Russborough House
Russborough is the longest Palladian house in Ireland — over 200 metres end-to-end. Built between 1741 and 1755 for Joseph Leeson, it became famous in the 20th century as the home of the Beit art collection, and for being burgled four times.
History
Designed by Richard Cassels and Francis Bindon, Russborough was commissioned by Joseph Leeson, later the 1st Earl of Milltown. The house remained in the Leeson family until 1931. Sir Alfred and Lady Beit bought it in 1952 and moved their extraordinary Old Master collection there — Vermeer, Goya, Velázquez, Rubens, and others. The house has survived four art thefts (1974, 1986, 2001, 2002), though most stolen works have since been recovered.
What to see
Guided tours of the principal state rooms include the Saloon with its stuccoed ceiling, the drawing rooms, and a small remaining collection of Beit masterpieces. Outside, 200 acres of parkland with lakeside walks, a maze, a fairy trail, and one of Ireland's largest birds-of-prey displays. Tea rooms and a craft shop on-site.
Admission & hours
House tour adult ticket around €14. Parkland access is lower. Open Easter to September daily, weekends only in shoulder months. Closed December–February.
Official website: russboroughhouse.ie