Leinster
house was originally known as Kildare House after
James Fitzgerald, the Earl of Kildare, who
commissioned it to be built between 1745-47. James
Fitzgerald set out to create the stateliest of
Dublin Georgian Mansions to reflect his eminent
position in Irish society. It is told that the Earl
had said that fashion would follow in whatever
direction he led. In succeeding, he caused an
unfashionable area of the city to become a desirable
one. On becoming the Duke of Leinster in 1776
(Dublin and Kildare are in the province of Leinster)
the house was renamed Leinster House.
Open daily - Admission Free.
Natural History Museum
Housed
between Government Buildings and the Oireachtas
(House of Parliament) on Merrion Street, this Museum
has an extensive collection of animals from all
ages.
