Step inside this elegant late Georgian building, dating from 1830, and discover a glimpse of Dún Laoghaire’s rich past. The Eblana Club retains many of its original features, including cornice shutters, an original Regency marble fireplace, and a curious hand-painted stained-glass fanlight over the entrance door. Look out for the O’Brien family coat of arms and an intriguing motto Vicuer du Dessus (“The Strong Hand from Above”) thought to relate to renovations carried out in 1860. In the bar area, a colourful leaded glass picture offers a fascinating snapshot of Dún Laoghaire life over a century ago.

Over the years, the house was home to a fascinating cast of residents. Its first known owner was John Wright Switzer, founder of the famous Switzer’s department store in Dublin, whose remarkable journey began with selling suits from a wheelbarrow before building one of the city’s best-known retail businesses. Later occupants included prominent surgeons, influential public figures, and military officers whose lives and careers stretched far beyond Ireland’s shores.

Among the Eblana Clubs many stories is its connection to Dublin’s iconic Five Lamps Monument. Former resident Lieutenant General Henry Hall helped fund this distinctive Victorian fountain, which was designed to encourage sobriety. Whether it succeeded is another matter!

Every room has a story to tell, making the Eblana Club a fascinating stop on your Open House Dublin journey.

Meeting Point: Front entrance, Beside Niche Living, 3 Eblana avenue, Dún Laoghaire, Dublin, A96 DX74

Pre-Book Only

Assistance Dogs welcome