Timeline

• 1752

  The house, now known as Farmleigh, is built for the Trench family.

• 1773

  Waterstown ford, a crossing point on the River Liffey near Farmleigh, is recorded as in use.

• 1872

  Monday, May 10th, Farmleigh Estate is auctioned on behalf of Captain J.C. Coote and purchased by Edward Cecil Guinness.

• 1879

  Joseph Swan’s first successful public demonstration of his electric light bulb.

• 1880

  The water and clock tower at Farmleigh is built, the bridge is thought to have been built around this time too.

• c1925

  Lord Iveagh purchases a new ferry.

• 1926

  Dublin County Council consider, but later reject, a public bridge at Waterstown. Lord Iveagh expresses concern for the livelihood of the ferryman.

• 1940s

  Ferry service near Farmleigh ceases.

• 1992

  Benjamin Guinness dies.

• 1999

  The Farmleigh Estate is sold to the Irish state.

• 2001

  July, a refurbished Farmleigh opens to the public.