Direction Ireland

Rossborough%20House

East Ireland | County Wicklow

Russborough House located in Blessington, County Wicklow, it's one of the finest Irish Palladian mansions. It was designed by renowned German-born architect Richard Cassels, who also designed Powerscourt House. Mansion was built between 1741 and 1755, for 1st Earl of Milltown, Joseph Leeson, and remained in possession of the one family until 1914, when widow after sixth earl died. She donated their art collection to the National Gallery of Ireland and the house passed to a nephew, Edmund Turton. He died in 1929, and in 1931 his wife sold property to Captain Denis Bowes Daly. In 1952, Rossborough House was purchased by Sir Alfred and Lady Beit and became a home for their internationally acclaimed art collection, including artworks of Murillo, Velázquez, Goya, Vermeer, Peter Paul Rubens and Thomas Gainsborough. Mansion again began to teem with life and was place of many interesting events and ceremonies, hosting many famous people from the world of culture and politics. Unfortunately, Beit's artworks collection also attracted many thieves, and some of the precious paintings were stolen few times. In 1976, the Beits established the Alfred Beit Foundation to preserve Russborough House and its art collection, and in 1978, the house and grounds were opened to the public. Both, Sir Alfred as Lady Beit lived in Rossborough to the rest of their days. Part of their collection was donated to the National Gallery of Ireland and rest belongs and is managed by Alfred Beit Foundation, and some are still on display in Rossborough House and can be viewed during guided tour. In addition to the magnificent collection of paintings, you can also see beautifully finished interior of the house like for example ceilings with ornate plasterwork by the Lafranchini brothers as well as unique collection of tapestries, carpets, porcelain and furniture gathered here over the centuries. You will also find a lot of interesting photos and memorabilia collected by Beits during their many travels around the world, including photographs captured on his 3d camera in the 1920s and 30s. Rossborough Demesne has also beautiful surroundings, including beech maze, walled garden and extensive parklands, which are great place for family strolls. In the old farm buildings there are located stonemason's workshop and forge, which offers plenty of beautifully made handicrafts. Very interesting attraction of the Rossborough manor is amazing demonstration of herding dogs, guided daily by local rural expert Michael Crowe. The tearooms offers range of delicious refreshments including main courses and selection of coffe and cakes.

• ADMISSION FEES:
  • GUIDED HOUSE TOUR AND 3D EXHIBITION:
    • Adult €12
    • Senior: €9
    • Student: €9
    • Child: €6
    • Children under 5: free
    • Family Ticket: €30
      (2 Adults and up to 4 Children)
  • MAZE:
    • Ticket: €3
    • Family: €10
  • SHEEPDOG DEMONSTRATION:
    • Ticket: €5
• OPENING HOURS:
  • March - December:
    • Contact for info
• CONTACT:
  • Phone : + 353 (0)45 865 239
  • Email : info@russborough.ie
• CAR PARK :
  • €2