History

The Round Room was built in 1821

As can be seen on the ROQUE map of Dublin, 1765 we can see that The Round Room was built  replacing a bowling green on the original site.

Designed to welcome King George IV to Dublin, The Round Room was created by architect John Semple, who envisioned it as “the circular courtyard in an Arabian Palace,” inspired by the Royal Pavilion in Brighton.

The Round Room was originally known as the King’s Room.

An Era of Glamour

The Lord Mayor hosted extravagant gala dinner balls for the Prince of Wales, Queen Victoria’s son with a staggering 1,200 guests filling both the Round Room and Oak Room.

Balls were also held in 1861, 1865, and 1868 to honour the Prince of Wales and his wife, Princess Alexandra of Denmark.

Irish Nationalism

1915: A crowd of more than 2,500 people gathered to hear writer Hilaire Belloc speak on World War I.

1917: Irish Assembly held to prepare for representation at the post-war Peace Conference.

1918: National Conference organised to oppose conscription in Ireland.

1919: The First Dáil Éireann convened here marking the first parliamentary step toward Irish self-governance.

1921: The Second Dáil Éireann convened as pictured

31st International Eucharistic Congress

During the 31st International Eucharistic Congress, one of the largest global religious gatherings of the century, The Round Room hosted several key ceremonies, including the arrival and procession of the Papal Legate, Cardinal Lorenzo Lauri.

A Hub of Industry & Innovation

1936: The Ford Motor Exhibition transformed the space, showcasing 30–40 Irish-built cars, including the new Ford Tug.

1959: The Motor Distributors Exhibition returned, continuing the venue’s link with major industrial showcases.

A Round Room for the People

The Round Room flourished as a vibrant civic venue hosting céilís, fairs, exhibitions, and community celebrations.

Notable Moments: Paddy Moloney of The Chieftains won his first Feis Ceoil medal here.

The Irish Dancing World Championships took place here, featuring a young Michael Flatley.

1969: A ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the First Dáil was addressed by President Éamon de Valera memorialised by both praise and protest.

A Major Restoration

The Round Room and the Lord Mayor’s Supper Room were restored and reinstated as fully functioning event spaces, preserving their heritage for future generations.

EHL Experiences moves in

In 2005, EHL Experiences, under the leadership of Padraic O’Kane and his partner Larry Murrin, took over the lease of the Supper Room and the Round Room. With substantial investment and vision, the Supper Room became FIRE Steakhouse & Bar, while the Round Room was reimagined into one of Dublin’s premier venues for prestigious, large-scale events.

A Celestial Celebration

The centennial celebration of the first public sitting of Dáil Éireann (the Irish parliament) took place on January 21, 2019.

The original meeting occurred on January 21, 1919, at the Round Room of the Mansion House in Dublin. The centenary was commemorated with a year-long program of events and exhibitions known as “Dáil 100”, organised by the Houses of the Oireachtas.

200 years of Events – Bicentennial Exhibition

The Round Room celebrated 200 years with a free interactive exhibition showcasing its unique and complex history as Dublin’s first purpose-built event venue.