Overview
King’s Inns occupies a commanding position on Constitution Hill, where the quiet elegance of Henrietta Street meets the bustling north inner city. Founded in 1541 under a royal charter from Henry VIII, it is Ireland’s oldest school of law and one of the longest-standing professional institutions in the English-speaking world. While the building remains a working centre for legal education and the bar, its grounds are open to the public. Visitors can step through the wrought-iron gates to explore a peaceful courtyard, admire neoclassical architecture, and discover a quirky natural phenomenon that has become one of Dublin’s most photographed sights.
A Gandon Masterpiece
The current building is the final public commission of James Gandon, the architect behind Dublin’s Custom House and Four Courts. Gandon laid the foundation stone on 1 August 1800, but after he resigned from the project, his pupil Henry Aaron Baker completed the structure in 1816. The façade is built from Portland stone and features four striking caryatids representing Plenty, Bacchante, Security, and Law. Throughout the 19th century, architects Frederick Darley and Jacob Owen added extensions, including fire-proof strong rooms and workshops, while the copper dome and symmetrical design cemented its status as a benchmark of Georgian Dublin.
The building has also served as a backdrop for film and television. Its grand interiors and atmospheric corridors have appeared in productions including Penny Dreadful, Ripper Street, Becoming Jane, and Ordinary Decent Criminal.
The Courtyard & The Hungry Tree
The courtyard is freely accessible during daylight hours year-round. It offers a quiet retreat from the city centre, framed by classical statues and mature trees. The standout feature is the “Hungry Tree”, an 80- to 90-year-old London Plane planted near the south gate. Over decades, its roots and trunk have gradually enveloped a cast-iron bench, creating the illusion that the tree is slowly devouring it.
The tree is officially protected under a Tree Preservation Order and is listed by the Tree Council of Ireland as a Heritage Tree. London Planes are highly tolerant of urban pollution and compacted soil, making them a staple of Dublin’s streetscape. The gnarled bark wrapping around the bench creates a striking contrast between nature and Victorian ironwork, drawing photographers and visitors who often pair a stop here with a walk along Henrietta Street’s preserved Georgian townhouses.
Inside the Inns
The interior houses a library of over 110,000 volumes, roughly half of which are legal texts supporting students and practising barristers. The Main Dining Hall, completed in 1806, holds the distinction of being Ireland’s first purpose-built dining hall. It remains a central space for legal ceremonies, member gatherings, and occasional public events.
While the building is primarily a working institution, the public can explore the interiors during specific annual events. Free guided tours are offered on Culture Night (usually mid-October) and during the Open House Dublin weekend. These tours cover the Entrance Hall, the historic Bar Room, and the Main Dining Hall, providing insight into two centuries of Irish legal history. The Society also hosts concerts, exhibitions, and debates in its various rooms throughout the year.
Practical Information
Getting there – King’s Inns is a short walk from O’Connell Street. The LUAS Red Line stops at Broadstone, which is about a five-minute walk to the south gate. Several Dublin Bus routes, including the 46A, 123, and 46, stop directly on Henrietta Street.
Parking – On-street parking is limited. The nearest public car park is located near the Four Courts on the south side of Constitution Hill. Drivers should check signage or a parking app for current rates. Accessible parking spaces are available close to the main entrance.
Opening times & tours – The courtyard and grounds are open daily during daylight hours. Free guided tours of the interior are available on Culture Night and the Open House Dublin weekend. Booking is required for tours and fills up quickly; check the official website or Eventbrite for dates and tickets.
Admission – Access to the courtyard is free. Guided tours are also free but require advance registration.
Accessibility – The venue is fully wheelchair accessible. A lift provides access to upper floors, accessible parking is available on-site, and guide dogs are permitted. The main entrance and courtyard are level access.
Contact – For general enquiries, call +353 1 874 4840. For venue hire or event bookings, contact the events team at venue@kingsinns.ie.
Visit the courtyard on a quiet weekday morning to photograph the caryatids and the Hungry Tree without crowds, and mark your calendar for October if you want to secure a spot on the annual interior tours.