Casino at Marino: Dublin's Neoclassical Gem
Discover Dublin's architectural masterpiece: a neoclassical 'little house' with 16 rooms of exquisite design and intriguing history.
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.
Local tips
- Access to the Casino is by guided tour only, so plan accordingly.
- Tours are available at 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, and 16:00.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the tour involves standing and stairs.
- Special shoes are provided to protect the delicate wood flooring inside.
- Explore the surrounding parkland, open year-round, for a peaceful stroll.
A brief summary to Casino of Marino
- Cherrymount Cres, Dublin 3, Marino, IE
- +35318331618
- Visit website
- Monday 9:45 am-5:30 pm
- Tuesday 9:45 am-5:30 pm
- Wednesday 9:45 am-5:30 pm
- Thursday 9:45 am-5:30 pm
- Friday 9:45 am-5:30 pm
- Saturday 9:45 am-5:30 pm
- Sunday 9:45 am-5:30 pm
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Dublin city center, the Casino at Marino is easily accessible by bus. Several bus lines, including the 123, 14, 15, 27, and N4, stop near the Casino. The nearest bus stop is Nazareth House. A single fare on Dublin Bus is approximately €3. Alternatively, the DART (suburban train) stop at Clontarf is about a mile from the Casino. From there, you can take a short taxi ride or walk.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
A taxi or ride-sharing service from Dublin city center to the Casino at Marino takes approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated fare is between €12 and €16. Several taxi stands are available throughout the city center, or you can use a ride-sharing app to book a ride.
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Walking
For those who enjoy walking, the Casino at Marino is approximately a 1-hour and 15-minute walk from Dublin city center. The route is approximately 6 km. From the city center, head north towards the Marino neighborhood. Follow the Malahide Road until you reach Cherrymount Crescent, where the Casino is located.
Attractions Nearby to Casino of Marino
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GAA Museum & Tours
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Kellogg's Skyline Croke Park
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Croke Park
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Clontarf Promenade
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Mountjoy Square Park
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3Arena
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The Docks.
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James Joyce Centre
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Game of Thrones Tours
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EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
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The Ferryman
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The Jeanie Johnston: An Irish Famine Story
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Belvedere Irish Nights
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National Botanic Gardens
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World Poverty Stone