Áras an Uachtaráin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Áras an Uachtaráin |
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
North rear facade in 2011
|
|
| Former names | Viceregal Lodge |
| General information | |
| Status | Complete |
| Classification | Private |
| Location | Phoenix Park |
| Town or city | Dublin |
| Country | Ireland |
| Coordinates | 53°21′35″N 6°19′03″W / 53.359676°N 6.31745°W |
| Current tenants | President of Ireland |
| Completed | 1751 |
| Renovated | 1840s, 1849, 1852, 1908, 1911 |
| Owner | Government of Ireland |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect |
|
| Renovating team | |
| Architect |
|
| Other information | |
| Number of rooms | 92 |
Áras an Uachtaráin (which means "Residence of the President" in Irish) is the official home and main workplace of the President of Ireland. It used to be called the Viceregal Lodge.
This important building is located in the Phoenix Park in Dublin. It was finished around 1751 to 1757. The design is often given to an amateur architect named Nathaniel Clements.
Contents
History of Áras an Uachtaráin
Early Days of the Residence
The original house was designed by Nathaniel Clements in the mid-1700s. The British Crown bought it in the 1780s. It became the summer home for the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. The Lord Lieutenant was the British ruler's representative in Ireland.
His main home was in Dublin Castle. The house in Phoenix Park later became known as the Viceregal Lodge. From the 1820s, the Lord Lieutenant lived there for most of the year. During the special social season, he would live in Dublin Castle.
Phoenix Park once had three official state homes. These were the Viceregal Lodge, the Chief Secretary's Lodge, and the Under Secretary's Lodge. Today, the Chief Secretary's Lodge is called Deerfield. It is the official home of the United States Ambassador to Ireland. The Under Secretary's Lodge is no longer there.
Some people believe that the design of Áras an Uachtaráin's garden front inspired the White House in Washington, D.C. An Irish architect named James Hoban designed the White House. However, the famous front porches of the White House were added later.
A Tragic Event in the Park
In 1882, a sad event happened on the grounds of the Viceregal Lodge. This event is known as the Phoenix Park Murders. The Chief Secretary for Ireland, Lord Frederick Cavendish, and his assistant, Thomas Henry Burke, were attacked. They were walking back to the residence from Dublin Castle.
A small group called the Irish National Invincibles was responsible. John Spencer, 5th Earl Spencer, who was the Lord Lieutenant at the time, heard cries from inside the house.
Áras an Uachtaráin as a Government Building
Home of the Governor-General
In 1911, the house was made much bigger for a visit from King George V and Queen Mary. When the Irish Free State was formed in December 1922, the role of Lord Lieutenant ended. A new leader, the Governor-General Tim Healy, was supposed to live in a smaller home.
However, because of threats, he moved into the Viceregal Lodge temporarily. People nicknamed the building "Uncle Tim's Cabin" after him. It stayed the official home of the Governor-General until 1932.
The President's Official Residence
The house was empty until 1938. That year, the first President of Ireland, Douglas Hyde, lived there for a short time. There were plans to build a new presidential palace. However, the start of the Second World War stopped these plans.
The building was renamed Áras an Uachtaráin. By 1945, it was strongly linked to the Irish presidency. So, it was not torn down. Parts of the building, like the kitchens and staff areas, needed a lot of repair. Since then, more restoration work has been done.
President Hyde lived on the first floor of the main building. Later presidents moved to a newer part of the house. This part was added in 1911 for King George V's visit. However, in 1990, Mary Robinson moved back to the older main building. Her successor, Mary McAleese, lived in the 1911 wing.
Compared to other palaces, Áras an Uachtaráin has a few special rooms. These include the state drawing room, dining rooms, the President's Office, and a large ballroom. There is also a hallway with statues of past presidents.
All taoisigh (Irish prime ministers) and government ministers receive their official roles here. Judges, the attorney general, and senior military officers also get their positions at Áras an Uachtaráin. It is also where important government meetings take place.
The building also houses the headquarters of the Garda Mounted Unit. This is the police unit with horses. The Office of Public Works makes sure the private areas of Áras an Uachtaráin are fully furnished for the President's family.
Important Visitors to Áras an Uachtaráin
Many important people have visited Áras an Uachtaráin. British monarchs like Queen Victoria and King George V stayed there when Ireland was part of the United Kingdom. Several American presidents have also been guests. These include John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden.
Other famous visitors include Nelson Mandela, Aung San Suu Kyi, and Pope John Paul II. Prince Charles and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh have also visited.
On May 17, 2011, Queen Elizabeth II was the first British monarch to visit in 100 years. President Mary McAleese welcomed her. The Queen signed the visitors' book and planted an Irish oak tree.
Guests usually do not stay overnight at Áras an Uachtaráin. Even though it has 92 rooms, many are used for offices and staff. Important foreign guests usually stay at Farmleigh. This is a state guest house located near Áras an Uachtaráin.
On May 1, 2004, Áras an Uachtaráin hosted a special event. This was for the day ten new countries joined the European Union. All 25 heads of government attended a flag-raising ceremony in the gardens. There was a large security operation for this event.
You can visit Áras an Uachtaráin for free guided tours every Saturday.
See also
In Spanish: Áras an Uachtaráin para niños
