On this final day of the presidential race in the United States, I thought you might like to see a few iPhone pictures from Ireland’s White House, Áras an Uachtaráin.
This is actually the rear facade, now used as the main entry
It is home to Michael D. Higgins, the current (9th) President of Ireland, who was elected last year. Unlike POTUS, the presidency in Ireland is largely a ceremonial role. (Ireland has a prime minister, or Taoiseach.)
The house is in Phoenix Park, (the largest park in Europe), which is also home to the zoo and the U.S. Ambassador’s Residence.
The harp is the national symbol of Ireland and it is featured throughout the house, even on the tea cups.
This garden is also harp-shaped
Portraits of the past Irish presidents line this state room
Divisive politician Eamon de Valera, and a portrait of Lady Lavery, an American who married artist Sir John Lavery. Her likeness (painted by her husband) appeared on Irish banknotes during the 20th century before the Euro
The American Women’s Club of Dublin
The website says they do free public tours on Saturdays. We were supposed to meet the First Lady, but alas, last minute schedule changes and all…
The Other Side of the Road 
Now this is grace and dignity. Love the use of the harp everywhere – shows respect for heritage, thought, and planning instead of impulse or political “message”
The Samuel Beckett bridge (seen here http://www.calatrava.com/#/Selected%20works/Architecture/Dublin?mode=english) is also meant to evoke the harp
Is that you in the front row? You look so glamorous. Very impressed that you got a tour. I just can’t see this happening in Downing Street. Clearly, I’m not traveling in the right circles.
I’m rendered unrecognizable in professional clothes dug up from the back of the closet!
Don’t lie … that’s really your house, isn’t it??!