Kings Inns

Founded in 1541 under a charter from Henry VIII, King’s Inns is Ireland’s oldest legal institution and oldest School of Law. Many distinguished legal and political figures over the past centuries have been members of the Society and benefited from our legal education. Designed by James Gandon and located on Dublin’s Constitution Hill, King’s Inns is a key example of Ireland’s Georgian architectural heritage. The Dining Hall, completed in 1806, provides a magnificent setting for almost any occasion and can be booked for private functions.

Kings Inn has also been popular as a filming location for the TV series Penny Dreadful, Evelyn, Ordinary Decent Criminal, Becoming Jane and more.

Visitors are not generally allowed inside but the building does open for free tours on Culture Night and occasional concerts or exhibitions.

The grounds and statues outside are worth visiting. A large London Plane tree on the grounds appears to be ingesting an iron bench - it is known as the Hungry Tree, a favourite with photographers. You can walk there in about 20 minutes from Upper O'Connell St or take the LUAS to the Broadstone stop. The Hungry Tree is only a 5-minute walk around the corner from 14 Henrietta Street. You're welcome to enter the grounds during daylight hours from Henrietta Street (passing through an archway, a courtyard and a second archway). The tree, planted 80-90 years ago, is near to the south gate.