30 Palmerston Road, Rathmines, Dublin 6, D06 N4V2, Ireland

30 Palmerston Road: A House Through Time

Times were different when builder John Regan completed 30 Palmerston Road in 1879. It was an era of horse-drawn carriages, coal fires, and a frugality far removed from the Rathmines of the 21st century. In 1913, James Walsh - an educational inspector attached to Dublin Castle - lodged at number 30. Many years later, he would recall to his son John that it was "a house of mirrors and no food."
In those days, Palmerston Road was known as a "British Army and Navy Road," where Union Jacks flew proudly from the houses and a band played God Save the King in Palmerston Park each year on the monarch's birthday - a tradition that remarkably continued into the mid-1950s in honour of the late Queen Elizabeth.
Nearly 50 years ago, in 1976, number 30 was purchased by the late Garret and Joan FitzGerald. At the time, it was a house without even central heating. Since then, it has witnessed both significant change and the steady unfolding of Irish social and political history.
Five major refurbishment and modernisation projects have been carried out - in 1976, 1982, 1993, 2000, and most recently in 2022 - under the supervision of Paul Keogh Architects. Each phase brought the house closer to contemporary standards, while preserving its elegant Victorian character.
Today, nearly half a century later, 30 Palmerston Road remains in the FitzGerald family. It stands as a testament to careful stewardship: still correct in every classical Victorian detail, yet now seamlessly adapted for modern, everyday living.
Offering an impressive 362 sqm / 3900 sqft (approx.) of well-appointed accommodation over three levels, all serviced by a lift, which was replaced 5 years ago, the layout has been thoughtfully considered to meet the day-to-day practical needs of a family. This is undoubtedly a home to be lived in and enjoyed on all levels with a perfect balance of living, reception and bedroom accommodation over three levels.
The hall level comprises a welcoming reception hallway, two gracious interconnecting reception rooms and guest w.c. with a study / bedroom 5 on the return. The upper floor including two returns comprises four double bedrooms, two of which are ensuite, a family shower room and cleverly located utility / laundry room. The garden level accommodation connects effortlessly with both the front and rear gardens. It features a comfortable living room and contemporary kitchen fitted with bespoke modern units by The Cabinet Company. The kitchen communicates with the sunny west-facing rear garden, which is a fantastic outdoor room perfect for al fresco dining and entertaining. Storage facilities at this level are well catered for with a walk-in pantry and store room with an outdoor plant room and understairs store.
The location is terrific - an area with a real sense of community, within walking distance of two Luas stops at Beechwood and Cowper. There is an extensive choice of amenities including excellent local shopping, educational and recreational facilities at Ranelagh, Rathmines and Donnybrook. Sports facilities close by include Brookfield Tennis Club, Dartry Health Club, Donnybrook Tennis Club, Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Club, and Riverview Racquet and Fitness Club. Some of Dublin's best schools are within easy reach including Gonzaga and Muckross Colleges, Alexandra College, St Mary's College and Sandford Park. Excellent national schools include Kildare Place, Scoil Bhríde, Ranelagh Multi-Denominational and Sandford Park. The city centre is approximately 2 miles from the property.
This is a truly impressive and inviting home - Victorian in design, whilst modern in comfort and layout and contemporary in décor and specification, enjoying landscaped gardens with a sunny westerly aspect to the rear and ample parking to the front. Number 30 Palmerston Road awaits its new owners.