Rathfarnham Castle, built in 1583, is one of Ireland's oldest Elizabethan houses. Throughout its long history, it has been owned by Archbishop Adam Loftus (the founder of Trinity College), Speaker Conolly, and the Jesuit Order. For most of the 20th century the Castle was owned and occupied by the Jesuits. The Castle was declared a National Monument and purchased by the State in 1987.
The OPW is responsible for the care and management of Rathfarnham Castle while the lands are managed by South Dublin County County Council.
Since 1987 the OPW has undertaken an extensive programme of conservation and restoration to secure the historic fabric of the building and also has undertaken works to improve access to the building with the installation of a lift and ramps. The 2014-2018 programme of works included the provision of a new lift and staircase in the south-west tower, new toilet facilities, upgrading of doors and floors for fire resistance, provision of ramps and steps externally to allow level access to a new entrance point resulting in all historic rooms, exhibition spaces and event spaces were being fully accessible. Additional accessible Basement Exhibition spaces were also created. No deterioration at the site has been linked to these conservation or renovation works. Additional interim maintenance works at the site have encompassed general gutter/valley clearance, weed control, drainage clearance, painting and localised cleaning. It is not possible to provide a date for the façade works at this time as it is a complex project that requires detailed planning prior to dates being determined.
In the meantime, Rathfarnham Castle continues to welcome visitors daily throughout the year. The Castle's exhibition and events programme is ongoing, with a full Cultural Programme taking place this year.
