
On  Sunday, July 4 from 1.30 pm on, the Cornelia Connelly performers will  take part in the Family Fun & Fitness Day with a 4th July American  Theme at the 
Farmleigh House and  Estate in Dublin. Here is some information about the history of  Farmleigh:

Farmleigh,  an estate of 78 acres situated to the north-west of  Dublin's Phoenix  Park, was purchased from the Guinness family by the  Irish Government in  1999. The house has been carefully  refurbished by the Office of Public  Works as the premier accommodation  for visiting dignitaries and guests  of the nation, for high level  Government meetings, and for public  enjoyment.  Originally a small Georgian house built in the late 18th  century,  Farmleigh was purchased by Edward Cecil Guinness (1847-1927)  on his  marriage to his cousin, Adelaide Guinness in 1873. A  great-grandson of  Arthur Guinness, founder of the eponymous brewery,  Edward Cecil became  the first Earl of Iveagh in 1919. The first major  building programme was  undertaken in 1881-84 to designs by Irish  architect James Franklin  Fuller (1832-1925), who extended the House to  the west, refurbished the  existing house, and added a third storey.

 In  1896 the Ballroom wing was  added, designed by the Scottish architect  William Young (1843-1900).  With the addition of a new Conservatory  adjoining the Ballroom in  1901, increased planting of broadleaves and  exotics in the gardens,  Farmleigh had, by the early years of the 20th  century, all the  requisites for gracious living and stylish  entertainment. Its great  charm lies in the eclecticism of its interior  decoration ranging from  the classical style to Jacobean, Louis XV,  Louis XVI and Georgian.  In 2001 the Office of Public Works began the  delicate job of  restoring this magnificent estate. This was carried out  with great  delicacy and care so as the historical ambience at  Farmleigh has been  preserved as it assumes its new role on behalf of  the Irish State.