Embassy of the United States, Dublin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Embassy of the United States, Dublin |
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| Address | 42 Elgin Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, D04 TP03, Ireland |
| Coordinates | 53°19′49″N 6°14′01″W / 53.3303°N 6.2337°W |
| Opened | May 23, 1964 |
| Jurisdiction |  Ireland |
| Website | U.S. Embassy in Ireland |
The Embassy of the United States of America in Dublin is like the official home for the United States in Ireland. It's where American diplomats work to keep a good relationship between the two countries. Think of it as a special office building where important meetings happen.
The main office building, called the chancery, is located in Ballsbridge, a part of Dublin. The U.S. Ambassador, who is the top American diplomat in Ireland, lives in a special house called the Deerfield Residence in Phoenix Park.
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History of the Embassy Buildings
The Main Office Building (Chancery)
The current main office building for the U.S. Embassy in Dublin was designed by an American architect named John M. Johansen. An Irish architect, Michael Scott, also helped with the design. It was built between 1962 and 1964. Before the embassy was built, an old Victorian house stood on the same spot.
The building officially opened on May 23, 1964. It has a unique round shape, which makes it stand out in Dublin. This circular design was meant to mix modern American style with older Irish designs. Some people even say its shape reminds them of the first American flag!
The building has five floors, with two floors underground and three above ground. There's also a smaller sixth floor on the roof. When it first opened, the ambassador at the time, Grant Stockdale, called it "the showpiece of Europe." Because of its round shape, some people in Dublin jokingly called it the "Wall of Death." Even though it looks very modern, its height fits in well with the older buildings around it.
In 2011, something unusual happened outside the embassy. A special car used by the U.S. President, Barack Obama, got stuck on a ramp when leaving the embassy. It seems the car was too long for the ramp! President Obama used a different exit, and his team later said it was just a spare car.
The Ambassador's Home (Residence)
Since 1927, the Deerfield Residence has been the official home for the U.S. Ambassador in Ireland. It's a large house built in the 1700s, located in Phoenix Park. Before the 1960s, the embassy offices were actually located on the grounds of this residence.
The United States first opened a small office in Dublin in 1859. Both the current embassy office and the ambassador's home are owned and managed by the U.S. government.
What's Next for the Embassy?
The U.S. government announced in 2012 that the embassy might move to a new location in the future. The current building in Ballsbridge is now over 50 years old and isn't big enough for all the staff. There are between 150 and 200 people working at the embassy! Also, the building needs to meet new safety and security rules from Washington D.C.
They are looking at different places in Dublin for a new, larger embassy. A new location might be closer to the Ambassador's Residence and Dublin Airport for easier travel and better security. Building a new embassy could take up to 10 years and cost a lot of money.
Keeping the Embassy Safe
Keeping the U.S. Embassy safe is a very important job for Ireland's police force, the Garda Síochána. The embassy is protected all day and night by a special team of police officers. These officers also protect the ambassador and other important diplomats when they travel outside the embassy. The Ambassador's Residence is also guarded.
Inside the embassy and the residence, security is handled by American security teams. These include the Bureau of Diplomatic Security and the Marine Corps Embassy Security Group, who are well-trained and armed. After the events of September 11, 2001, new secure entrances, guardhouses, and strong walls were added to the embassy. The windows on the outside of the building are reflective, so people can't see inside.
In late 2013, even more security upgrades were made. These changes were designed to protect against car bombs and stop intruders. This was part of a bigger plan by the U.S. government to improve security at its embassies in many European countries.
Different Offices at the Embassy
The U.S. Embassy in Dublin has many different offices that help with various tasks:
- Citizen Services: Helps American citizens living or traveling in Ireland.
- Consular Section (Visa): Handles visas for people who want to visit or live in the U.S.
- Commercial Service: Helps American businesses work with Irish companies.
- Press/Public Affairs Section: Shares information about the U.S. with the public and media.
- Information Resource Center: Provides information and resources about the U.S.
- Agriculture Section: Deals with farming and food trade between the two countries.
- Political and Economic Section: Works on political and economic issues.
- Management Section: Manages the embassy's operations.
- Defense Attaché Office: Handles military and defense matters.
- Marine Corps Embassy Security Group: Provides security for the embassy.
- U.S. Diplomatic Security Service: Oversees security for U.S. diplomats and facilities.
- Regional Security Office: A local branch of the Diplomatic Security Service.
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security: Helps with security matters.
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection: Has staff at Dublin Airport and Shannon Airport to help with travel to the U.S.
Images for kids
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2005 Cadillac DTS Presidential State Car (United States) stuck on a ramp at the U.S. Embassy in Dublin.jpg
President Obama's spare car got stuck leaving the embassy.
