| Russborough House |
Visit the Stunning Palladian Mansion Near Blessington Lakes
Russborough House has been described as one of the most beautiful houses in Ireland, and is located within comfortable driving distance of Kippure Estate. The house was built in the mid 18th century, and was furnished with a dazzling art collection in the 1950s. In 1978, the owners left the mansion and their elegant collections to the Irish public, and it’s been a leading tourist attraction ever since. It offers a unique 3D exhibition, a huge outdoor maze, a gift shop and a tour of one of the most stunning houses in all of Ireland.
The interior of Russborough House is truly lavish. Inside, you can see tapestries dating from the time of Louis XI, antique pianos from the late 19thand early 20th centuries, a bronze microscope which was given to Marie Antoinette in the late 18th century and a 16thcentury Turkish rug. A substantial portion of the Beit art collection is also housed on-site, making Russborough House a must-visit for anybody interested in fine art.
One of the main features of the exterior of the house is the maze, which covers 2,000 square metres. It’s a great attraction for families, a labyrinthine, hedge-walled maze built around a central column adorned with a statue of Cupid. You might lose your way once or twice, but for three Euros per person it’s a great activity for your day out. You can print out an image of the maze from the website or buy one on the day. You also get a stunning view from the interior of the mansion.
They also have a lovely gift shop on site, with souvenirs suitable for visitors of all ages (and plenty of options that won’t break the bank!) from both established manufacturers and home businesses. Finally, if you want to settle down after a day exploring the grounds, you can visit the Kitchen Garden Cafe for a hot drink alongside delectable food, including desserts like caramel slices and an a la carte menu. Cooking classes are also available throughout autumn and winter.
The house is open every day from May until September, with the maze open throughout June, July and August. It’s only a 20 minute drive to the west of Kippure Estate, near Blessington.
If you’re still looking for the perfect activity while you’re staying at the estate, the next article in the series looks at Avondale House and Forest Park.