Journal • 14/10/2022

Rathfarnham Castle

It is architecturally significant on two main accounts. Firstly, as a very early example of a Renaissance period ‘fortified house’ in Ireland. And secondly, for a series of exquisite Georgian period interiors by Sir William Chambers and James ‘the Athenian’ Stuart.

Built about 1583 for one of the most important ‘New English’ clergymen and politicians in Elizabethan Ireland, Adam Loftus, it was a spacious and comfortable residence and reflected his high status in the Kingdom. The design was radically modern for the time, based on the latest architectural thinking and designs emerging from France and Italy in particular.

Rathfarnham Castle was designed with a spear-shaped bastion located on each corner of the massive central block. Each of these bastions was equipped with a series of musket loops allowing a garrison of soldiers to protect the approaches to the building if need be. As one of the key English officials driving the so-called ‘Elizabethan reconquest’, and considering Rathfarnham’s proximity to the Dublin and Wicklow mountains, home to the Gaelic lords O’Byrne and O’Toole, Adam Loftus had reason to be fearful.

Radical remodelling of Rathfarnham Castle took place in the eighteenth century under a series of later owners as the building was transformed into a fashionable Georgian villa set within an extensive demesne landscape. Perhaps most notable are the works commissioned by Henry Loftus, the Earl of Ely (d.1783). Larger windows were opened and a bow extension added to the eastern side of the building allowing light into the large, fashionable interiors which had all been remodelled in a classical style. Rooms by both Stuart and Chambers were inserted in the late 1760s and early 1770s and are regarded as some of the finest in Georgian Dublin.

Since coming into State care over thirty years ago, an extensive series of conservation and refurbishment works have been carried out at Rathfarnham Castle under the direction of the OPW. The latest phase of works focussed on the renovation of four basement level rooms where it is believed the original sixteenth century kitchens were located. These rooms are currently being used as exhibition spaces.

A busy cultural programme sees concerts, exhibitions, talks and other events take place at the Castle today. Rathfarnham Castle is open all year to visit.