GUINNESS EQUALS “FARMLEIGH,”
A MASTERPIECE!
By
Glenn Arnette and Stephen A. Gonya
It is a mouth-dropping beauty and located right in the heart of Phoenix Park, the largest enclosed city park in Europe, and it is called Farmleigh, once home to the Guinness family!
This magnificent home is on over 78 acres and still maintained and kept alive! Today it is being used for special events and visiting dignitaries in Dublin and guest of Nations from around the world and for the enjoyment by the public.
Our recent visit to Dublin, Ireland brought us to see the Christmas Market at Farmleigh which included Christmas events aimed to all ages; horse and carriage rides, puppet shows, art exhibitions and concerts and stalls featuring delicious foods, cheeses, breads, etc.!
After all of the excitement, we were invited inside the home for a wonderful Christmas music concert in the ballroom and a tour of the house.
We have Biltmore House in Asheville, NC and the Irish “proudly display” and adore their Farmleigh!
Originally, Farmleigh was a small Georgian house that belonged to Mr. Farmleigh. In 1873 it was purchased by Edward Guinness. That soon changed. Edward Cecil Guinness, first Earl of Iveagh and the great-grandson of Arthur Guinness made many additions in the 1880”s. Today the Farmleigh furnishings and the art collection are on loan from the Guinness family to the State. The house is now owned by the Government of Ireland!
(Yes, the Guinness family of “Beer” fame!)
There should be no question that Phoenix Park and Farmleigh are a must on your visit to Dublin, Ireland!
Also, while in the Phoenix Park take time out to visit the Dublin Zoo!