Áras an Uachtaráin (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Áras an Uachtaráin?
What makes it 81% Couple-Friendly: Couples can share a guided tour of elegant state rooms and stroll the historic gardens, then relax together in the café, though access is limited to Saturdays only.
Positives:
- Historic Insights: Learn unique presidential stories from your guide inside authentic state rooms.
- Park Setting: Located in Phoenix Park, extend your visit with a stroll through one of Europe’s largest enclosed urban parks.
Challenges:
- Limited Tickets: House tour tickets are free but issued first-come, first-served; arrive early to secure spots.
- Seasonal Access: Guided garden tours run only from June to October and on Saturdays.
What is Áras an Uachtaráin?
- Official residence and principal workplace of the President of Ireland, located within Phoenix Park in Dublin
- A Georgian-era building dating from 1751, originally constructed as the Viceregal Lodge for the British Lord Lieutenant, featuring classical proportions and decorative motifs
- Gardens that encompass formal 19th-century terraces, ornamental lakes and a diverse arboretum under the care of the Office of Public Works
What is so special about Áras an Uachtaráin for couple trip?
- Free guided tours of the presidential residence’s grand rooms
- Discover 19th-century formal gardens on seasonal summer walks
- Quick self-guided exhibition offers park history and AV insights
- Café spot for coffee and cake in a picturesque park setting
- Convenient Phoenix Park location perfect for a romantic stroll
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Guided house tour and visitor centre exhibition fit neatly into a morning visit.
Couple-Friendly Activities in Áras an Uachtaráin
Guided House Tour:
Join a free 75-minute tour of the State Rooms and learn presidential anecdotes since 1938.
Tip: Collect your free tickets at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre from 9:30 am on tour day; bring photo ID.
Guided Garden Tour:
Stroll formal 1840s gardens, ornamental lakes, arboretum, and the historic kitchen garden.
Tip: Book on Saturdays between June and October; starts at the same times as house tours.
Visitor Centre Exhibition:
Explore self-guided displays on park history and watch a 20-minute AV show on Áras an Uachtaráin.
Tip: Drop in anytime before your tour; admission is free.
Visitor Centre Café:
Grab coffee and cake at the park visitor centre café next to the playground.
Tip: Try the Irish soda bread with butter; café opens at 9:30 am.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Áras an Uachtaráin
- Arrive Early: Get to the Visitor Centre by 9:15 am to join the 10 am house tour and avoid queues.
- Combine Activities: Visit the exhibition before your tour and grab coffee afterwards to make the most of your morning.
Reviews of Áras an Uachtaráin
Super Sigma
Yup the president is a sound fella he let me look around his gaf. Big yup bro
Mary Naughton
My review is just for the grounds and the outside. I have not gone in. The outside is absolutely lovely and the grounds inside Phoenix Park are beautiful. There is so much nature right in the heart of the city, it’s a great, peaceful place.
Victor Wang
FREE tickets to visit the President's residence on Saturdays (first come first serve at the visitor center). Was easily able to get tickets for the first tour at 10AM by arriving around 9:30AM. Super in-depth tour with knowledgable guides. No pictures inside unfortunately.
John Keenan
A free tour for first-come-first-serve basis. Took me years as a Dubliner to finally wake up earlier on the weekend to see the president's residence. I'd recommend it. Seeing the different rooms, their functions, their history & the portraits were a treat. Our guide was good though there were a couple of questions which went unanswered. Saw some of the president's dogs there too.
the burney bros
Attended the free tour today of our presidential residence. What a magnificent building with a vast history . Fantastic tour guide and then to be brought around the gardens by the head gardener of 18 yrs Robert explaining all the different trees and flowers . Would highly recommend.
When is the best time to visit Áras an Uachtaráin (Dublin, Ireland)?
Only from June to October can you join the free guided garden tour to see the formal gardens at peak bloom.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Café: coffee and cake for two | EUR 10 |
| Guided tours | EUR 0 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 10 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Áras an Uachtaráin
Address: Phoenix Park, Castleknock (part of Phoenix Park), Dublin, D08 E1W3, Ireland
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Áras an Uachtaráin (Dublin)?
About Áras an Uachtaráin
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+353 1 617 100010 BEST nearby Activities
Explore Popular Things to Do
🇺🇸 United States, couple trip
🇬🇧 United Kingdom, couple trip
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
10 BEST nearby Activities