Rathfarnham Castle

This Elizabethan period fortified house was commissioned in 1583 by the Archbishop–Chancellor of Ireland, Adam Loftus (d.1605), as his private residence. The design was radically modern for the time and the building combined defensive features such as the four angled corner towers and a series of gun loops with the comfort and status demanded by the owner.

Extensive remodelling and redecoration of Rathfarnham Castle took place in the eighteenth century under a series of later owners. Perhaps most notable are the works commissioned by Henry Loftus (d.1783) of such famous architects and designers as Sir William Chambers and James ‘Athenian’ Stuart. Much of the neo–classical design and decoration which characterises the building today can be attributed to their efforts.

Since coming into State care in the nineteen eighties much of the building has been restored to its Georgian splendour and today it features a collection of original fine art, including family portraits by Peter Lely, Angelica Kauffman and Hugh Douglas Hamilton together with some antique furnishings. A series of contemporary art exhibitions are held at the Castle throughout the year as well as a busy cultural programme of concerts, theatre, talks, lectures and other events.