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Investigates Investigates Money Diaries The Journal TV Climate Crisis Cost of Living Road Safety Newsletters Temperature Check Inside the Newsroom The Journal Investigates Daft.ie Property Allianz Home The 42 Sport TG4 Entertainment The Explainer A deep dive into one big news story Sport meets news, current affairs, society & pop culture have your say Or create a free account to join the discussion Advertisement More Stories The previous resident (president Michael D. Higgins) will be evicted in the coming weeks.Alamy Stock Photo Inside Áras an Uachtaráin: Here's a look at where Catherine Connolly will soon call home The Phoenix Park site boasts an impressive 95 rooms – surely enough for the new president looking to settle in to Dublin. 9.01pm, 26 Oct 2025 Share options WITH THE ELECTION count over, attention is already turning to the place Ireland’s next president will soon call home — Áras an Uachtaráin, the official residence of the President. A working residence and a living piece of history, the Áras has hosted presidents, world leaders, and countless ceremonies since it became the official presidential residence in 1938. But the house itself is far older, dating back to 1751 when Nathaniel Clements, the Park Ranger for Phoenix Park, built a modest red-brick lodge. It later became the Viceregal Lodge for the British viceroy, until the end of British rule in Dublin. The impressive site boasts a total of 95 rooms — here’s a look inside some of them, where the country’s head of state will live, work, and welcome guests over the next seven years. The Entrance Hall Áras an Uachtaráin Áras an Uachtaráin The first thing visitors see when they step inside is the Entrance Hall, dating back to the original 18th-century house. Its high, curved ceiling and classical columns give it “a real sense of occasion”, according to the office of the President. On either side of the doorway stand busts of poet James Clarence Mangan and political leader Daniel O’Connell. Áras an Uachtaráin Áras an Uachtaráin Hanging nearby is a large painting by Chinese artist Zhao Shao Rou, dated 11-11-11 (the day Michael D. Higgins was first inaugurated as president). The State Drawing Room Maxwell Photography Maxwell Photography This is one of the oldest rooms in the house and often where official guests are received. A sparkling chandelier hangs overhead (originally from Dublin Castle) with shamrocks, roses, thistles and leeks symbolising the four nations of the old Act of Union. The ornate couch and chairs once belonged to the Palace of Versailles, a gift to Ireland during Éamon de Valera’s time in office. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo You may recognise this one, as it’s one of the Áras’ most photographed rooms. The Council of State Room This is where the president meets the Council of State to seek advice on constitutional matters. Maxwell Photography Maxwell Photography It’s an elegant, slightly old-world room, with a gilded ceiling showing scenes from Aesop’s Fables. Advertisement The art here tells its own story too. Séan Keating’s Men of the South hangs alongside portraits of Countess Markievicz and Maud Gonne. A Council of State meeting in 2023.Rolling News Rolling News A large painting by Simon Coleman captures the first ever Council of State meeting in 1940. The State Reception Room Once the ballroom, this space is every bit as grand as you’d expect. Áras an Uachtaráin Áras an Uachtaráin Look up and you’ll see a plaster ceiling showing more artwork, and below, a huge Donegal carpet decorated with Irish river symbols and a phoenix rising from the flames. Pope Francis visited the Áras in 2018.Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo The State Dining Room Maxwell Photography Maxwell Photography Built in 1849 for Queen Victoria’s visit, this room is still used for state dinners and important receptions. The long mahogany table once hosted Cabinet meetings in Leinster House, and still does for the first meeting of each new government. Government ministers pictured during their first meeting in 2017.Rolling News Rolling News Portraits of past presidents line the walls, and the two fireplaces were originally gifted to Archbishop Murray of Dublin before finding their way here. The Franchini Corridor Áras an Uachtaráin Áras an Uachtaráin Walking through this corridor feels a bit like strolling through the Áras’s own Hall of Fame. One side displays busts of all the presidents so far; the other features decorative plaster panels by the Lafranchini brothers, master craftsmen from the 18th century. Áras an Uachtaráin Áras an Uachtaráin The Walled Garden Áras an Uachtaráin Áras an Uachtaráin Just outside, in the walled flower garden, a long glasshouse designed by Richard Turner shelters fruit trees and vines. Inside, peaches, kiwis and even kumquats grow. The garden still provides fresh blooms and produce for events in the house. Áras an Uachtaráin Áras an Uachtaráin Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Support The Journal Andrew Walsh View 9 comments Send Tip or Correction Embed this post To embed this post, copy the code below on your site Email “Inside Áras an Uachtaráin: Here's a look at where Catherine Connolly will soon call home”. Recipient's Email Feedback on “Inside Áras an Uachtaráin: Here's a look at where Catherine Connolly will soon call home”. Your Feedback Your Email (optional) Report a Comment Please select the reason for reporting this comment. Please give full details of the problem with the comment... This is YOUR comments community. 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Access to the comments facility has been disabled for this user View our policy ⚠️ Duplicate comment Post Comment have your say Or create a free account to join the discussion Áras An Uachtaráin Michael D Higgins Phoenix Park News in 60 seconds How much do you know about Irish movies? 22 mins ago a look back The highs and lows of Michael D Higgins’ 14-year presidency 52 mins ago Witness appeal Gardaí appeal for information on serious attack in Dublin earlier this week Here's What Happened Today: Sunday spending and saving Money Diaries: A PR manager on €44K living in Co Cork Man (20s) in serious condition after being found unresponsive in Kildare search operation Coast Guard recovers body from shoreline in north Clare current husband Who is Brian McEnery, the man set to be Ireland's next 'first husband'? spoiled votes Taoiseach suggests referendum on changing 'restrictive' process for getting on presidential ballot What part of the country gave the most votes to Jim Gavin? 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