Dublin, Ireland

06/01/10
Dublin, Ireland
This is a view of the rear of the Powerscourt Mansion from the gardens. The mansion was owned by the Mac Cleod family which was the wealthiest family in Ireland in the 1800's. It took 20 years to complete. Their home was the celebration place for all the world leaders that came to Ireland. The government housed and entertained the world leaders here to impress them and show how successful the Irish people were and to compete with the Royal hospitality of England and the United States. The family lost their wealth and were about to lose their mansion when the grandson married a lady that took it upon herself to travel to the US and elsewhere to find successful Irish families that migrated and who had became successful enough to contribute to the restoration of the mansion. She opened it up to the public creating shops, a restaurant and botanical gardens so it would pay for itself. The family then continued to live here for many more generations. I found this very interesting. Another female heron before they could even vote.