British Embassy Dublin - Open House Dublin 2024

British Embassy Dublin

29 Merrion Rd, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, D04 P272

Dates & Times
  • Saturday 14th October:
  • 10am – 10.45am
  • 11am – 11.45am
  • 12pm – 12.45pm
Tour type
  • Building Tour

The British Embassy is situated on the Merrion Road in South East Dublin, 2 kilometres from Dublin City Centre. The building was opened in January 1996. The building won a RIBA award in 1997. The embassy is designed as a series of interconnecting buildings around an inner courtyard.  The cloister like space provides a central focus for all the activities of the embassy in an arrangement that recalls the form of many of Dublin’s public buildings.  All the main social spaces of the embassy, the inner hall, the conference room and the staff room face onto the courtyard.

The individual buildings around the courtyard vary in height from one to three storeys, with the highest and principal block facing onto the Merrion Road.  Low single storey wings enclose the courtyard on the south and define the rear service yard and car park.  The stone cladding on the principal block signals the formal and public side of the building, while red brick outbuildings give privacy.  The boundary wall and gatehouse are faced with granite and simple red brick garden walls enclose the rear of the site. Portland stone also features internally and externally.  The main reception area has a Portland stone floor and the conference room has folding doors that open up the entire area.  The stairs to the first floor have a marble handrail and the stairs are solid wood.

There are two distinct entrances at the front of the building.  The main entrance is positioned centrally in the symmetrical five bay section and a blank timber panel containing the coat of arms.  The second entrance is to the public consular section and is set facing the front guardhouse.  The internal layout is tripartite divided into base level, piano nobile and attic.

The buildings are of in situ concrete construction with either brick or stone cladding.  The main building is clad in brush hammered Wicklow granite set within a grid of polyester powdered coated aluminium rails. The roof is faced in natural slate, composed as individual panels set within a finely detailed metal surround. The large windows and narrow vertical ventilation grilles, controlled by manually operated shutters, are watertight and secure when the grilles are open.

For security checks, this location requires details of attendees in advance, including Full Name, DOB and address. Attendees are required to bring ID. No large bags will be permitted and bags may be subject to a cursory search

No photography is permitted inside the building, but is allowed outside.

This tour is pre-book only.


Accessibility Information

Wheelchair accessible
Accessible Toilets
Assistance Dogs welcome


Photography Credit
© Ruth McKenna

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