The Casino in Marino was ostensibly a garden lodge for visitors and parties belonging to James Caulfeild, the 1st Earl of Charlemont and designed by Sir William Chambers. It was designed according to Neo-classical Italianate principles as detailed in Chambers’ book ‘The Treatise on Civil Architecture’ (1791). He co-opted it from an unfinished plan for Harewood House in England.
It is a compact multi-storied structure which was on the outskirts of Dublin city when it was constructed between the 1750s and 1770s. It has long been held by the Irish Government having been purchased by the Free State in 1930.
It is a small building that manages to fit much in through the creative use of space and materials. The exterior windows give the appearance of it being one single elegantly tall storey. This is not the case as the convex windows scatter light and reflections outward hiding the interior construction including stairs and panelling which would be otherwise visible. Columns through the building carry pipes from rainwater collections on the roof down to the sewers below. Giant mock Roman urns on the roof hide chimneys. It all comes together to create an uncluttered elegance and elevation.
This 50 foot square building fits 16 rooms onto three floors including a state bedroom, kitchens and reception rooms. A recurring egg and sword motif decorates both the interior and exterior. It also features highly ornate plasterwork throughout and parquet floors of rare woods as can be seen from the image.
It is a fascinating building to visit and is a highly regarded architectural treasure. Entry to the casino is by guided tour only. In order to protect the inlaid floors visitors must wear the disposable footwear provided by the OPW guides.
ornate door
This article was posted by Ronan McDonnell on
Thursday, November 13th, 2008 at
06:13.
It is archived in Architecture, Dublin and tagged Architecture, Dublin, History, Ireland.
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