Leinster House is the building now housing the National Parliament of Ireland, but its history evolved in stages. It was originally known as Kildare House in honor of James Fitzgerald who was the Earl of Kildare and gave approval for it to be built between 1745-1747. His intention was the creation of a stately Georgian mansion that would be reflective of his high position in Irish society. According to historical documentation, the Earl said that he would lead the way in fashion. His success in this caused an area of the city that was previous unfashionable to become a desirable one. When he became the Duke of Leinster in 1776, the house was renamed Leinster House.

The mansion was sold to the Royal Dublin Society in 1815 by Augustus Frederick, the third Duke of Leinster, for £10,000 and an annual rent of £600 (this was later redeemed). The society’s purpose was in the improvement of the wretched conditions under which the people lived.

There are two main entrances to Leinster House, but the Kildare Street entrance is the better known. From here, one can view the National Library on the left and the National Museum on the right. The Merrion Street entrance, on the other hand, overlooks a broad lawn known as Leinster Lawn. From this entrance, one can view the National Gallery on the left and the Natural History Museum on the right. Additionally, number of monuments and memorials are on display in the garden of Leinster House.