It's so lovely having this on my doorstep. I've never actually been inside the house itself but I love a good wander up around the grounds, especially on days where there's a market happening, or other event. (Check their website for their calendar of events, there's always something going on at the weekends) Even if there's not, there are horses in the fields, donkeys, a gorgeous walled garden, and lovely pathways to walk your dog, kid, BFF or granny. There's also a really cute little gallery which is currently exhibiting illustrated books; again, definitely worth a glance in. If you're going on a market day, make sure you haven't eaten first, cos there's some goooood eatin' to be had. read more

Farmleigh Estate - Christmas crib in Farmleigh - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Phoenix Park, D

Located in the Phoenix Park, Farmleigh is the official Irish State Guest House, where visiting dignitaries enjoy a fry-up every morning and get tucked in by Brian Cowen at night. When there is nobody booked in, it is open to the public, so you too can enjoy its extravangant interior, dating from 1752, which includes crystal chandeliers and a ballroom, and its beautiful landscaped grounds. read more

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This is located within the Phoenix Park and it's a place that I try to go to during Christmas time as they have a very pretty Christmas market. It still is open throughout the year to the public to wander around, the government uses it for visiting dignitaries and it's easy to see why as the landscaping of the gardens is fantastic. There is also a coffee shop on the grounds which serve usual lunch fair, I spoilt myself to coffee and chocolate cake the last time I trekked there, devilishly good! read more

Farmleigh Estate - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Phoenix Park, D

Farmleigh is the government guest house which was owned by the Guinness family amongst others. Although I've never done the tour of the house the gardens are beautiful and sprawling with formal gardens, lake, courtyard and stables and a little walled garden. The fields surrounding the house are home to horses, donkeys and a rare breed of Kerry cows. They have a great web site that tells you all of the events for the season which include food markets, Japanese day, beer festivals, drive in movies, kids days, flower markets, gardening talks and so on. The government rarely use it for its purpose of guest house for visiting dignitaries so it is nearly always open to the public. On the lake in front of the house the old boathouse now houses a cafe and restaurant. read more

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Everything about Farmleigh is a joyful delight, on several occasions I have walked there from Harolds Cross - but a much easier walk from Dublin centre. There always seems to be a display of some sort, art exhibitions, many garden styles, the main house and coffee on the lake. read more

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This is another somewhat hidden gem in Dublin, as it's deep in the Phoenix Park and not on any public transport route. I live close to the Phoenix Park so tend to cycle or walk here quite regular. The grounds are gorgeous. There's donkeys, horses and cows all grazing in the farm area and then there are the gardens which are beautiful at any time of the year but particular in the summer when everything is in full bloom. The Boathouse Café is situated on the pond before the main house and they sell very tasty breakfast, lunches, savoury snacks and giant slices of diabetes inducing cakes and tarts. They also do a pretty good coffee. The grounds have public water fountains all over which you don't see so much anymore in the city. The main house is used predominantly for state functions and to house foreign dignitaries. For example the British Queen Elizabeth II stayed here on her official State visit to Ireland a couple of years back. The house was once owned by the Guinness family and there are free guided tours of the house once it is not currently in use for state visits or events. They commence at a quarter past the hour, every hour. After years of coming here I did this tour for the first time ever last week and it was thoroughly enjoyable. It's laden in history. There's a weekly Sunday market in the grounds selling everything from craft jewelry to gourmet breakfast rolls and on occasion events such as the Japanese Culture festival is also held here. At Christmas they have choirs performing within the house itself which is free to attend and immensely festive as you might imagine. Keep an eye out on their website for all manner of info and event schedules. As this this is used primarily for state functions and visits things are not necessarily regular when it comes to timetables so keep any eye on their website which is constantly updated if you are planning a visit. The best way to get here is by car and they have amble car parking within the grounds. My preferred way to get here is by cycling. You can get a Dublin Bike at the entrance on Parkgate Street or hire a bike just inside the entrance at Parkgate Street. It takes about 20 minutes to cycle from that entrance depending on how fast you want to get there. It's lovely on a sunny day so I tend to take my time getting there. read more

