Photos of Áras an Uachtaráin

Aras an Uachtarain means "House of the President." While today it functions as the official residence of the President of Ireland, the Aras an Uachtarain dates to the 1780's - before the office of President even happened. At the time it was used as the summer residence of the British Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. It turned into the official residence almost by accident: When the office of President was created in 1937, Douglas Hyde, the first president, lived there temporarily while plans were made to construct a new presidential palace on the grounds. When WWII broke out, the plans were eliminated, and over time the residence became the official dwelling. Aras an Uachtarain is open for tours at no cost every Saturday.