page_title: Áras an Uachtaráin
section_title: Visitors
hierarchical_section_title: Áras an Uachtaráin / Visitors
caption_attribution_description: "Author is me" (User:Noelfirl), picture is of gates to Áras an Uachtaráin
context_page_description: Áras an Uachtaráin, formerly the Viceregal Lodge, is the official residence and principal workplace of the president of Ireland. It is located off Chesterfield Avenue in the Phoenix Park in Dublin. The building, which has ninety-five rooms, was designed by Nathaniel Clements and completed in 1751.
context_section_description: Various visiting British monarchs stayed at the Viceregal Lodge while Ireland was part of the United Kingdom, notably Queen Victoria and King George V. American presidents hosted there include John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has also visited. Other famous visitors to Áras an Uachtaráin have been Nelson Mandela, Aung Sang Suu Kyi, Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace of Monaco; King Baudouin of Belgium; King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofía of Spain; Pope John Paul II; Prince Charles and Prince Philip; Indian prime-ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Narendra Modi; and Pope Francis.
  On 17 May 2011, Queen Elizabeth II became the first British monarch to visit the residence in 100 years, on the occasion of her state visit to Ireland. She was welcomed by President Mary McAleese, inspected a guard of honour, signed the visitors book and planted an Irish oak sapling.
  Guests do not normally stay at Áras an Uachtaráin. Although it has ninety-five rooms, many of these are used for storage of presidential files, for household staff and official staff, including military aides-de-camp, a secretary to the president, and a press office. Foreign dignitaries usually stay at Farmleigh, the State reception house, located close to Áras an Uachtaráin in Castleknock.
  On 1 May 2004, during Ireland's six-month presidency of the European Union, Áras an Uachtaráin was the Venue for the European Day of Welcomes (Accession Day) in which ten new members joined the EU. All 25 heads of government attended the flag raising ceremony in the gardens of the building. A large security operation involving An Garda Síochána and the Irish Defence Forces closed off Áras an Uachtaráin and the Phoenix Park.
  Like most OPW buildings, Áras an Uachtaráin is open for free guided tours every Saturday.
caption: The main gate to Áras an Uachtaráin is located adjacent to the Phoenix Monument, at the centre of the park
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