Join Us on a Journey through Time at Spring into Heritage Talks and Tours

This week, Councillor Jim O’Leary, Cathaoirleach, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council was joined by Frank Curran, Chief Executive Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and elected members to launch the official programme for Spring into Heritage 2025 at the Oratory in Dún Laoghaire.

Take a journey through history with our Spring into Heritage free guided tours, starting from 24 March. From magnificent country houses to tiny artistic gems, there is something for everyone to discover and enjoy. We are running a series of tours across many of our heritage sites, to celebrate their owners, their stories, and our own local heritage.

Listed below are the buildings included in our tours:

• Cabinteely House - Hear the colourful story of the house including its original owner Robert Nugent and his rise up the social and political ladder, as well as Joseph McGrath, revolutionary and key figure in the Irish Sweepstakes.

• Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre -  History springs to life at Dalkey Castle! In atmospheric tenth-century grounds, Dalkey Castle uniquely combines a medieval townhouse castle with a contemporary Visitors' Centre and Writers' Gallery.

• Fernhill Park and Gardens - The well-known gardens at Fernhill were laid out by the Darley family and for many years were opened to the public by the Walker family. This tour looks at the history of Fernhill gardens and explores some of the stories behind the various garden features.

• Historic County Hall Tour - Join us in a walk back in time to the town’s administrative origins as an infant maritime city of the steam age, exploring how various local authorities governed during British colonial rule, the transition to Irish independence, and the rapid expansion of the modern suburban county we know and love today.

• Marlay House - Take a guided tour of this wonderful country house. Hear the story of how the original 17th century house, The Grange, was purchased in 1764 by DavidLa Touche of French Huguenot origin, extended, renamed Marlay, and then sold in 1864 to Robert Tedcastle, the well known Dublin coal merchan

• National Maritime Museum - Experienced guides can bring you on a voyage of discovery, enthralling you with stories of discovery, heroism, war, and disasters at sea.

• The Oratory - this tiny building is home to some of the most spectacular artwork from the first half of 20th Century Ireland, all produced by Sister Concepta Lynch.