Áras an Uachtaráin

Áras an Uachtaráin (house of the president) is the official residence of the President of Ireland (Irish: Uachtarán na hÉireann). The history of the building is firmly linked to the Pheonix Park in Dublin (Irish: Baile Átha Cliath) in which it is located. Pheonix Park is actually a word with Gaelic origins and is an Anglicisation of fionn uisce which means "clear water". Nathaniel Clements MP became the Park Ranger for Phoenix Park and built the house that would later become Áras an Uachtaráin. It started out as a more modest building faced with brick. 

Following Clements’ death, the lodge was acquired by the British government and the building was made into a residence for the British viceroy. It subsequently became known as the Viceregal lodge until the end of British occupation in most of Ireland.  In the 19th century, the architect Francis Johnson refurbished the house. The walls were plastered and painted white. The portico and columns were also added. The building underwent further renovation in the early 20th century. It has been the Official Residence of the President of Ireland since 1938. There is an a interesting article from Raidió Teilifís Éireann (RTÉ): "7 things you probably didn't know about Áras an Uachtaráin" by By Marion.McGarry, Galway Mayo Institute of Technology.

Image: Courtesy of RTÉ.

LinkPresident of Ireland website

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