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Historic Sites & Buildings in Ireland

ALNWICK CASTLE

Alnwick Castle is a medieval castle and also known as the Windsor of the North as it is the second largest inhabited castle in England. The castle was first erected in 1096 after the Norman conquest but has since been remodelled and renovated a number of times. The Duke of Northumberland and his family, the Percy’s, live in a part of the castle with the remainder being open to the public in the summer months. The castle has been the location for all kinds of films productions and television programmes - most famously taking the starring role of Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter films. It was also used in Robin Hood, prince of Thieves. Alnwick Castle houses luxurious State rooms which are filled with priceless furniture, porcelain and art collections.

Adjacent to the castle is Alnwick Gardens, just ten years ago this site was derelict and forgotten but today the gardens are extremely beautiful and inspiring. It is a formal garden set around a cascading fountain. It is designed for every season and comprises of ornamental and rose gardens, woodland walks and a cherry orchard.

ARAS AN UACHTARAIN

The original house was designed by park ranger and amateur architect, Nathaniel Clements in the mid eighteenth century. It was bought by the administration of the British Lord Lieutenant of Ireland to become his summer residence in the 1780s. His official residence was in the Viceregal Apartments in Dublin Castle. The house in the park later became the Viceregal Lodge, the "out of season" residence of the Lord Lieutenant (also known as the Viceroy), where he lived for most of the year from the 1820s onwards. During the Social Season (January to St. Patrick's Day in March) he lived in state in Dublin Castle.

The house was left empty for some years, until the office of President of Ireland was created in 1937. In 1938, the first President, Douglas Hyde lived there temporarily while plans were made to build a new presidential palace on the grounds. The outbreak of World War 2 saved the building, which had been renamed Áras an Uachtaráin (meaning house of the president in Irish), from demolition, as plans for its demolition and the design of a new residence were put on hold. By 1945 it had become too closely identified with the presidency of Ireland to be demolished, though its poor condition meant that extensive demolition and rebuilding of parts of the building were necessary, notably the kitchens, servants' quarters and chapel. Since then, further restoration work has been carried out from time to time.

Various visiting British monarchs stayed at the Viceregal Lodge, notably Queen Victoria and Geroge V. American presidents hosted here include Presidents John F .Kennedy, Richard Nixon, and Bill Clinton all of Irish descent. Other famous visitors to the Áras an Uachtaráin have been Princess Grace of Monaco and her husband, Prince Rainer; King Baudouin of the Belgians; King Juan Carlos and Queen Sophia; Pope John Paul II; Prince Charles, and Prince Philip.

Guests do not normally stay at the Áras. Although it has ninety-two rooms, many of these are used for storage of presidential files, for household staff and official staff, including military aides-de-camp, a Secretary to the President (somewhat equivalent to chief of staff in the white house, except it is a permanent civil service (position) and a press office. The Irish state recently opened a guest residence nearby in Farmleigh, a former Guinness mansion. On 1 May 2004, during Ireland's six-month presidency of the European Union Áras an Uachtaráin was the Venue for the European Day of Welcomes (Accession Day) in which ten new members joined the EU. All 25 heads of government attended the flag raising ceremony in the gardens of the palace.

ASHFORD CASTLE

Ashford Castle, surrounded by the immense lawns and beautiful forests of its 350 acre private estate, overlooking the sparkling waters and picturesque islands of Lough Corrib, is so grand, so beautiful, and so magical, that it is hard to believe your imagination is not playing tricks o