Built in 1741 by Joseph Leeson, the first Earl of Milltown, a brewer who was also a Member of Parliament, he chose the German architect Richard Cassells to design his new home. Russborough has a spectacular setting and elegant proportions, is highly ornamental and contains some lavish and witty plasterwork
Sir Alfred and Lady Beit bought Russborough in 1952 having seen an advertisement for it in Country Life magazine. In 1976 Sir Alfred set up the Alfred Beit Foundation, an art foundation and education trust. He threw open the house to the public and guided tours were soon organised. These have continued during the summer months ever since.
In the last few years the Board of the Alfred Beit Foundation has undertaken extensive conservation work to the building with generous grant aid from the Heritage Council: asbestos has been removed, the roof was completely repaired, windows have been replaced and rooms have been painted
Down through the years Russborough has, unfortunately, suffered from burglaries. The first of these took place in 1974 when 19 pictures of very high quality were taken. Happily, all but one~of the paintings have now been recovered. Sir Alfred donated some of these to the National Gallery of Ireland where they are on display, while the others are currently being cared for in storage.
We are delighted that for the 2008 season, a substantial selection of the Beit Collection of Paintings have been returned to Russborough. These paintings are now on view for those who wish to take the guided tour of the house. More....
In 2007 a walk in the demesne opened to the public which takes approximately one hour and it is proving very popular with both adults and children. In 2008 we have re-opened the substantial Beech Hedge Maze adjoining the house.