Áras an Uachtaráin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Áras an Uachtaráin |
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North rear facade
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| 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 | |
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| Renovating team | |
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| 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 is located in the beautiful Phoenix Park in Dublin. The building was finished around 1751 to 1757. It was designed by Nathaniel Clements, who was a park ranger and amateur architect. Before it became the President's home, it was known as the Viceregal Lodge.
Contents
History of Áras an Uachtaráin
From Lodge to Residence
The original house was designed by Nathaniel Clements in the mid-1700s. In the 1780s, the British Crown bought it. It was meant to be the summer home for the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. This person was the British viceroy (a ruler acting for the king or queen) in Ireland. Their main home was in Dublin Castle.
Later, the house in Phoenix Park became known as the Viceregal Lodge. From the 1820s, the Lord Lieutenant lived there for most of the year. During the special "Social Season" (from January to March), they would stay at Dublin Castle.
Other Important Houses in Phoenix Park
Phoenix Park once had three official state homes. Besides the Viceregal Lodge, there was the Chief Secretary's Lodge and the Under Secretary's Lodge.
Today, the Chief Secretary's Lodge is called Deerfield. It is now the official home of the United States Ambassador to Ireland. The Under Secretary's Lodge is no longer there.
A Link to the White House?
Some historians have suggested that the design of Áras an Uachtaráin's garden front might have inspired James Hoban. He was an Irish architect who designed the White House in Washington, D.C.. However, the parts of the White House that look similar were actually added later by another architect, Benjamin Henry Latrobe. They were not part of Hoban's first design.
A Sad Event in the Park
In 1882, a very sad event happened on the grounds of the Viceregal Lodge. It is known as the Phoenix Park Murders. Two important British officials, Lord Frederick Cavendish and Thomas Henry Burke, were killed. They were walking back to the residence from Dublin Castle. A small group called the Irish National Invincibles was responsible. The Lord Lieutenant, the 5th Earl Spencer, heard screams from inside the house.
Home for 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 created in December 1922, the job of Lord Lieutenant ended.
The new state planned to put the new representative of the Crown, Governor-General Tim Healy, in a smaller house. But because of threats, he had to move into the Viceregal Lodge temporarily. People nicknamed the building "Uncle Tim's Cabin" after him. It stayed the official home for the Governor-General until 1932.
Áras an Uachtaráin: The President's Home
The house was empty until 1938. That's when the first President of Ireland, Douglas Hyde, moved in temporarily. There were plans to build a brand new presidential palace. However, the start of the Second World War stopped these plans. The building, now called Áras an Uachtaráin, was saved from being torn down.
By 1945, the building was strongly linked to the Irish presidency. So, it wasn't demolished. But it was in poor condition, so many parts, like the kitchens and staff quarters, had to be rebuilt. Since then, it has been repaired and improved many times.
President Hyde lived in the main building. Later presidents moved to a newer part that was added in 1911. However, in 1990, Mary Robinson moved back to the older main building. Her successor, Mary McAleese, lived in the 1911 wing.
Áras an Uachtaráin might not be as grand as some other palaces in Europe. But it is a very comfortable state residence. It has a few important rooms, like drawing rooms, dining rooms, the President's Office, and a ballroom. There's also a special corridor with statues of past presidents.
Many important ceremonies happen at Áras an Uachtaráin. All Taoisigh (Irish Prime Ministers) and government ministers receive their official roles there. Judges, the Attorney General, and senior officers of the Defence Forces also do. It's also where the Presidential Commission and the Council of State meet.
The headquarters of the Garda Mounted Unit (police on horseback) are also located at Áras an Uachtaráin. The Office of Public Works makes sure the President's private living areas are fully furnished.
Important Visitors
Many famous people have visited Áras an Uachtaráin over the years. When Ireland was part of the United Kingdom, British monarchs like Queen Victoria and King George V stayed at the Viceregal Lodge.
American presidents who have visited include John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden. Other well-known visitors include Nelson Mandela, Aung Sang Suu Kyi, Pope John Paul II, and Pope Francis. Royal visitors like Prince Charles and Prince Philip have also been there.
On May 17, 2011, Queen Elizabeth II became the first British monarch to visit the residence in 100 years. President Mary McAleese welcomed her. The Queen inspected a guard of honour, 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, staff, and storage. Important foreign visitors usually stay at Farmleigh. This is a state reception house located nearby in Castleknock.
On May 1, 2004, Áras an Uachtaráin hosted a special event. It was called the European Day of Welcomes. Ten new countries joined the European Union that day. All 25 heads of government attended a flag-raising ceremony in the gardens. A large security operation was put in place for this event.
You can visit Áras an Uachtaráin for free guided tours every Saturday.
See also
In Spanish: Áras an Uachtaráin para niños
