Ardvarna, built in 1896, is a very fine example of Arts and Crafts Architecture that still has almost all of its original design, including interior and exterior features. The Tour guide will point out features which demonstrate Arts and Crafts ideals. These ideals promoted the use of natural materials in the building and ensured that the house fit in with its surroundings, and also provided opportunities to appreciate the countryside.

To achieve this, a long south-facing balcony provided a panoramic view from Bray Head to the Three Rock Mountain. There was also a desire to promote and enable Outdoor Living with three French Doors opening onto a long sheltered veranda and garden. Writing about his design for a house in Devon called Cliff Towers, built in 1898, Charles Harrison Townsend describes many features present in Ardvarna, which was built in 1896.

Ardvarna was an unknown house in Shankill until the architect’s drawings were featured in the RIBA Calendar in August 1991. The owners, who had bought a doer-upper in 1974, became the custodians of an important part of Irish architectural heritage. Ardvarna House’s inclusion in the Open House Dublin programme is thanks to one owner’s desire to share their home with people interested in the Arts and Crafts Movement, and is a tribute to her husband, who did most of the restoration work, from replacing wall plates to fixing states.

Meeting Point: Entrance, Ardvarna, Falls Road, Shankill, Dublin 18

Pre-Book Only

Assistance Dogs welcome

Gravel driveway.
2 steps at the entrance.
Stairs (22 steps) with handle rail to upstairs rooms.