Throughout the history of the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, many prominent architects would be engaged in the construction, expansion and editing of the space. Bringing in different designs, ideas and tensions to the Royal Hospital, this helped to create the unique design and layout that is still visible today. This tour follows the different paths, influences and designs of several of the architects whilst also linking the Royal Hospital to buildings across both Dublin and Ireland. Focusing on aspects of the design prevalent today, as these architects worked to ensure that the focus of the building while classical in design would stay within the confines of a building engineered to be a nursing and retirement home for predominantly Irish veterans of the British Armed Forces while also bearing in mind the social season the officers and commanders brought to this space.

Book-in only

Meeting point: Central courtyard of the Royal Hospital Kilmainham.

A large proportion of the tour is wheelchair accessible. However entrance to the gardens will be done through steps. The ground can be uneven in places and the courtyard is paved with cobblestones outside of the intended pathways.

Assistance Dogs welcome