Russborough House
| County: | Co. Wicklow |
| Tel: | 045-865 239 |
| Fax: | 045-865 054 |
| Email: | russborough@eircom.net |
Russborough is often referred to as the most beautiful house in Ireland. It was built between 1740 and 1750 in the palladian style by Richard Castle (Cassells) and displays fine stucco ceilings by the Lafranchini brothers, marvellous plasterwork and a wonderful mahogany staircase. It has magnificent views of the Blessington Lakes and the Wicklow mountains beyond. Sir Alfred and Lady Beit bought Russborough in 1952. The House contains fine furniture, tapestries, carpets, porcelain, silver and much of the Beit Collection of fine art. For the more energetic there are parkland walks around the estate and for the more adventurous there is a 20,000 sq. ft. beech hedge Maze to navigate (Remember to ask for the Maze Map!) New for 2011 will be an extensive self guided exhibition to include interactive touch screens, audio handsets, slideshow presentation, 3D photographs and cinema projection. In addition several crafts workshops will be open including a blacksmith with working forge; a weaver with working handlooms; a wood-turner and a candle maker.
General Information
| Address: | Blessington, Co. Wicklow |
|---|---|
| Telephone; | 045-865 239 |
| Fax: | 045-865 054 |
| Email: | russborough@eircom.net |
| Website: | http://www.russborough.ie |
| Location: | 20 miles from Dublin on N81, 2 miles south of Blessington |
| Season: | April to end October |
| Open Times: | April & Oct: Sundays & Bank Holidays: 10.00-17.00 May-Sept: Daily: 10.00-17.00 |
| Tours: | Duration: 45 mins. Languages: English (Translations available in French, German, Italian & Spanish) |
| Booking Contact: | Marian Kelly |
| Manager: | Marian Kelly |
| Average Visit Length: | 3 hours |
| Entrance Fees: |
Adult: €11 Student/OAP: €8 Child (U12): €5 |
| Restaurant: | Hot & Cold Meals & Refreshments available all year round. Seats 60. Groups meals |
| Picnic Area: | No |
| Shop: | There is a recently extended craft & gift shop including Russborough brands |
| Information Guide: | English, French, German, Italian & Spanish |
| Coach Parking: | Yes |
| Group Booking Necessary: | Yes |
| Car Parking: | Yes |
| Disabled Access/Parking: | No |
| Other: | A number of arts & crafts workshops will be open at various times during the year including a bog oak sculptor, candle maker, artist & weaver and a blacksmith with working forge. Products available to purchase. |
CONSERVATION AWARD FOR RUSSBOROUGH
On Thursday 4th October Russborough won the 2011 Irish Georgian Society's Conservation Award for the restoration and conservation of various aspects of the main house including the roof, windows and interior painting and plasterwork. Substantial effort was put in by many specialist workers and crafts people but special thanks are due to architects Howley Hayes for their overall coordination and conservation expertise.
We are delighted to have won this award amongst so many other excellent conservation projects that were submitted to the adjudication panel.
Irish Georgian Society award for Russborough. From left to right ;
Eric Blatchford - CEO Russborough ; Consuelo O'Connor - Trustee Russborough ; James Howley - Architects Howley Hayes ; Marion Cashman - one of the judging panel.
WALLED GARDEN RESTORATION
In recent years many visitors have asked whether we can restore the 18th century Walled Garden which is beautifully situated at the beginning of the parkland walk . Until recently however there was insufficent manpower to undertake such a daunting project. However, good news!!! On 23rd September 2011, contracts were signed between the Alfred Beit Foundation and the Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland (RHSI) whereby volunteer members of the RHSI will start to restore the walled garden from Autumn 2011 onwards.
Picture: Eric Blatchford (CEO Russborough), Marcus Beresford (Chairman, Russborough) and Robert Myerscough (RHSI.) sign contracts for work to commence in the 18th century Walled Garden.
Let's hope we win an Oscar!
You are always welcome here at Russborough but this time our doors are more than just open! We are now being captured internationally as Russborough is used as a top location on the latest Steven Soderbergh movie.
This movie clearly is not for the faint hearted with Gina Carano kicking and punching her way from scene to scene but we were thrilled to hear her say
"Russborough, remember Russborough, not a who but a where, a place". Haywire 2012, Gina Carano.
Russborough is indeed a beautiful, Palladian mansion, worthy of the big Hollywood screen but we still appreciate that it has finally been recognized internationally and respected by Stephen Soderbergh and we think Russborough gave a truly powerful performance! Ok, we know .... just as Gina reminded us it's a not a who but a place and it was truly thrilling for us all to see Russborough shine on the big screen!
We hope you go and check out the movie, but make sure you eat lightly before hand! Well done Stephen and all the crew! We wish you lots of success with your movie release! Let's hope we all win an oscar....
Latest News and events at Russborough
Russborough looks forward to welcoming you to the house and demesne during 2011. Visit the new interactive and 3D exhibitions and join the excellent guided tours through this historic house.
RUSSBOROUGH GOES CINEMA
In 2010, Russborough was used as a film location by Steven Soderbergh's (Ocean's Thirteen, Erin Brokovich) latest film Haywire. Now the trailer is out, you can see the Russborough between 60 and 80 seconds of the trailer.
CULTURE NIGHT IRELAND
Culture night will take place on Friday, September 23rd 2011, a night of entertainment, discovery and adventure in Dublin and across 20 towns, cities and counties in Ireland. Details about events at Russborough on the 23rd September will follow.
TRADITIONAL AFTERNOON TEA
Living in Russborough, Lady Beit loved to arrange Tea Parties with her friends and relatives. Today we want to revive this tradition and invite you to Afternoon Tea combined with a Guided Tour through the house and to see the collections of Sir Alfred and lady Beit.
The afternoon tea is served just as it should be; on tierd stands displaying a fine choice of cakes, pastries and scones. The delicious treats are all home made at the quaint Kitchen Garden Cafe using extracts from Lady Beit's own recipe collection.
August 1st - October 31st.
Monday to Saturday from 3pm till 5pm
€25pp, special packages available for groups.
Bookings only 045 851 965
Presidential Tree Planting at Russborough
Saturday the 17th of September President Mary McAleese planted a commemorative oak tree in Russborough. Come and visit in the future to see how it grows. You can see it planted in front of the East Wing wall close to the car park.
