Farmleigh, State guest house in Castleknock, Ireland
Farmleigh is a Georgian mansion in Castleknock, Ireland, that now functions as the official reception venue for state guests and is surrounded by an extensive parkland. The property includes formal garden layouts with mature trees, a pond with boating facilities, and a walled kitchen garden that covers several hectares.
The estate originated in the mid-18th century as a Georgian residence and experienced its most significant building phase during the early 1880s. The Guinness family acquired and substantially expanded the property before it passed into state ownership in the late 1990s.
The name recalls the agricultural past of the estate, which now serves as a residence for state visitors and opens its representative rooms during public events. The property blends Irish heritage with international diplomacy, regularly opening its historic salons for cultural receptions and official ceremonies.
The garden grounds open daily for visitors, while the main house remains accessible only through guided tours. The park paths suit leisurely walks, and seasonal markets offer additional opportunities for a visit.
The clock tower on the grounds houses a water reservoir connected to the River Liffey through a roughly one-mile watercourse. This construction formerly supplied the estate with fresh water and used the natural gradient to create pressure.
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