Overview
Nestled on Constitution Hill in the heart of Dublin, the Honorable Society of King’s Inns is more than a legal institution – it is a living piece of Irish history. Founded in 1541 under a charter from Henry VIII, it is the oldest school of law in Ireland and one of the longest‑standing professional bodies in the English‑speaking world. The striking neo‑classical façade, designed by the celebrated architect James Gandon, dominates Henrietta Street and frames a tranquil courtyard that invites photographers, history buffs, and curious travellers alike.
While the interior of the building is normally reserved for students, barristers and private events, the grounds are freely accessible during daylight hours. Visitors can wander through the archways, admire the Portland‑stone caryatids that symbolize Plenty, Bacchante, Security and Law, and snap a picture of the quirky “Hungry Tree” – a London Plane that appears to be swallowing an iron bench.
History
The society received its royal charter in 1541, predating Trinity College Dublin by more than half a century. Initially housed in a disused Dominican friary on Inns Quay, the Inns moved to the present Constitution Hill site after the Four Courts were built in the 1790s. Gandon laid the foundation stone on 1 August 1800; his pupil Henry Aaron Baker completed the building in 1816 after Gandon resigned.
Throughout the 19th century the complex was expanded: Frederick Darley added three bays to the north in 1846 and Jacob Owen extended the south end in 1849, incorporating fire‑proof strong rooms, a carpenters’ shop and a bookbinder’s workshop. The building’s copper dome and the iconic caryatids have made it a benchmark of Georgian architecture in Dublin.
King’s Inns has also played a cultural role. Its Dining Hall, completed in 1806, is Ireland’s first purpose‑built dining hall and has hosted countless legal ceremonies, private celebrations and corporate events. The venue’s cinematic interiors have featured in TV series such as Penny Dreadful and Ripper Street and films like Ordinary Decent Criminal.
Heritage Tree – The Hungry Tree
One of the most photographed features in the courtyard is the “Hungry Tree”, an 80‑year‑old London Plane (a hybrid first cultivated in the 17th century) that has gradually enveloped a cast‑iron bench. The tree is listed by the Tree Council of Ireland as a Heritage Tree and appears on the cover of the guide Secret Dublin.
In 2017 Dublin City Council’s Central Area Committee passed a motion to protect the tree with a Tree Preservation Order and to consider the bench a protected structure. Councillor Ciarán Cuffe described it as a “hidden gem” of the north inner city. The tree’s tolerance of pollution and compacted soil makes it a classic Dublin urban tree, and its gnarled bark now wraps around the bench, creating the illusion that the bench is being devoured.
The Hungry Tree is also featured on Atlas Obscura and is a favourite spot for Instagrammers and visitors seeking a quirky slice of Dublin’s living heritage.
Library & Learning
Beyond its impressive façade, King’s Inns houses a library of over 110,000 volumes, roughly half of which are legal texts. The collection supports both students and practising barristers, and the library is occasionally opened for public research visits by appointment.
The institution offers a range of professional legal courses, from the Barrister‑at‑Law degree to postgraduate diplomas. Throughout the year it awards a limited number of fellowships, scholarships, bursaries and prizes to support aspiring lawyers.
Notable Alumni
Six former members of King’s Inns have gone on to serve as Taoiseach, including:
- Seán Lemass
- Jack Lynch
- Liam Cosgrave
- Charles Haughey
- Garret FitzGerald
- John Bruton
These alumni underline the Inns’ historic influence on Irish public life.
Honourary Benchers & Recent Highlights
In October 2025 the President of Ireland was elected an Honorary Bencher of the Honorable Society of King’s Inns, a ceremonial role that recognises the close relationship between the state and the legal profession. Such appointments highlight the Inns’ continued relevance in Ireland’s constitutional life.
Weddings & Private Events
The historic dining hall and bar room are popular venues for weddings, corporate functions and cultural events. A recent real‑wedding featured the venue’s high ceilings and Georgian décor, with the couple citing the “atmospheric reception space” as a key draw. The Society’s events team can arrange catering, décor and audio‑visual support, making King’s Inns a distinctive choice for celebrations that demand both elegance and history.
Events & Activities
King’s Inns is more than a static monument. The Society regularly hosts:
- Free guided tours on Culture Night (mid‑October) and during the annual Open House weekend.
- Concerts and exhibitions in the historic dining hall and bar room.
- Debates and public lectures on legal and constitutional topics.
- Film and TV location tours highlighting scenes from Penny Dreadful, Ripper Street, Becoming Jane and Ordinary Decent Criminal.
Upcoming events are listed on the official website’s calendar.
What to See & Do
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Courtyard & Statues | The open courtyard offers a peaceful pause in the city centre, surrounded by classical statues that echo the building’s legal heritage. |
| The Hungry Tree | This 80‑year‑old London Plane, with an iron bench seemingly being devoured by its roots, is a favourite Instagram spot and a quirky reminder of Dublin’s living history. |
| Exterior Architecture | Gandon’s neo‑classical design, Portland‑stone caryatids and copper dome provide a textbook example of Georgian elegance. |
| Free Guided Tours | During Dublin’s Culture Night (usually in October) and occasional Open House weekends, knowledgeable guides lead visitors through the Entrance Hall, Bar Room and the magnificent Main Dining Hall. |
| Filming Location Highlights | Spot the settings used in Penny Dreadful, Ripper Street, Becoming Jane and Ordinary Decent Criminal – a treat for film enthusiasts. |
If you’re interested in a deeper dive, the Society occasionally hosts concerts, exhibitions and debates in the historic spaces. Check the official website for upcoming events.
Practical Information
Getting there – King’s Inns sits a short 20‑minute walk from Upper O’Connell Street. The LUAS Red Line stops at Broadstone, a five‑minute walk to the south gate. Several Dublin Bus routes (including 46A, 123 and 46) also serve the nearby stop on Henrietta Street.
Parking – Street parking is limited in the immediate area. The nearest public car park is on the south side of the Four Courts; drivers should check local signs or a parking app for exact location and fees. Accessible parking spaces are available close to the main entrance.
Opening times – The courtyard is open daily during daylight hours year‑round. Free guided tours are offered on Culture Night (mid‑October) and during the annual Open House weekend in October. For exact dates, visit the Open House Dublin website.
Admission – Access to the grounds and courtyard is free. Tours are also free of charge but require advance booking, especially for Culture Night events (see the Eventbrite link on the official site).
Accessibility – The venue is wheelchair‑accessible, featuring a lift, accessible parking and guide‑dog permission. The courtyard and main entrance are level‑access, making it easy for visitors with mobility needs.
Contact – For enquiries about tours, events or venue hire, call +353 1 874 4840 or email venue@kingsinns.ie. More details are available on the official site: kingsinns.ie.