Casino Marino

Overview

Casino Marino is a remarkable building, both in terms of structure and history. Sir William Chambers designed it as a pleasure house for James Caulfeild, 1st Earl of Charlemont, beside his residence in what was then the countryside. It is a gem of 18th century Neoclassical architecture. In fact, it is one of the finest buildings of that style in Europe. The edifice reminds one of a temple, with exquisitely carved stonework and sculpture on each of its four distinct facades. Inside, the viewer marvels at the imaginative use of space and architectural tricks defying logic.

Located on the Malahide Road 3 miles (5km) from the centre of Dublin, Lord Charlemont’s ‘small house by the sea’ is regarded as the finest neoclassical building in Ireland. Built in 1762–77, it was the masterpiece of William Chambers and is a work of great ingenuity. From the outside it looks like a small Greek-style temple, but is in fact two storeys high and contains eight rooms. To preserve the harmonious design the four corner columns are hollow to carry water off the roof, and the urns on the roof are disguised chimneys. The interior has exquisite floors and plasterwork (mid-Mar–Oct daily 10am–5pm).

The Casino Marino still stands in perfect splendour on a gentle rise. Down the road is ‘Spite Crescent’, built by an enemy of Lord Charlemont to spoil his view from the Casino. It was here that Bram Stoker stayed while writing Dracula in 1897.