Pic: Wikimedia Commons
The Mansion House’s 300th anniversary celebrations have come to a close with the launch of a new book outlining its history, The Mansion House Dublin, 300 Years of History and Hospitality!
Edited by City Archivist Mary Clark, the book is a collection of essays written by Nicola Matthews, Susan Roundtree, Úna Loftus and Fanchea Gibson. They recount the story of the Mansion House from when it was purchased by Dublin City Council (then known as Dublin Corporation) in 1715, covering everything from the furnishings to the lives of the Lord Mayors who lived there over the past 300 years.
The Mansion House’s current resident, an tArdmhéara Críona Ní Dhálaigh spoke of the book’s launch on Monday: “I am very proud to launch this book which is an appropriate end to our 300 year celebrations of this House, the official residence of the Lord Mayor of Dublin. This book reflects the story of the Mansion House over the past 300 years. It is quite unique in being the oldest freestanding house in Dublin, a family home, a witness to historic events and a venue for welcoming Dubliners and international dignitaries alike. Its history mirrors that of the city and country, and as Ireland changed politically and socially, the Mansion House adapted to encompass it. Is é Teach an Ardmhéara mo bhaile féin i mbliana agus is mór an onóir dom bheith i mo chónaí agus ag obair anseo.”
The launch also featured guest speaker Professor Christine Casey, from the Department of Art History and Architecture at Trinity College: “This volume is an impressive interdisciplinary study of a building which has come to represent the citizens of Dublin. Historians, architects and conservationists document the ceremony, splendour and occupants of this historic setting for civic occasions of gravity, joy and sorrow. Splendidly illustrated and rigorously researched, it is a significant addition to our knowledge of the city’s architecture.”
Published by Dublin City Council and distributed by Four Courts Press, The Mansion House Dublin, 300 Years of History and Hospitality is priced at €35 for the hardback edition and €25 in paperback.
By Aimée Mac Leod