Septemberfest at Farmleigh last year was bliss, but it disappeared this year as far as I can tell. All the microbrewers in the country (yes, all four of them- okay, okay, six) gathered to share their wares, as well as some small-scale whiskey and cider makers. There was also a farmers' market selling berries, jams, cheeses, German sausage and potato pancakes, and loads of other goodies. I was looking forward to Septemberfest all year and was really disappointed not to find anything about it this year. Minus one star. Apart from that, the grounds were lovely. It's tucked into Phoenix Park which means you get to experience lots of greenery on your way in. Pop by any time of year. read more

If you're looking for some breathtaking scenery in the heart of dublin look no further! Farmleigh is an old estate that is surrounded by nature on the castleknock side of Phoenix park. It is a beautiful area to go for a stroll or take the dog for a walk. There is a little cafe which serves all types of foods/beverages and looks out on a pond where you can bring your gremlins to feed the ducks. If you want to drag your kids away from their electrical devices for a while there is no better place to go! read more

Farmleigh Estate - View from the little cafe in Farmleigh - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Phoenix Park, D

Farmer's Market, beautiful tended gardens which is worth a visit each season, annual events like Experience Japanese Day, or plant fair. It's so nice to walk around the estate, as you walk up the driveway with trees either side and fields with grazing cattle and horses, which children love to see. There's also a nice short walk around the lake, an the mysterious sounding sunken garden, which is one of my favourite wandering haunts. They've closed off walking into the sunken garden though, which is a pity, but it's also the quietest part of the estate. They also have a tearoom by the waters, which is pretty popular. Farmleigh House itself is open for tours on certain days, I've never been on one, so I can't say much about this. It's great way to spend a few hours for everyone, adults and children alike. read more

I finally found it, Farmleigh! Well, it wasn't hard to find it truth be told, but I had looked once before and failed to find it. Then when I did find it, it was closed. But today it was open - hurrah! It's lovely here. They even have donkeys, lots of them. Everything is better with donkeys. There was also some horses and a herd of cattle! We cycled around to see what was what. You can go right up to the front door of the house too, which was a surprise to me to be honest. Not sure why I thought it'd be out of bounds. We also stopped at The Boathouse for a spot of lunch. Then we cycled back to the great expanse that is the Phoenix Park. Lovely. read more

Beautiful big house in the phoenix park that was once owned by the Guinness family. Its on lots of land which makes you feel like you are in the country side. I haven't been in the house but there are tours you can do Out in the front fields are animals like donkeys, horses and cows but my favourite part is the walled garden which has beautiful flowers and fruit and veg growing. It is a great place for me to practice my photography. Also they label a lot of the stuff growing so it is interesting to see. They are lots of events on all year like markets an culture days. Even when there is nothing on its a lovely place for a walk and there is a restaurant on the lake for coffee and lunch. Also lots of parking available or bikes for hire in the park that you could use to cycle there read more

Farmleigh is a fantastic jewel for the people of Dublin. The grounds are extensive and beautiful, there is a nice café to enjoy a lazy weekend brunch at, and the house is a gem, filled with beautiful art, which makes for a fascinating, free tour. The house is run by the OPW, who own so many important parts of Irish heritage, and Farmleigh is one of the jewels in their crown. The house is used to accommodate visiting foreign dignitaries, which means it is kept in tip top condition all the time. The rooms are all beautifully decorated, and the guide takes you through the different designers and architects involved. It is great to see the work of so many great Irish artists, as well as Irish materials. There is also a selection of gardens and paths to explore, making Farmleigh an ideal destination for a day out. Recommended. read more

Had an amazing easter weekend Sunday and bank holiday Monday with the family. The great farmers market had amazing juicy sausages on Blas from Waterford.. i couldnt resist! Picked up some great cheese,olives and meats also. The park itself is beautiful and full of flowers and animals (donkeys,horses,cows). There was a man there with falcons and eagles for the kids to take photos for free ! :) and you could dress your little one up as a mad hatter at the tea party room and take some pics. So cute. Lots of shows on too for the little ones and great irish musicians playing around the market. Il be back next month! read more

