Take a tour of the largest terraced house on Merrion Square, learn about its history, see the latest exhibitions and discover the work of the Irish Architectural Archive.

The tour will begin in the front hall of the Archive with an introduction to the building and its history and an opportunity to view the Architectural models on show. The tour will then move to the Architecture Gallery with its fine interior and exhibition before continuing out to view the rear building. The tour will continue up the main staircase (lift access is available) to see the first floor reception rooms with their decorative plasterwork and chimneypieces. The tour will conclude with an opportunity to see the current exhibition on the first floor.

Drop-in.

Arriving at the Archive
The front door is reached by 3 stone steps from the pavement to a landing, and then 1 further step at the front door. Beyond the front door is a lobby with glass door boundaries. From here you can gain access by ringing the intercom bell marked IAA, which is reached at a height of c. 150cm.

If you are a wheelchair user, or find steps problematic, there is a platform lift which can bring you from footpath level to basement area level. You enter the building via a door with no step and can access all floor using the internal lift which is signposted as you move through the building. Phone 01 6633040 to use the platform lift.

Wheelchair users can also access the IAA building from Stephen’s Place, which runs parallel to the rear of Merrion Square East, and is reached from Mount Street Upper or Lower. When you arrive at the IAA’s back gate, call the IAA on +353 1 663 3040 and the gate will be opened for you. You can enter the building directly from the car park through the back door.

Access to the disabled parking space is also from Stephen’s Place. It is recommended that you e-mail info@iarc.ie or phone +353 1 663 3040 in advance to let us know if you’d like to use the back entrance or disabled parking space, so we can be available to open the gates when you arrive

Moving around our building
Wheelchair users and those with mobility issues have full access throughout the IAA building via our internal lift to the back of the building. Please note that access to the first-floor reception rooms from the lift is via a doorway that is wide enough for standard wheelchairs only (800mm width).

The Architecture Gallery is a quiet and calm space, with low-level lighting. Large format printouts of exhibition labels are available in the Architecture Gallery. Footstools are available on request to improve sightlines for vitrines and display cases.

Toilet facilities
Accessible toilet cubicles are situated within both the Male and Female toilets in the basement, which can be reached by stairs or lift. Trans and non-binary visitors are welcome to use the facilities that make them feel safest.