The seat of Irish National Parliament, incorporating Dáil Éireann (The House of Representatives) and Seanad Éireann (The Senate) was designed by German architect, Richard Cassell, and is believed to have inspired the design of the US White House. It was originally known as ‘Kildare House’ after the Earl of Kildare, who commissioned it to be built from 1745 to 1747, and was claimed for parliamentary use in 1924 following the creation of the Irish Free State. It inspired surrounding streets of wonderful Georgian architecture that make up Georgian Dublin, and the first balloon ascent in Ireland took off from Leinster Lawn in 1783. 

Free tours are provided by the Oireachtas (Irish Parliament, pronounced Ear-Ock-Tiss) ushers. Irish citizens can be sponsored by a TD or Senator, and everyone can join a walk-in tour. Special public events also take place across the year including Sept's Culture Night and Oct's Open House Dublin. For all tour days and times contact the Events Desk at event.desk@oireachtas.ie