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Really lovely little cafe here , think it is part of the brambles chain. Would remind you of the boat house cafe restraunt in central park New York. Pond right next to it to feed the ducks too. Great coffee and cakes read more

Great for a weekend stroll or outing. Dogs are allowed in the grounds so bring the dog for a walk. There is a food fair on most weekends. The grounds are immaculately kept. read more

Farmleigh Estate - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Phoenix Park, D

No matter what time of the year, Farmleigh Estate has gorgeous grounds to visit. During Spring/Summer months, there is a food market on each Sunday with a few local vendors serving up a variety of food to eat or take away. The art gallery onsite is open most days and they change their exhibits quite frequently. There is a Boathouse Cafe right on the grounds so you can either grab lunch or a coffee and either site inside the restaurant or outside in the grass or the benches and enjoy the scenery. During the months of May through August, the gardens are in full bloom. All of the bright colours from a variety of flowers bring a smile to my face (check out a few of my pictures and you'll agree). Take a walk around the lake or veg out and soak up some sun. Although I would have to say a sunny day is the best day to visit, Farmleigh is so cheery that it is bound to be a great day out for anyone. And if you don't know where it is, it's conveniently located around the corner from the Castleknock gate in the park (third exit at the first round about and your first right after that). I can personally say with all of the parks and gardens we have back home, my mom was very impressed when I took her to Farmleigh Estate! read more

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I love this place. It was bought by the Irish state about 25 years ago from the Guinness family (who make the beer), for about 30 million Irish pounds. Money well spent, as the public now have a fantastic facility right next to Dublin city. It's doesn't cost anything to walk around the lovely gardens and enjoy the atmosphere. There are also lots of free events there during the year. It's so quiet and peaceful that you would never imagine you are right beside a city. There's also a lovely coffee shop where you can relax and look at the ducks swimming by. Well recommended. read more

Farmleigh house was built in 1752 in the northwestern corner of the Phoenix Park by the wealthy Trench family. The grounds are beautiful, and the house's interior is extravagant, replete with crystal chandeliers. The house was bought by the Guinness family in the 1880s, who remained here until 1992. The estate was then purchased by the government, who now use it as a state guesthouse. The rooms are open to the public and free to visit from 10am-6pm each day, unless there is a statedelegation in residence. During the summer months, the house stages cultural events and concerts. There's a farmer's market held here on occasion, and the Christmas market is a great place to pick up some tasty treats and gifts. read more

Farmers market and lovely autumn leaves made this a pleasant afternoon for a stroll. Lots of parking available. If your peckish there are food stalls selling gourmet treats. read more

I think everyone should make it their priority to visit Farmleigh in the weeks coming up to christmas! For a couple of sundays, they have a farmers market; Where loads of farmers and craftsmen come to set up their stalls around the beautiful courtyards. They sell loads of different products. I got all of my vegetables for christmas dinner here and they were absolutely lovely. Even if your not going to buy, it is amazing just to walk around and see all the farmers taking such pride in their produce. They have rooms set up for children too, where they are told christmas stories, and indoors, they have a choir singing carols. There are some lovely gardens around too, and its so nice just to have a walk around, even if its not December! But if one year you dont really get the christmas vibe, then visit the farmleigh christmas market and it will defintely get you in the christmas spirit! :) read more

This was my favorite site in Dublin. Beautiful home owned by the Guinness family. We booked the early tour and had it all to ourselves. The house is stunning and the grounds are lovely. Take your time walking around the gardens enjoying the fresh air. Have a bite to eat at the restaurant. The food was tasty. Phoenix park is very big. We took a taxi to Farmleigh and then walked about 15 min to the bus stop for the return. You could cycle here but it's at the opposite end from where you rent bikes (20-30 min by bike). read more