This beautiful home was completed in 1776. Built by Col. John Blaquiere, Chief Secretary of the British government and Bailiff of the Phoenix Park.

The house of Col. Blaquiere, purchased by the British Government in 1782,was made the official residence of the Chief Secretary, and remained so until 1922. When the Duke of Marlborough was appointed Viceroy in 1878, Lord Randolph Churchill joined him as private secretary. Young Winston as a small boy, roamed the gardens and woods and took great delight in riding up and down the paths in his donkey and cart. Sixty nine Chief Secretaries lived here from 1776 until 1922 when Ireland gained its independence. The first Envoy Extraordinary & Minister Plenipotentiary, the Honourable Frederick A. Sterling arrived in Dublin in 1927. After taking a lease on the property from the Board of Works, (with the rent set at a penny per year), he took up residence here in the Phoenix Park.

When Ireland became a Republic, the status of the Legation was upgraded to a full Embassy, and the first United States Ambassador, George Garret, was appointed to Ireland. The offices of the Embassy moved out of the house, and this became the home of the Ambassador. Extensive renovations to the house and property were made by the U.S. Government in 1952. The property now consists of 62 acres of lawn, orchards and gardens on which are located the Ambassador’s residence, three cottages and a gate lodge. The lower ground floor of the residence comprises a ballroom, reception and dining room, library, office, kitchens pantry, staff room and laundry. Six suites, bedroom, bathroom and dressing room, plus a sitting room are located on the upper floor. The Residence is furnished with furniture and equipment obtained in Ireland, the United States and many other countries.

This tour is pre-book only.

Wheelchair accessible
Accessible Toilets
Easy Read information (designed for people with intellectual disabilities, people who can’t read well, and people whose first language is not English)