Garden Parties

The Garden Parties, a tradition initiated by the first President of Ireland, Douglas Hyde, are an opportunity for the President and Sabina Higgins to open up Áras an Uachtaráin and pay tribute to people and organisations that have made a difference and whose work reflects the thematic priorities of the Presidency.

In the summer of 2019, more than 4,000 people from across the island, and from all walks of life, attended the events in the gardens of Áras an Uachtaráin. The year’s themes were:

· The Centenary of the First Dáil · Celebrating Family Life · Promoting Gender Equality and Respect for All / Sustainable Development Goal 5 · Bloomsday – Celebrating Screen And Film Production · Organisations and Volunteers Working With Refugees and Asylum Seekers · Participation and Transformation – Celebrating USI and Macra Na Feirme

The President and Sabina also hosted a special concert, in celebration of Irish Country Music and in acknowledgement of the work being undertaken by various organisations in fostering, and developing, strong rural communities throughout Ireland.

Family Day Garden Party, June 2019

President and Sabina Higgins greeting members of the St. Nauls Pipe band, at the Dáil 100 Garden Party

By hosting a Garden Party marking the centenary of the first sitting of Dáil Éireann, in 1919, President Higgins invited guests to celebrate the creation of the Dáil, and the successes and potential of our democracy.

At the concert celebrating Irish country music, June 2019

Family Day Garden Party, June 2019

Welcoming Carmel Ryan and her son Vincent to Áras an Uachtaráin, at the Dáíl 100 Garden Party

Trudy Maher was one of the President’s guests at an event celebrating youth advocacy and activism, May 2019

Muintir na hÉireann, I have said that a real republic requires a wide embrace - generous, inclusive, moved by an empathy that sees difference or diversity not as sources of division but as a strengthening of our social fabric and potential sources of an ever-deeper richness in friendship, mutuality, possibility, recognising transcendent concerns and rooted in a shared humanity. Empathy can and must inform our relations with neighbours near and far.

Inaugural address, Dublin Castle, 11 November 2018

More than 22,000 people visited Áras an Uachtaráín during 2019

Working in a protected structure

Áras an Uachtaráin, built in 1751, is in constant need of maintenance and expert conservation works. Caring for a building that is almost 270 years old is a complex and delicate task, and all repairs have to be made respecting not only the traditional material and building techniques but also 21st century safety standards.

In the past year, maintenance work was required on the main entrance hall, the Council of State Room and the library, and in September repairs were needed to remedy water damage to the walls and ceilings of the main building. These works are undertaken by the men and women of the Office of Public Works.

President Higgins also asked the OPW to undertake a full audit of energy use, waste management, water management and of biodiversity within the grounds of Áras an Uachtaráin with a view to improving the Environmental Performance of the Áras, within the context of a protected and historically significant building. Tours of Áras an Uachtaráin

Áras an Uachtaráin is both the official and private residence of the President of Ireland.

Since taking office, President Higgins has made efforts to welcome citizens to the Áras, both as invitees to events he has hosted and by facilitating guided tours. The tours are organised by the Office of Public Works and take place almost every Saturday. The tours are free of charge.

Since the beginning of 2019, special Irish Sign Language facilitated tours have also been organised. Like the scheduled Saturday tours, tickets for these events are allocated from the Phoenix Park Visitors Centre at Ashtown Castle, on a first-come first-serve basis.

Visitors to Áras an Uachtaráin can now also undertake a tour of the new visitor centre in the house, which was completed in 2019. The visitor centre provides an interactive overview of the history of the Áras, the role of the Presidency and the background to each of the nine Presidents of Ireland.