Have you paid a visit to Rathfarnham Castle lately? Last month they launched The Berkeley Costume and Toy Collection which is collection of 18th and 19th Century toys, dolls and costumes. The collection is the passion of Irish artist and collector Countess Ann Griffin Bernstorff who began assembling it over twenty years ago, from her own family heirlooms and from auctions and donations. The items cover a period of eighty years, from 1740 to 1820, and range from rare and delicate artefacts to simple playthings and everyday garments of the past.
The fascinating toys and fabulous costumes bring the elegant and historic rooms of Rathfarnham Castle to life. It is the perfect setting to display this collection and to bring it to a wider audience.The exhibition will run for the next ten years.
A visit is highly recommended! It’s an amazing place to have on our doorstep. Rathfarnham Castle’s Winter opening hours are : 10.00 – 17:00 Wednesday – Sunday. Admission is completely free, tours are self guided but a guided tour can be prearranged if required. Groups of ten or more must book in advance. There’s a really nice café there too 
