Rathfarnham Castle 3.87

The castle with its four flanker towers is an excellent example of the fortified house in Ireland. In the late 18th century, the house was remodelled on a splendid scale employing some of the finest architects of the day including Sir William Chambers and James 'Athenian' Stuart. The collection includes family portraits by Angelica Kauffman (1741-1807), Sir Peter Lely (1618-1680), and Hugh Douglas Hamilton (1740-1808).

Rathfarnham Castle welcomes you to The Berkely Costume and Toy Collection at Rathfarnham Castle. Fashion and playthings offer a fascinating insight into social history. Like vernacular architecture, furniture and furnishings, clothes and toys are the physical evidence of lives lived and those lives have something to tell us. The installation by the OPW of the Berkeley Costume and Toy Collection in the magnificent setting of Rathfarnham Castle brings the historic interiors to life and enables this unique collection to be enjoyed by a greater audience.

The Berkeley Costume and Toy Collection is an exquisite collection of 18th and 19th century toys, dolls and costumes. The collection began as a private passion in Co.Wexford over twenty years ago by Irish artist and collector Countess Ann Griffin Bernstorff. The collection was gathered together over many decades from her own family trunks and from auctions and donations. Displayed in the elegant rooms of Rathfarnham Castle and covering a period of some 80 years from 1740 – 1820, the exhibits range from rare and delicate artefacts to simple and robust playthings, and everyday garments of the past many of which were once owned by Irish families.

Location: Rathfarnham by-pass, between Rathfarnham Road and Grange Road (near Rathfarnham Village)

Bus Routes: 16/16A from City Centre, 17 (Blackrock - Rialto), 75 (Dun Laoghaire - Tallaght)

Guided Tours: Self guiding. Tours may be arranged by prior appointment.
Duration: 1 hour
Groups of 10 or more must pre-book

Leaflet/Guide Book: Leaflet in English

Seasonal Events: Occasional exhibitions and concerts

Photography/Video allowed: No

Additional Information: Restricted access for visitors with disabilities