Casino at Marino: Dublin's Neoclassical Gem

Nestled in Marino, a suburb 4.5 km north of Dublin City Centre, the Casino at Marino stands as one of the finest examples of neoclassical architecture in Europe. Designed by Sir William Chambers for James Caulfeild, the first Earl of Charlemont, in the late 1750s, it was completed around 1775. The term 'casino' means 'little house,' and from the outside, it appears to be a compact, one-room temple. However, this architectural marvel contains 16 rooms spread across three floors, showcasing an imaginative use of space and design. Lord Charlemont, a well-traveled aristocrat with a deep appreciation for Italian culture, commissioned the Casino as a pleasure house within his Marino estate. The grounds, once adorned with classical sculptures and exotic plants, reflected his extensive travels. Although the main Marino House was demolished in the 1920s, the Casino remains a testament to Charlemont's refined taste and love for neoclassical design. The Casino's exterior features exquisite stonework and sculpture on each of its four facades. The building sits on a podium, resembling a Greek temple. The seemingly small structure cleverly conceals its many rooms through architectural tricks and illusions. For example, the columns incorporate the piping from the gutters, and the urns accommodate the chimneys. Inside, visitors can marvel at the ornate plasterwork ceilings, beautiful fireplaces, and marquetry floors made from rare African and South American woods. The Casino also has a network of tunnels, whose exact purpose remains a mystery. One tunnel, which originally connected the Casino to the main house, may have been used by servants. During the War of Independence, the tunnels were rumored to have been used for target practice by Irish revolutionaries, including Michael Collins. Today, the Casino at Marino is open to the public, offering guided tours that unveil its history and architectural secrets. Visitors are required to wear special shoes to protect the delicate wood flooring. The surrounding parkland provides a tranquil setting to appreciate this unique and intriguing garden temple.