Leinster House was built in 1745 for James Fitzgerald, the Earl of Kildare, and designed by German architect Richard Cassels in the Palladian style as a city residence. Renamed Leinster House after the earl became Duke of Leinster in 1766, it was sold to the Dublin Society (later the Royal Dublin Society) in 1815, who added the National Library, National Museum, National Art Gallery, and National History Museum. After the Anglo-Irish Treaty, parts of the house temporarily hosted Dáil Éireann, and in 1924 it was purchased by the Department of Finance. Over the years, additional buildings, including LH-2000, have been added to accommodate committee rooms.

Visitors enter through the Main Gate on Kildare Street, where Parliamentary Ushers provide a brief history before escorting them inside. Tours include the Dáil and Seanad Chambers, with explanations of parliamentary procedures and the many paintings and historical items housed within Leinster House.

This building is owned by the State through the Office of Public Works (OPW).

Pre-book only

The venue is fully wheelchair accessible and provides accessible toilets. Assistance dogs are welcome, and Irish Sign Language (ISL) interpreted tours are available. Additionally, the museum features sensory rooms, designated areas where individuals with sensory sensitivities can retreat if feeling overstimulated, ensuring an inclusive experience for all visitors.