FREE ENTRY with Dublin Pass

Castletown is the largest and most significant Palladian style country house in Ireland. Built c.1722 for the speaker of the Irish House of Commons, William Conolly (1622-1729) the designs of a number of important architects were used, notably Alessandro Galilei, Sir Edward Lovett Pearce and later Sir William Chambers. The entire estate was sold by the Conolly-Carew family in 1965 to a property developer and in 1967 the house and some parkland were purchased by the Hon. Desmond Guinness. Both Mr. Guinness and subsequently the Castletown Foundation, who acquired the house in 1979, devoted considerable effort and resources to maintaining the house and restoring the principal rooms to a high standard. Castletown was transferred to state care on 1 January 1994.

The 18th century Castletown landscape has survived remarkably well. It is possible to wander along the river walks and view the classical temple and the remains of the bathing house. The River Liffey to the south of the house is still the focal point of the demesne. Landscape maps are available at reception to follow the route of the historical pathways which are proposed for restoration.

The splendid interiors of Castletown House include beautiful period furniture, wonderful plasterwork decoration and an extensive collection of paintings. Now in the care of the Office of Public Works, the long
term objective is to preserve for future generations one of the most important houses in Ireland and one of significance in terms of European architectural heritage.


Parkland Walks, River Liffey Walk
Restaurant - Tel: +353 1 627 9498

Please see website for information on exhibitions, free music recitals, children's workshops, concerts, markets and family friendly events.


Opening Times:

16th March - 31st October 2012
Tuesday - Sunday & Bank Holidays 10am - 6pm
Closed Mondays

Tours start at 10.45 and are on the quarter to the hour until 4.45.
Group bookings outside of normal opening times contact +353 1 628 8252


Facilities:

Parking, Guided Tours, Lift, No Wheelchair Access to the main house, restaurant/bar, gift/book shop, toilets, baby changing

How to Get There:

By Bus:
Number 67 from Merrion Square, Dublin to Celbridge Village, (10 min walk to house through parklands)

By Car:
Exit 6 from N4/M4 at Celbridge West

Email: info@castletownhouse.ie

Web: http://www.castletown.ie
 
Twitter: @opwcastletown

Facebook: www.facebook.com/castletownhouse

Address:
Celbridge, Co. Kildare

Tel: +353 1 628 8252
Fax: +353 1 627 1811