Walk" in Dublin's Temple Bar - it will give you an idea about why Irish are Irish!

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Ginger

Greenidge

Feb 7, 2025

Sandymount Beach

The Irish Venice Beach

"Sandymount Beach" in Dublin is quite long - here you can enjoy the unique view & the general good vibe of an active beach - also, fire dancing!

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Ginger

Greenidge

Feb 5, 2025

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?

112 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99