Áras An Uachtaráin

Lonely Planet review

The residence of the Irish president is a Palladian lodge that was built in 1751 and enlarged a couple of times since, most recently in 1816. It was home to the British viceroys from 1782 to 1922, and then to the governors-general until Ireland cut ties with the British Crown and created the office of president in 1937. Queen Victoria stayed here during her visit in 1849, when she appeared not to even notice the Famine.

The candle burning in the window is an old Irish tradition, to guide 'the Irish diaspora' home. Tickets for the free one-hour tours (Saturdays only) can be collected from the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre, where you'll see a 10-minute introductory video before being shuttled to the Áras itself to inspect five state rooms and the president's study. If you can't make it on a Saturday, just become elected president of your own country or become a Nobel Laureate or something, and then wrangle a personal invite.