Freemasons' Hall has been the headquarters of Freemasonry in Ireland since its construction in the 1860s. Although the Grand Lodge of Ireland, the governing body of Irish Freemasonry, has been in existence since the 1720s, this was its first purpose-built and permanent home. Built to a prize-winning design by a Birmingham architect, Edward Holmes, the Hall was erected on the site of the town-house of the first Grand Master, Richard 1st Earl of Rosse. Before the Hall was built, the Grand Lodge of Ireland had a number of temporary homes in Dublin city, including No. 19 Dawson Street and Commercial Buildings, Dame Street. The building houses a number of meeting rooms, each one of which is decorated in a different architectural style, as well as dining rooms, administrative offices, a library and museum. Much of the original Victorian interior survives.
The museum exhibition chronicles the history of Freemasonry in Ireland, beginning with the formation of the Grand Lodge of Ireland in 1725. Included in the display are items of 18th century regalia, Masonic jewels, drawings, prints, pottery and glass. Among the exhibits is a reconstruction of a late 18th century Lodge meeting, as was usual at the time, in a tavern. Also on display is a collection of fine handmade painted and embroidered Masonic aprons.
Included in the exhibition is a video production, 'A Worldwide Fraternity' which attempts to place Irish Freemasonry in a modern day context.
Freemasons' Hall is on Molesworth Street, in the heart of Dublin, near the National Library, the National Museum, Leinster House, home of Dail Eireann-the Irish Parliament, and the National Gallery of Ireland, on Merrion Square. Situated almost opposite Buswells Hotel, the Hall is within easy reach of the city centre, suburban bus routes and DART rail system.
The Hall is open for guided tours, Monday to Friday, during the months of June, July and August. There is a small entrance fee. Groups can be catered for outside this period by appointment only.
For details of tours please phone: 679 6799/679 5465.
Copyright © 1998 Grand Lodge of Ireland
This page was created Sunday, February 08, 1998 by Derrick McKoy
for the Provincial Grand Lodge of Jamaica
from materials owned and published by the Grand Lodge of Ireland
Most recent revision Sunday, February 08, 1998