President Michael D Higgins
Michael D Higgins is the current President of Ireland. He was first elected to the office in 2011 and was re-elected in 2018, serving as the ninth President of Ireland. Prior to his presidency, Higgins held various political positions in Ireland, including serving as a member of parliament and as the Minister for Arts, Culture, and the Gaeltacht.
Background on the office of the President of Ireland
The President of Ireland is the head of state of the Republic of Ireland. The office was first established in 1937, following the adoption of the Constitution of Ireland. The President has a ceremonial role in Irish politics, with duties that include appointing the Taoiseach (Prime Minister), signing legislation into law, and representing Ireland on the international stage.
The official residence of the President in Ireland
The official residence of the President of Ireland is Áras an Uachtaráin, which is located in the Phoenix Park area of Dublin. The residence is the oldest and largest occupied mansion in Dublin, and it has been the home of the President since 1938. Áras an Uachtaráin is also the location of the President’s office, where he carries out his official duties.
The location of Áras an Uachtaráin
Áras an Uachtaráin is located in the Phoenix Park area of Dublin, which is one of the largest enclosed parks in any European capital city. The park covers an area of over 700 hectares and is home to a range of wildlife, including deer and birds. The location of Áras an Uachtaráin provides the President with a peaceful and secluded environment in which to carry out his duties.
The history of Áras an Uachtaráin
Áras an Uachtaráin was originally built in the 1750s as a country residence for the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. It was later used as a military hospital during World War I before being handed over to the Irish state in the 1930s. The residence was extensively renovated and refurbished before becoming the official home of the President of Ireland.
The architecture of Áras an Uachtaráin
Áras an Uachtaráin is a Georgian-style mansion with a central block flanked by two wings. The building is constructed from brick and is three stories high. The central block features a pedimented entrance and a large bay window, while the wings have symmetrical windows and balconies.
The grounds of Áras an Uachtaráin
The grounds of Áras an Uachtaráin cover an area of 130 acres and include formal gardens, woodland, and a lake. There are also a number of historic buildings on the grounds, including a clock tower and a chapel. The gardens are open to the public on certain days throughout the year, and visitors can take a guided tour of the residence.
Life at Áras an Uachtaráin
Áras an Uachtaráin is home to the President and his family, as well as a number of staff members who work at the residence. The President’s wife, Sabina Higgins, is actively involved in cultural and social events, and the President himself hosts a range of events and receptions at the residence throughout the year.
Public access to Áras an Uachtaráin
While Áras an Uachtaráin is the official residence of the President of Ireland, it is also a historic building that is open to the public. Guided tours of the residence and gardens are available on certain days throughout the year, and visitors can learn about the history and architecture of the building, as well as the role of the President in Irish politics.
The President’s movements within Ireland
As the head of state, the President of Ireland is required to travel throughout the country on official business. President Higgins has visited a range of locations in Ireland during his presidency, including towns and cities in the west of Ireland, where he has a strong connection with the arts and culture community.
President Michael D Higgins’ personal life
President Higgins was born in Limerick in 1941 and has had a long and varied career in Irish politics, academia, and the arts. He is married to Sabina Coyne and has four children. The President is known for his interest in poetry and literature, and he is also a keen sports fan.
Conclusion: President Higgins’ residence in Ireland
President Michael D Higgins resides at Áras an Uachtaráin, the official residence of the President of Ireland, which is located in the Phoenix Park area of Dublin. The residence is steeped in history and is open to the public on certain days throughout the year. As the head of state, President Higgins travels throughout Ireland on official business and has a strong connection with the arts and culture community.
