History of Áras an Uachtaráin

Lesson 1

Let's complete this K.W.L. chart to find out what you want to know about Aras an Uachtaráin.

Now that we know what we want to learn let's get exploring...


 Firstly, let's explore where exactly Áras an Uachtaráin is using google maps.


View Larger Map

As we can see, it is located locally in the Phoenix Park on the North side of Dublin.

How has Áras an Uachtaráin changed over time?

Here is a picture of the building in 2010.

Watch the video below to explore the history of Áras an Uachtaráin.

Quick Self-Test 
After watching this video are you able to say:

• Who built Áras an Uachtaráin?

• When was it first built?

Heres a link to the website to clear up those answers! Áras an Uachtaráin Wesbsite

We are going to go on a field trip to Áras an Uachtaráin! 

Look at the building! One camera and clipboard will be given to each group, you must work together, rotating the camera through the group.  

Take photographs and notes of the building which show how it has changed since its first construction in 1751. (Your photos will be later added to your photostory.)

Before our field trip, let's first go back in time and look some pictures of the of the original building built in 1751.

The vice-regal lodge in the Phoenix Park, home to the Irish Lord Lieutenant 1820.

Áras an Uachtaráin c. 1850

The Viceroys on the steps of the Viceregal Lodge in the Phoenix Park c. 1866 now Áras an Uachtaráin. 

How the building looked when John F. Kennedy came to visit in 1963.

Áras an Uachtaráin today in 2013.

Lesson 2

Click the red writing to find out how Áras an Uachtaráin has been restored.

As a whole class  talk about the different parts of the house which have been restored? Why is restoration necessary? 

The groups will work together to create a Photostory in this lesson.

(Here's a link to download photostory if you have not already http://download.cnet.com/Photo-Story-3-for-Windows/3000-12511_4-10339154.html)

Can you spot the difference between the building now and the building then? 

Use the photos you took yesterday to help you. Use the photographs from this blog and the photographs which you took on the field trip to Áras an Uachtaráin. 

After you have completed this task , you and your group will make an oral report with the help of your photostory presentation.  You will be asked to explain and all the differences and similarities between the building now and the building when it was first constructed. 

Fun fact: Did you know Áras an Uachtaráin has ninety-two rooms?