Jewel in Ireland’s Crown to Reopen with Splendour and Scandal
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From: Office of Public Works
- Published on: 26 June 2020
- Last updated on: 15 April 2025
Many OPW sites reopen their doors on Monday 29 June, including the iconic Dublin Castle
Visitors will once again have access to Ireland’s favourite museums and heritage sites
Proud custodians of the nation’s patrimony and heritage, the Office of Public Works (OPW) is delighted to confirm the reopening of its museums and heritage sites this Monday 29 June, including the iconic Dublin Castle. Visitors to the historic property will be invited to enjoy Splendour & Scandal: The Office of Arms at Dublin Castle, a spectacular exhibition curated by William Derham, which was originally set to begin on Monday 16 March 2020.
Exploring the fascinating history of The Office of Arms, which was located at Dublin Castle for 150 years from 1831 to 1981, Splendour & Scandal will give visitors an incredible insight into the role of the Office during this period from the organisation of state ceremonial and pageantry, right thought to its links with the disappearance of the Irish Crown Jewels.
Some of the many captivating items on display include the original Tabard of Ulster King of Arms worn by Sir Arthur Vicars; a ‘Ball and Party’ book from 1906 which denotes the controversial attendance of Count and Countess Markievicz to many events in the Castle; Roger Casement’s letter of appointment to the Order of St Michael and St George, as well as the brass-bound, mahogany box which housed the celebrated Irish Crown Jewels.
Commenting on the relaunch of the exhibition, curator William Derham said:
“This exhibition is an exciting reassembly of objects that tell some of the stories of the Office of Arms during its time at Dublin Castle. Institutions such as the National Library of Ireland and the Northern Ireland Assembly, as well as others, have generously loaned objects from their collections that allow us to illustrate the work and stories of the Office over 150 years, not least the notorious theft of the Irish Crown Jewels in 1907. While we have developed a digital version of the exhibition for those who will be unable to travel over the coming months, I am delighted that the public will now get a chance to enjoy what we’ve created in person.”
As we prepare for a summer of indigenous exploration, the OPW is encouraging the public to experience the diverse range of heritage properties on our doorstep.
Speaking about the reopening of Dublin Castle John McMahon, Commissioner for Heritage, Office of Public Works said:
“It is the job of the OPW to help bring sites like Dublin Castle to life through the stories associated with them and through exhibitions such as Splendour & Scandal. The history of the Office of Arms is just one aspect of a much larger story, one narrative among the multitude that combine to give us a better understanding of where we have come from, which has never been more important. Each property has its own special context – traditions, collections and stories that, combined with their buildings and landscapes, form a large part of our nation’s history and our cultural heritage. The management of these very special properties is not just a matter of keeping the gates open, so I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have worked tirelessly during these difficult times to maintain and prepare them for everyone to enjoy once again.”
Dr Sandra Collins, Director of the National Library of Ireland, who facilitated the borrowing of many objects from the collection for display, closed by saying:
“The Office of Arms, renamed the Genealogical Office, has operated as part of the National Library since 1943, under the direction of the Chief Herald. We are delighted to mark our shared history by loaning some of the collection for this wonderful exhibition by the OPW, which brings the story of the Office to such rich and vivid life in the magnificent surroundings of Dublin Castle.”
Splendour & Scandal: The Office of Arms at Dublin Castle will be on display from Monday 29 June 2020 – 24 January 2021, from 9.45am – 5.15pm Monday to Sunday.
ENDS
Notes to the Editor:
Listings Information
Event: Splendour & Scandal: The Office of Arms at Dublin Castle
Location: State Apartments, Dublin Castle
Dates: 29 June 2020 – 24 January 2021
Times: 9.45am – 5.15pm every day
Admission: €3 (Exhibition Only) €8 State Apartments & Exhibition
Visitors are encouraged to pre-book tickets online at www.dublincastle.ie or to use contactless payment if paying on the day. Timed entry and a quota of people per hour has been implemented to space the number of visitors safely throughout the day. A limited number of tickets will also be available in person via the State Apartments ticket desk.
Please note tickets are available on a first-come-first serve basis and tickets can sell out quickly.
For a detailed breakdown of the Roadmap for Reopening along with a list of Heritage Sites that will remain closed until further notice, please see Information on OPW Heritage Sites.
For further information on visiting Dublin Castle or to check out our other Exhibitions or forthcoming events please visit www.dublincastle.ie or email dublincastle@opw.ie
Measures will be in place in accordance with government public health guidelines, with visitors encouraged to follow advice on social distancing and the wearing of face coverings. We are delighted to offer the exhibition as available to view in digital format at www.dublincastle.ie
Looking back on 100 years of women’s participation in politics and public life in Ireland, Dr Sinéad McCoole's 100 Years of Women in Politics and Public Life exhibition will also resume in Dublin Castle this Monday 29th June, having enjoyed a short run before closing as a result of COVID-19 restrictions.
To find out more about the diverse range of iconic OPW houses, gardens and historic battle sites open to the culturally curious visitor this summer visit www.heritageireland.ie.
Images of the launch and of the exhibits are available from Leon Farrell, Photocall Ireland on info@photocallireland.com or (01) 679 2681.
About Splendour & Scandal: The Office of Arms at Dublin Castle Items
Ball and Party Book
The ‘Ball & Party’ books record all the events in a particular Castle Season. By 1906, the different occasions and events appeared across the top of the page, with small ticks denoting the attendance of those who are listed down the left-hand side. It is in effect a very early spreadsheet.
Collectively, these books comprise a huge part of the social history of the Viceregal Court. They allow us to populate the rooms of the State Apartments on various occasions and to draw links between the court and the rest of the country. They also allow us to draw connections between people from different social and political backgrounds.
Tabard of Ulster King of Arms
This original tabard once belonged to Sir Arthur Vicars, who was Ulster King of Arms from 1893 to 1908. Historically, such tabards were referred to by their wearers as ‘His Majesty’s Coat’, as they were provided by the monarch through the government of the day. The costume served to illustrate the close connection between the King of Arms and the monarch, on whose behalf he exercised his heraldic authority.
Jewel Box
This brass-bound, mahogany box was delivered to the Office of Arms, then housed in Dublin Castle’s Record Tower, on 15 March 1831. In it were new insignia of the Order of St Patrick, the Irish Crown Jewels.
Order of St Michael and St George
The Order of St Michael and St George was founded by the Prince Regent (later King George IV) in 1818, to recognise the service of inhabitants of the Ionian Islands (part of modern-day Greece) and Malta. It was later expanded to recognise the services of those within British territories generally, particularly in the area of Foreign Affairs.
As a result of his work within the Imperial Colonial Service, following his tenure as British Consul in the Congo Free State, King Edward VII appointed Roger Casement a ‘Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George’ in 1905. He was later made a ‘Commander’ of the Order, in 1911.