The landmark dragon’s lair in Clonskeagh is renowned for its iconic stainless steel gates that stand out from the crowd. Houses like these become famous landmarks and cultural references due to their uniqueness. Examples of such private homes include Buckingham Palace, Gaudi’s Casa Milà in Barcelona, and Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater in Pennsylvania.
Local standout landmarks in Dublin include ‘The Gnome House’, a former Corpo home in Rathfarnham adorned with hundreds of garden gnomes (now removed), and Harlech House in Dublin 14, known for its famous ‘dragon gates’ made of elaborate steelwork that still shines bright today.
When Harlech House was built in the late 1700s by a Welsh military officer, it was located in the countryside outside Dublin City and featured significant grounds and a gate lodge. Over the years, portions of the grounds were sold for housing, resulting in the emergence of the Harlech Grove and Harlech Downs estates.
Businessman John Hughes acquired Harlech in the early 1990s, when the original 18th-century country house had fallen into disrepair. He invested heavily to restore the house, taking seven years to complete the project. Among the alterations, he commissioned a pair of stainless steel gates in the shape of a rearing Welsh dragon. The gates were crafted by Forge Robinson, a renowned art specialist in stainless steel, led by English artist Simon Robinson.
The Clonskeagh Dragon, as it came to be known, has become a popular attraction, drawing visitors who are reminded of the dragons featured in popular media like Harry Potter and Game of Thrones. The forging process for stainless steel involves heating to a bright yellow and using hand hammers and power hammers. Stainless steel requires more force to work with compared to mild steel. Other processes involved in creating the gates include cold bending, cutting, welding, and finishing through grinding, sanding, and polishing. Once polished, stainless steel requires minimal maintenance and reflects its surrounding colors.
The current owner of Harlech House commissioned Simon Robinson for additional art installations inside the house, including intricate rail work on the stairs. The interior of the house combines modern styles and features various artworks by different artists, ranging from mosaic and ceramic work to glass and smithing.
With a spacious 9,688 sq ft interior and 0.88 acres of land, the main accommodation includes a drawing room with 13-foot ceilings, a living room with a sun terrace, a large open-plan kitchen/dining room, and a family room with mosaic and parquet flooring. The house also boasts multiple bedrooms, bathrooms, a games room, a music room, a laundry room, and a pantry. There is a garden room with home offices, a library, a consulting room, and a tunnel leading to the front gate. Additional features include a detached relaxation house and a glasshouse.
The famous dragon gates of Clonskeagh serve as a spectacular entrance to Harlech House, and locals hope that the new owners will preserve this beloved stainless steel landmark.
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