Russborough House
Russborough House, located near the Blessington Lakes and the Wicklow Mountains is a beautiful 18th century mansion in the Palladian style. It is decorated and furnished consistent with the period and contains the internationally acclaimed Beit art collection.
The front of the house features ornate collonnades either side of the central part of the house and having a length of 210m (689ft) is reputed to be the longest house in Ireland. It was designed by Richard Cassels (a.k.a. Castle) who also worked on Summerhill House Co. Meath, the Houses of Parliament in College Green (now Bank of Ireland), the Printing House of Trinity College, Carton House, Powerscourt House, Leinster House (now the seat of the Irish Parliament) and the Rotunda Hospital.
Rossborough House was built for Joseph Leeson, the 1st Earl of Milltown between 1741 and 1755. The elaborate plasterwork on the ceilings was done by the Lafranchini brothers.
In 1952 the house was bought by Sir Alfred and Lady Beit to house their art collection and in 1976 the Alfred Beit Foundation was established to manage the property.
A fire severely damaged the west wing in 2010 and the roof of that section collapsed. No art was damaged by the fire, as it had been moved to allow for restorations to the west wing which were taking place.
Apart from the house, the architecture and the art, there is so much more to see here. There is a cinema, there are courtyard buildings housing artisan studios and workshops (wood sculptor, wood turner, blacksmith, candle-maker, stone mason, weaver, artist, and ceramicist). Outdoors there is the lovely walled garden, and the crazy maze (45m x 45m) (147ft x 147ft) with hedges over head height, so it's easy to get lost - beware! There is a separate charge of €3 for admission to the maze.
Rossborough House is located off the N81 route, 5km south of Blessington. Click the map pin icon to view the location on a map.
For further information about Rossborough House, its opening hours and admission prices, click the "More info" button below.