Explore & Learn
Nestled in the heart of County Wicklow, Russborough stands as a testament to Ireland’s rich architectural heritage and the legacies of the families who called it home. From its grand Palladian design to the meticulously crafted interiors and expansive Parklands, Russborough offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyles of the 18th and 19th Centuries.
In 1741, Joseph Leeson, later the 1st Earl of Milltown, commissioned renowned architect Richard Cassels to design a stately home that would reflect his family’s prominence. Completed in 1755, Russborough House is a quintessential example of Palladian architecture, characterised by its harmonious proportions and classical elements. The house’s façade, stretching over 700 feet, is among the longest in Ireland, showcasing the grandeur envisioned by its creators.
Surrounding the house, the Parklands were designed to complement the Palladian elegance of Russborough. Initially laid out in a formal style, the grounds featured terraced lawns, ornamental lakes, and carefully planned vistas. Over time, elements of the naturalistic style popularised by landscape designers like Capability Brown were incorporated, blending formal gardens with rolling meadows and wooded areas. Today, visitors can explore these historic landscapes, which include a walled garden, ice house, and serpentine lakes.
Stepping inside Russborough, visitors are greeted by opulent interiors that reflect the artistic tastes of its former residents. The intricate stucco work adorning the ceilings and walls is the handiwork of the Lafranchini brothers, renowned Italian craftsmen whose work exemplifies the Rococo style. Each room is a showcase of period furnishings, fine art, and decorative arts, offering a window into the lavish lifestyles of the 18th and 19th Centuries.
Russborough is a prime example of Palladian architecture, a style inspired by the works of the Venetian architect Andrea Palladio. Characterised by symmetry, classical proportions, and the use of temple-like facades, Palladian architecture became popular among the British and Irish aristocracy in the 18th Century. Russborough’s design features a central block flanked by colonnades and pavilions, embodying the principles of this architectural style.
Over the centuries, Russborough has indeed seen a range of changes and adaptations, each reflecting the evolving needs, tastes, and priorities of its residents and caretakers. Though the house remains fundamentally true to Richard Cassels’ original Palladian vision. Restoration projects have aimed not only to return Russborough to its former glory but also to sensitively prepare it for its role as a public treasure, balancing historical accuracy with the need for accessibility and durability; every element, from the exquisite plasterwork to the timber floors, has been painstakingly maintained or reproduced with an eye to preserving its authentic character.
The Leeson family, later known as the Earls of Milltown, were the original visionaries behind Russborough. Joseph Leeson, the 1st Earl, began building the house in 1741, using his wealth from brewing and property to create a residence that symbolised his family’s ascent. With its grand Palladian style and carefully curated art collection, Russborough quickly became a cultural gem in Ireland.
Each generation added to the house’s legacy, but Edward Nugent Leeson, the 6th Earl of Milltown, stands out for his commitment to both the estate and the local community. Edward was known for his fair and progressive approach as a landlord, and he expanded Russborough’s grounds while modernising parts of the house to suit the family’s evolving lifestyle. His tenure marked a time when Russborough was not only a family home but a respected pillar in the community.
The family’s legacy culminated with Geraldine, the last Countess of Milltown, who played a crucial role in preserving Russborough’s heritage. In the early 20th century, she bequeathed much of the family’s treasured art collection to the National Gallery of Ireland, ensuring these works would be protected and shared with the public. Through her generosity, Geraldine cemented the Leeson family’s lasting impact on Ireland’s cultural landscape, with Russborough standing as a testament to their vision and legacy.
Denis Daly OBE came from Dunsandle House, near Lough Rea in Co Galway, where the family were wealthy landlords. He and his wife, Maeb Lennon, from Enfield, Co Meath, whom he married in 1930, paid €9,000 for Russborough in 1931. Their first daughter, Anne, was born in 1933, and Anne’s Garden at Russborough, named after her, survives to this day as a lovely private garden at the back of the West Wing. Avia, a second daughter, followed in 1936. These were the last children to call Russborough home.
Daly had a keen respect for the house’s historical integrity and preserved many of its original features. Yet he modernised aspects of the home to suit the social life of the 1930s and ‘40s, hosting gatherings and maintaining the house as a place of elegant yet informal hospitality. Daly’s era gave Russborough a more lived-in warmth, as he introduced small comforts to make it feel like a true home while still respecting its grandeur.
In 1952, the Dalys sold the house and estate to the Sir Alfred and Lady Clementine Beit, owners of a world-class European fine and decorative arts collection.
When his father Otto died in 1930, Alfred became heir to the Beit Collection, established by his uncle Alfred and developed further by his father. Extraordinary wealth generated in South African diamond mining in the late 19th century made German-born uncle Alfred, one of the richest men and most noted art collectors in the world, at the end of the 19th century. The collection installed by the Beits in their new home, featured world-renowned works by leading Dutch, British and Spanish artists including Jan Vermeer, Henry Raeburn, and Francisco de Goya.
The Beits immersed themselves in Irish life and Alfred served on the Board of the National Gallery of Ireland and Wexford Opera for many years. While they continued to spend part of each year in London, and in South Africa working with the Beit Trust, Russborough was their home, used as a private retreat and a place to entertain new Irish friends along with their British social set. Their commitment to protect the house and collection for future generations led them to establish the Alfred Beit Foundation in 1976, the house opened to the public two years later. In 1987, in another remarkable act of philanthropy, Sir Alfred and Lady Clementine Beit donated seventeen masterpieces to the National Gallery of Ireland.
The grand halls of Russborough didn’t simply shine with polish and elegance by accident; they were a testament to the daily life and quiet dedication of those who worked behind the scenes. From dawn until dusk, a bustling group of servants kept the household running, each with unique responsibilities and routines that became woven into the very fabric of the estate. Let’s step into the shoes of three of these workers and see Russborough through their eyes.
In the cold, early hours before dawn, the kitchen maid began her day. She’d light the fires in the vast kitchen hearth and set about the arduous task of preparing for the cook’s arrival. From plucking chickens to scrubbing pots and chopping vegetables, her day was filled with work that rarely paused. The kitchen maid was the hidden hand behind each lavish meal that appeared in Russborough’s dining room, taking pride in her role, even though her work was often unseen.
By the 19th Century, the land steward held a central role in the estate’s operation. As the link between the family and the tenant farmers, the steward oversaw everything from crop rotations to rent collection, ensuring that the lands surrounding Russborough remained productive and profitable. With social and agricultural changes sweeping across Ireland, the steward’s role was pivotal in keeping the estate stable and supporting the local community.
During the Beits’ era in the mid-20th Century, the butler became the face of Russborough’s renowned hospitality. Overseeing staff and orchestrating elaborate dinners, he ensured that every meal, every event, was executed with flawless precision. His role required poise and discretion, whether directing a footman in the dining room or discreetly arranging a last-minute change for a distinguished guest. The butler brought continuity to Russborough, upholding its traditions, even as the world outside was changing rapidly.
As an independent charity, there are many ways you can support us.
We rely on your support. Help us to conserve the house, collection and parklands, ensuring they are here for future generations to enjoy.
Unlock exclusive access – member events, free parking, special discounts, and early bird perks await!
Becoming a patron is a unique and rewarding way to support education, conservation and restoration projects at Russborough.