Chichester House

Chichester House Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Dublin Historical Sites Guide

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

Chichester House, once a cornerstone of Irish political life, stood at Dublin’s College Green from the early 17th century until its demolition in the 1720s. As the world’s first purpose-built bicameral parliament building, it played a pivotal role in shaping Ireland’s governance and urban landscape. Though the original structure is gone, its legacy endures at the site now occupied by the Bank of Ireland building, which preserves elements of Ireland’s parliamentary history. This comprehensive guide explores Chichester House’s origins, architectural and political significance, practical visitor information, and nearby Dublin historical attractions to enrich your experience in the city.

Origins and Early Development
Ownership and Naming
Parliamentary Role and Historical Events
Architectural Legacy and Demolition
Visiting Today: Bank of Ireland, College Green
Visual Records and Historical Interpretation
Timeline of Key Events
FAQs
Conclusion and Visit Tips
References and Further Reading

Origins and Early Development

Chichester House’s story begins in the late 16th century on the site of the former Priory of All Hallows, a religious institution dissolved during the Reformation. Around 1595, a large residence—sometimes called “Carew’s House” or “Cary’s Hospital”—was constructed on these grounds. Although originally intended as a hospital, it was never used for that purpose. By 1610, John Speed’s map of Dublin marked the area as “Hospitall,” confirming its early significance (Wikipedia; Andrew Cusack; Archiseek).

Ownership and Naming

Initially owned by Sir George Carew, President of Munster and Lord High Treasurer of Ireland, the building was later acquired and expanded by Sir Arthur Chichester, Lord Deputy of Ireland. Under Chichester, the structure took on its lasting name and began to assume a central role in Dublin’s political life. After Chichester’s death in 1625, the property passed through several hands, including Sir Edward Smyth and the Anglican Bishop of Killaloe (Wikipedia; Andrew Cusack).

Parliamentary Role and Historical Events

Chichester House soon became a vital public building. In 1605, it temporarily hosted Ireland’s law courts. Most notably, on 16 November 1612, it was the site where the Plantation of Ulster documents were signed, marking a watershed in Irish history. From 1661 onwards, after the Stuart Restoration, Chichester House served as the official meeting place for the Irish Parliament—housing both the House of Commons and House of Lords. It was formally assigned for parliamentary use by King Charles II in 1673 and secured under a 99-year lease by 1675 (Wikipedia; Irish Manuscripts Commission; Durrus History).

A rare 1704 depiction shows the Irish House of Lords in session at Chichester House, reflecting the adoption of English parliamentary traditions in Ireland.

Architectural Legacy and Demolition

Chichester House was a pioneering example of a purpose-built bicameral parliament. Its design featured two chambers—a significant innovation that influenced later parliamentary buildings, particularly the Parliament House (now the Bank of Ireland building) that succeeded it on College Green (ArchDaily). However, by the early 18th century, the building was in poor condition—described as dilapidated and even “allegedly haunted.” In 1727, Parliament allocated funds for a new building, and by 1729, Chichester House had been demolished to make way for Edward Lovett Pearce’s neoclassical Parliament House (Wikipedia; Andrew Cusack).

Visiting Today: Bank of Ireland, College Green

Visiting Hours and Tickets

The site of Chichester House is now marked by the Bank of Ireland building on College Green, a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture and a landmark of Irish parliamentary history.

Visiting Hours: Public areas of the Bank of Ireland building are generally open Monday to Friday, 10:00–16:00. Hours may vary during public holidays and special events (Bank of Ireland).
Admission: Entry to public areas—including the preserved House of Lords chamber—is free. Guided tours are available during events such as Open House Dublin and Heritage Week.

Accessibility and Travel Tips

Accessibility: The building is wheelchair accessible via the main entrance, and the House of Lords chamber is on the ground floor.
Public Transport: College Green is accessible via Dublin Bus, Luas Green Line (St. Stephen’s Green stop), and is within walking distance of Tara Street and Pearse Street train stations.
Parking: Limited; public transport or walking is recommended.

Guided Tours and Special Events

Guided Tours: Typically offered during Open House Dublin (October) and Heritage Week (August) (Dublin Heritage Festival; Dublin.ie).
Self-Guided Visits: Explore the building’s grand exterior and the House of Lords chamber, and read the interpretive signage and plaques detailing the site’s history.

Nearby Historical Attractions

Trinity College Dublin: Famous for the Book of Kells and Long Room Library (The Irish Road Trip).
Dublin Castle: Offers guided tours of the State Apartments and medieval undercroft (HeyDublin.ie).
Temple Bar: Dublin’s vibrant cultural quarter.
Grafton Street: Bustling shopping street with Georgian architecture.

Visual Records and Historical Interpretation

No detailed architectural drawings of Chichester House survive, but it is depicted on John Speed’s 1610 map and in a 1704 image of the Irish House of Lords in session. Today, interpretive signage and plaques at the Bank of Ireland building help visitors visualize the former site and understand its significance (Archiseek).

Recommended Images:

“Bank of Ireland building on College Green, Dublin historical site of Chichester House.”
“Historic House of Lords chamber inside Bank of Ireland, Dublin.”
“John Speed 1610 Dublin map showing Hospitall near College Green.”
“1704 depiction of Irish House of Lords session in Chichester House.”

Timeline of Key Events

Pre-16th century: Site of Priory of All Hallows.
Circa 1595: Construction of original house.
Early 17th century: Ownership by Sir George Carew and later Sir Arthur Chichester.
1605: Temporary law courts.
1612: Signing of Plantation of Ulster documents.
1661: First post-Restoration parliament at Chichester House.
1673–1675: Formal assignment and long-term lease for parliamentary use.
1704: Irish House of Lords session depicted.
1723: Building deemed unfit; plans for replacement.
1729: Chichester House demolished; new Parliament House constructed.

FAQs

Q: Can I visit Chichester House today?
A: The original building no longer exists, but you can visit the Bank of Ireland on College Green, which occupies the historic site and includes the preserved House of Lords chamber.

Q: Is there an admission fee?
A: Entry to public areas is free. Guided tours are offered during special events.

Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: Typically Monday to Friday, 10:00–16:00. Check the official website for the latest information.

Q: Is the site wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, both the main entrance and House of Lords chamber are wheelchair accessible.

Q: Are there guided tours?
A: Guided tours are available during events such as Open House Dublin and Heritage Week.

Q: What other historical sites are nearby?
A: Trinity College, Dublin Castle, Temple Bar, and Grafton Street are all within walking distance.

Q: Are restrooms available?
A: Public restrooms are not typically available inside, but facilities exist nearby in the city centre.

Conclusion and Visit Tips

Chichester House’s site at College Green is a must-visit for anyone interested in Ireland’s political and architectural history. While the original building is gone, its pioneering role in Irish parliamentary tradition and its influence on later architecture are commemorated in the Bank of Ireland building. Enhance your visit by exploring the House of Lords chamber, joining a guided tour during heritage festivals, and taking in nearby historical landmarks. For the latest updates, tours, and events, consult official tourism resources and consider using the Audiala app for interactive maps and visitor tips.

For more information, follow Dublin’s official tourism channels and download the Audiala app for guided tours, event notifications, and exclusive content on Ireland’s historical sites.