Building

The National Monuments Service's description

The buildings was designed as an ornamental feature for the garden at Marino House by Scottish architect Sir William Chambers for James Caulfield, the 1st Earl of Charlemont. Begun in 1759 it was completed c. 1775. The name 'Casino Marino' is derived from Italian which literally translates to 'The small house by the small sea'. Widely regarded as the most important Neo-Classical building in Ireland, the Casino is quite small, measuring only 15.24m (50 feet) square to the outer columns. In plan, it takes the form of a Greek cross with a pair of columns framing each projecting elevation. Seen from the outside, the building has the appearance of a single roomed structure, with a large panelled door on the north elevation and a single large window on each of the other elevations. This is all illusion, however, as it contains 16 rooms on three floors. Only two of the panels in the door open to allow entrance, and the panes of glass in the windows are subtly curved, disguising the partitioning which allows what looks like a single window to serve several separate rooms. The interior includes a basement level with a kitchen and associated rooms, a main floor with reception rooms and a top storey with servants rooms and a state bedroom. It contains some very fine plasterwork ceilings and some elaborate hardwood parquet floors. Originally the Casino was linked to Marino House by a tunnel, now blocked.

Compiled by: Paul Walsh

Date of upload: 6 September 2016