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Castletown House: Ireland's Palladian Masterpiece

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Explore Ireland's largest Palladian house, a testament to 18th-century elegance and power, nestled in the scenic Kildare countryside.

Castletown House, built in 1722 for William Conolly, Speaker of the Irish House of Commons, is a stunning example of Palladian architecture and one of Ireland's grandest country houses. Located in Celbridge, County Kildare, its vast estate and meticulously designed interiors reflect the power and wealth of its original owner. Today, visitors can explore the house's rich history, admire its impressive art collection, and wander through its beautiful parklands.

A brief summary to Castletown House

Local tips

  • The parklands are open year-round with free admission, perfect for a scenic walk.
  • Check the Castletown House website for the latest information on house tour availability and times.
  • Consider taking public transportation, as parking within the grounds is limited.
  • Dogs are welcome in the parklands but must be kept on a leash.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Dublin City Centre, take the C4 bus to Celbridge village and alight at stop 3907, which leaves you directly in front of the Castletown Gates. Alternatively, take the 120 bus to stop 7085, English Row, and walk up Main Street to the entrance. A single fare on either bus is approximately €3. From Hazelhatch rail station, take the W61 bus to Main Street Celbridge, stop number 3907, and the Castletown Gates are in front of you.

  • Walking

    From Celbridge Main Street, Castletown House is a short walk. Head east towards the Liffey bridge, cross the bridge, and turn right onto the Straffan Road. The entrance to Castletown House is a short distance up this road. The walk takes approximately 5-10 minutes.

  • Car

    From Dublin on the M4, take exit 5 (Leixlip East, Celbridge East). Proceed on the R403 to Celbridge village. Take a right when you go over the bridge, and the Castletown gates are at the top of this road facing you. Note that there is no visitor car parking or general vehicular access by car, in the grounds of Castletown House. Limited parking is available in Celbridge Village, and visitors should park legally. Parking fees in Celbridge village vary, but expect to pay around €1-€2 per hour.

Discover more about Castletown House

Castletown House, situated in Celbridge, County Kildare, stands as a testament to the grandeur of 18th-century Ireland. Constructed in 1722 for William Conolly, Speaker of the Irish House of Commons, it was designed to be the epitome of elegance and a stage for political entertaining. The house is a superb example of Palladian architecture, with a central block connected to flanking pavilions by colonnades. William Conolly, a self-made man, rose to prominence and amassed considerable wealth, which he used to build Castletown as a symbol of his power. The house boasts impressive features such as the Long Gallery, adorned with intricate stucco work by the Lafranchini brothers, and a cantilevered staircase. Lady Louisa Conolly, wife of William's great-nephew, dedicated herself to enhancing the house and its interiors, leaving a lasting mark on its design. Today, Castletown House is home to a significant collection of paintings, furnishings, and objets d'art. Visitors can admire the Murano-glass chandeliers and the unique 18th-century print room. The surrounding parklands, open to the public year-round, offer scenic river walks and gardens to explore. While the house has faced periods of closure due to operational issues, it typically offers guided tours that provide insights into its architectural marvels and the lives of those who inhabited it. The estate also hosts various events and activities throughout the year, making it a vibrant cultural hub.

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