Casino Marino

A gem of neoclassical architecture tucked away in a quiet neighborhood north of Dublin.

Description of the place

The Casino Marino, located in the Marino neighborhood of north Dublin, is one of the city's most unusual and striking buildings. Despite its name, it has no connection to gambling: "Casino" comes from Italian and means "little house" or "small villa." It was designed in the 18th century by Scottish architect Sir William Chambers for James Caulfeild, Earl of Charlemont, as a kind of leisure pavilion and status symbol.

From the outside it looks like a simple cubic-shaped structure, but the real charm is inside: the building has more than 16 hidden rooms, connected by stairs and passageways, all perfectly camouflaged to maintain exterior symmetry. Its design is a stunning example of architectural illusion, with hollow columns that function as downspouts and false windows to balance the proportions.

The Casino Marino is a short but fascinating visit, ideal for those who enjoy history, architecture, or hidden secrets in little-known places.

Check the official website for hours and availability before visiting, as it's not open year-round and access is only possible with a guided tour in English.