The Mansion House on Dawson Street is the official residence of the Lord Mayor of Dublin. Built as a townhouse for Joshua Dawson in the early eighteenth century, it was acquired by Dublin Corporation in 1715 and has remained central to the city’s civic life ever since.
Dublin’s mayoral residence
Construction began in 1705, and the property was sold to Dublin Corporation ten years later. According to Dublin City Council’s Mansion House history, it is the oldest free-standing house in Dublin and the oldest mayoral residence in Ireland and Britain still used for its original purpose.
The building has been altered over time, but it remains an important example of Dublin’s civic and architectural heritage.
The Round Room and the First Dáil
The Round Room was constructed for the visit of King George IV in 1821. It later became the setting for the inaugural meeting of Dáil Éireann on 21 January 1919, giving the Mansion House an important place in the history of Irish independence and parliamentary government.
Can you visit the Mansion House?
The Mansion House is a working civic residence and is not generally open as a daily visitor attraction. Dublin City Council advises that it opens during selected public events, including Culture Night and Open House, and occasionally for public open days. Group-tour requests may be considered by the Office of the Lord Mayor.
Anyone hoping to enter should check current access information directly with Dublin City Council rather than assuming admission will be available.
For wider ideas on visiting Dublin and other parts of the country, explore our private luxury tours of Ireland. The Mansion House is not presented here as a confirmed tour inclusion.
