SNIPPET: On my recent trip to Ireland, one of my favorite places we visited was Farmleigh, an estate of 78 acres situated in the north-west of Dublin's Phoenix Park, which was purchased from the GUINNESS family by the Irish Government in 1999 for 29.2m euros. The House has been carefully refurbished by the Office of Public Works as the premier accommodation for visiting dignitaries and guests of the nation, for high level Government meetings, and for public enjoyment. Originally a small Georgian house built in the late 18th century, Farmleigh was purchased by Edward Cecil GUINNESS (1847-1927) on his marriage to his cousin, Adelaide GUINNESS in 1873. A great-grandson of Arthur GUINNESS, founder of the brewery, Edward Cecil became the first Earl of Iveagh in 1919. The first major building programme was undertaken in 1881-84 to designs by Irish architect James Franklin FULLER (1832-1925), who extended the House to the west, refurbished the existing house, and added a third storey. In 1896 the Ballroom wing was added, designed by the Scottish architect William YOUNG (1843-1900). With the addition of a new Conservatory adjoining the Ballroom in 1901, increased planting of broadleaves and exotics in the gardens, and the construction of new farm buildings, Farmleigh had, by the early years of the 20th Century, all the requisites for gracious living and stylish entertainment. Its great charm lies in the eclecticism of its interior decoration ranging from the classical style to Jacobean, Louis XV, Louis XVI and Georgian, which still, in the 21st century, beguiles the visitor. It provided a fitting residence for the Earls of Iveagh and their families for 123 years. The young guide who showed us through was very informative. The 17th century Brussels tapestries, magnificent columns of Connemara marble, Waterford Glass and Venetian chandeliers, fine fireplaces, paintings, ceiling plasterwork, furniture, mahogany staircase, etc., were absolutely gorgeous. The Benjamin GUINNESS (1937-1992) library paneled in Austrian oak, contains an unique collection of rare books, manuscripts and first editions. The Nobel Room celebrates the achievements of the four Irish Nobel Laureates for literature. One of my favorites rooms was the magnificent glass-enclosed Conservatory with its original marble floor and exotic plants and flowers. There are many scheduled musical events for visitors and entrance to the House and Grounds is free of charge. From March to December, the House and grounds are open on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays. Gates open at 10 a.m. and close at 4:45 p.m. The Estate closes at 6:00 p.m. Last tour is at 4:30 p.m. There is also a Gallery, Boathouse Restaurant and the Motorhouse Cafe for your enjoyment. Ground floor of the House is fully accessible by wheelchair users. Children under 12 must be accompanied by adults. Dogs are permitted on the grounds but must be kept on a lead at all times. No photography inside the House is permitted. Website: www.farmleigh.ie