A Strong Tower
In the midst of suburban Dublin stands an Elizabethan castle. It narrowly avoided demolition in the 1980s: Rathfarnham is south Dublin prime real estate. Archbishop Adam Loftus, an ambitious Yorkshire clergyman who would become Lord Chancellor of Ireland, built the property. It was remodelled several times in the 18th century although the askew angled four flanker towers betray its earlier origins. “Rathfarnham Castle is an enigmatic house,” remarks heritage architect John O’Connell. “And brilliant white! There is a very good drawing room and wonderful gallery. There is also a spectacular James ‘Athenian’ Stuart saloon and if that’s not good enough there is the Sir William Chambers horseshoe stair!” Now owned by the Office of Public Works, Rathfarnham Castle grounds and interiors are open to the public.
