Built between 1866 and 1869, Freemasons' Hall is the home of the Grand Lodge of Ireland and the administrative headquarters for the Freemasons of Ireland. The building was designed by Edward Holmes who won an architectural competition organised by the Grand Lodge following the purchase of the site in 1864. Augustus Fitzgerald 3rd Duke of Leinster (1791-1864) was Grand Master at the time of constru
ction of the building, which features work from Joseph Digges, Meades of Brunswick Street, Beattys furniture makers and Telford & Telford who designed the organ in Grand Lodge Room. As well as being the home of Irish Freemasonry, the Hall boasts 6 elaborately themed rooms, used as meeting places for the fraternity. They each play host to Masonic Lodges and also the appendant fraternal orders of Royal Arch, The Order of Knight Masons, Knights Templar, and the Ancient and Accepted Rite. The Grand Lodge Room is the largest room and to masons represents different aspects of Kings Solomons Temple. The Royal Arch Room has an Egyptian theme, the Knights Templar room takes the form of a medieval chapel and the Prince Rose-Croix room adopts a Victorian Gothic style. The Order of Knight Masons also have a themed room in an extension of the building. Freemasons' Hall is home to over 30 Masonic Lodges who rent these rooms during the months of September-June. They hold masonic meetings, dinners, fund raisers and launch charity functions. Freemasons' Hall has a proud tradition of facilitating many external groups and their events.The Grand Lodge Room has played host to classical groups including the Degani Ensemble and the Cantoiri Choir and has showcased modern artists such as Vyvienne Long and Max Greenwood. The Yellow Rose art collective used the building in 2012 for an exhibition showcasing some of Dublins foremost modern artists, and some exciting short films have been screened here. Keep your eyes on the page for forthcoming events.
