Tara's Palace

A few weeks ago I became a volunteer for “ Tara’s Palace” which is a beautiful 27 room dolls house permanently on display in the stunning Powerscourt House, Enniskerry about 15 miles south of Dublin.  I am lucky enough to spend one afternoon a week (with a good friend) showing people around this dolls house. 

Let me bring you on a very short virtual tour.  I apologize in advance for the quality of some of the photos – I will improve with practice!

This first cabinet is in the formal drawing room.  This miniature lock actually works.  The quality of the inlay in this piece is amazing.

The circular table in the centre has drawers that open – each one with perfect, teeny dovetail joints. 

The castors work.

This portrait of Tara was painted by Thomas Ryan and is found in the library. 

This table once again shows incredible workmanship.

Tara’s bedroom has a lovely four-poster bed. 

The detail on the chaise longue is wonderful.

The dolls house is on display in a suite of rooms on the first floor overlooking the Sugarloaf Mountain.  When my friend and I find ourselves with quiet moments between visitors we can look out the window at the view.  It is such a privilege. 

Powerscourt House is privately owned by the Slazenger family.  They no longer live in the house which is used now for weddings etc.  There are lovely shops and restaurants on the ground floor. My friend has a season ticket for the gardens, so we had a walk and picnic last week which was fantastic.  The gardens are truly stunning.  There are fantastic walks through majestic trees and then the surprise of arriving at the walled gardens.  

 This little 'folly' is just one of the delights in the gardens. 
 


More details of Tara’s Palace can be found at http://taraspalace.ie/