Enjoy architecture and landscape in Rathfarnham and Marley Park at Open House Dublin! The Irish Architecture Foundation have included such gems as Laurelmere Cottage, Rathfarnham Castle, St Enda’s Follies, Marley House and the striking Red Jetty by A2 Architects in this year’s programme.
LAURELMERE COTTAGE
Laurelmere is a two storey Cottage detached six room structure with a central bow to the south elevation open on Sunday 15 October with tours at 1:10pm and 3:10pm. Originally a thatched Cottage Ornée (c.1790) for the use of the family, it was remodelled with a slate roof increasing the rooms on the first floor by the Tedcastle family in 1870 to its current arts and crafts form. The original building was part of the period where David LaTouche, grandson of the original founders of LaTouche Bank was the estate owner.
MARLAY HOUSE
Marlay Park is a 300 acre suburban park located just outside Dublin’s City Centre. Acquired in 1972, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council reopened this newly redeveloped park in 1975. Located within Marlay Park is Marlay House built by Thomas Taylor. The house is a magnificent example of Georgian Architecture, and features many elaborate feature such as plasterwork by Michael Stapleton. Open Sunday 15 October from 12.00pm – 5.00pm.
DLR RED JETTY
DLR Architects’ Department presents, in collaboration with and designed by A2 Architects and Alan Meredith Studio and supported by DLR Parks Department, the RED JETTY as part of the Architectural programme for Creative Ireland 2017. With echoes of Dún Laoghaire Pier, the geometry of the bench starts as a line and then spirals in on itself to make a forum at its centre. Painted in a signal red and resting on cylindrical concrete, it can be easily disassembled, allowing for various other geometric configurations to suit its setting each time it is relocated around the County. Visit it on Sunday 15 October from 12.00pm – 5.00pm.
Rathfarnham Castle is a fortified house dating from 1583 and was commissioned by Archbishop Adam Loftus. It has some original features including 16th century gun-loops and was remodeled in the late 18th century. It has fine Georgian interiors to the designs of Sir William Chambers and James ‘Athenian’ Stuart, open on both Saturday 14 October from 11.00am – 5.00pm and Sunday 15 October from 12.00pm – 5.00pm.
THE FOLLIES OF ST ENDA’S PARK
In addition to tours of the house, the Pearse Museum will be offering guided tours of St. Enda’s Park’s very significant collection of late 18th to early 19th century Follies at 12pm on Saturday 14 October and Sunday 15 October. Many are inspired by ancient Irish field monuments and include an Ogham stone, Dolmen and faux ecclesiastical ruins. There is also a Hermit’s cave and a lodge built as a miniature five-pointed star-shaped fort. Those on the tour will be allowed access to the interior rooms of the Fort. Please wear appropriate footwear and dress for the weather.
PEARSE MUSEUM
The Pearse Museum is housed in an 18th century granite Villa (c 1780’s) surrounded by fifty acres of parkland, laid out in a picturesque style. The grounds contain a unique collection of late 18th/ early 19th century Follies, many of which were inspired by ancient Irish field monuments. While the main house is late 18th century, there were significant additions in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Open on Saturday 14 October from 11.00am – 5.00pm and Sunday 15 October from 12.00pm – 5.00pm.
Image: Red Jetty A2 Architects – Photo by Marie-Louise Halpenny
Open House Dublin (OHD) invites Dublin’s citizens to explore their city as when buildings not usually accessible to the public and buildings of architectural merit open their doors over the weekend of October 13th – 15th
All architectural tours are provided by expert guides, with free admission. For full details check out openhousedublin.com The weekend is organised by Irish Architecture Foundation.
