Dublin, Ireland
The U.S Ambassador’s Residence, located in Dublin’s historic Phoenix Park, is a not only a testament to The United States of America and Ireland’s shared diplomatic history, but holds deep historical significance to Ireland.
The story behind this elegant heritage landmark, formerly the Chief Secretary’s Lodge, begins the same year that the United States declared its independence.
The earliest portion of the U.S. Ambassador’s Residence in Dublin dates to 1776 when Sir John Blaquiere, Chief Secretary for Ireland, expanded a four-room cottage on this site in Phoenix Park. Established in the 1660s as a royal hunting park, Phoenix Park today is one of the largest enclosed public parks in a European city.
From 1927 to 1948, the residence served dual purposes both as the Embassy and Residence of the Ambassador to Ireland. As the Embassy’s needs grew our historic properties expanded. In 1948 the State Department moved the Embassy to No.15 Merrion Square, acquired a Georgian residence on Mespil Road, and transformed the former Chancery building into the permanent residence of the U.S Ambassador to Ireland. Today it remains one of the U.S State Department’s premier residential diplomatic properties.
A stunning ballroom, formal dining room, and diplomatic reception room with decorative molding greet visitors to the Ambassador’s residence. Hand carved marble Georgian fireplaces face polished wood floors and floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook Phoenix Park’s 1752 acres. The beautiful façade greets millions of visitors to the park each year as they walk through the grounds.
Dublin’s second diplomatic residence on Mespil Road is one of the only surviving examples of a Georgian plan villa with Greek Revival and Neo-Classical architectural styles in the area.
Conservation, preservation, and restoration works are required to maintain these buildings for future generations. Extensive repairs are required to the façades, structural walls, and brickwork, while historical decorative elements require preservation and conservation. Over years of use these buildings have experienced dampness that requires mitigation to avoid further damage to the property.
Federal funding is unavailable to provide for the extensive restoration and conservation of the U.S Embassy’s Historic Diplomatic properties. Private support is required to make up for the shortfall in funding. The goal is $5 million to conserve and maintain these historic properties.
You are invited to be part of preserving these incredible landmarks for future generations.
Your donation makes possible:
The Fund to Conserve U.S. Diplomatic Treasures is pleased to address your donation questions and accept your gift via your preferred manner. Learn more about giving options here.
Donate online today using the “Donate Now” button below. Learn about other ways to support this effort by emailing Info@FundtoConserve.org