King's Inns
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King's Inns Dublin

4.5
·90 reviews·, Ireland

Explore the historic grounds of King's Inns, home to Ireland's oldest legal institution and the quirky 'Hungry Tree'.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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King's Inns

King's Inns Dublin

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the historic grounds of King's Inns, home to Ireland's oldest legal institution and the quirky 'Hungry Tree'.

4.5
(90 reviews)

"The 'Hungry Tree' is a must-see quirky photo op that adds a touch of natural wonder to historic Dublin."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Snap the Hungry Tree

Capture the unique 'Hungry Tree' slowly consuming a bench – a must-see quirky photo op!

📚 Study Spot Vibes

The library offers a peaceful escape for students or anyone seeking quiet contemplation.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Hungry Tree

The Hungry Tree

South gate of King's Inns

A London plane tree that has been slowly engulfing a park bench for over 100 years. A truly unique sight!

King's Inns Library

King's Inns Library

Inside King's Inns

A serene and historic space, perfect for quiet study or soaking in the atmosphere of legal tradition.

Neo-Classical Architecture

Neo-Classical Architecture

Exterior of King's Inns

Admire the impressive architecture of Ireland's oldest formal institution of legal education.

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Planning Your Visit

The Hungry Tree: A Unique Dublin Landmark

Don't miss the 'Hungry Tree' at King's Inns, a London plane tree slowly consuming a bench over a century. It's a quirky, free photo op that locals and visitors alike find fascinating. TikTok+2

Accessing King's Inns

While King's Inns is primarily an educational institution, its grounds, including the famous Hungry Tree, are often accessible. Check opening hours, as it's typically open weekdays and closed on weekends. TikTok

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Culture Night
Why
Rare public access & special events
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Feel free to sit on the bench I saw other people do it but I didn’t go for it myself #weirdireland #ireland #dublin #hungry #tree #irishtiktok
@weirdireland
1.4K likes • 24.3K views

📸 Snap the Hungry Tree

Capture the unique 'Hungry Tree' slowly consuming a bench – a must-see quirky photo op! TikTok+2

📚 Study Spot Vibes

The library offers a peaceful escape for students or anyone seeking quiet contemplation. TikTok

#StudyWithMe: #firstclass resources for #KingsInns 📚 We don't gatekeep here! Law school is hard, and busy — and that's life before the academic challenges. But the Inns staff have always been super warm and supportive. I escape to King's Inns Library to prep whenever I can - #assignments, #revision, #tutoring or #lawjournal work. Never without my @MUJI USA fountain pen and #Kaweco inks! Have I mis...
@abhdochtuir
57 likes • 4.3K views
#phibsborough #dublin7 #dublin #canal #harbour #engineering #architecture #heritage #history #tudublin #kingsinn #barrister #timespast #changes
@remnantsofourpast
5.4K likes • 69.2K views

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Grounds

Enjoy a stroll through the historic grounds and admire the impressive architecture. Reddit

🆓 Free to Visit

Access to the grounds and the Hungry Tree is free, making it a budget-friendly Dublin attraction. TikTok

Have you noticed The Hungry Tree? Chances are if you've found yourself in front of the south gate of Ireland's oldest schools of law, you'd have probably noticed one of Dublin's more unusual tourist attractions. Planted between 80-120 years ago the London plane tree, is a species widely planted in Dublin in the 19th century. The tree that was once described as an "unremarkable specimen" has b...
@lovindublin
53 likes • 2.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Snap the Hungry Tree

Capture the unique 'Hungry Tree' slowly consuming a bench – a must-see quirky photo op! TikTok+2

📚 Study Spot Vibes

The library offers a peaceful escape for students or anyone seeking quiet contemplation. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Grounds

Enjoy a stroll through the historic grounds and admire the impressive architecture. Reddit

🆓 Free to Visit

Access to the grounds and the Hungry Tree is free, making it a budget-friendly Dublin attraction. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.5
(90 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors often praise King's Inns for its unique 'Hungry Tree' and impressive neo-classical architecture, offering a free and memorable experience. While interior access is limited, the grounds provide a sense of history and tranquility. Some note that it's primarily an educational institution, so public access can be restricted.

"I toured the inside of this place as part of our visit to Dublin during a conference, and it gave me a nostalgic feeling about the history of law in Dublin and various judges in the country right from several years back.

We had a cocktail and snacks here, and it was great. The staff was very friendly and courteous. We had a great time."

Adetoyese Oyedun

"Visited during culture night 2022. Detached symmetrical fifteen-bay two-storey neo-Classical public building, with concealed basement and attic, begun as nine-bay building 1800, to designs of James Gandon, with central entrance block surmounted by domed tempietto flanked by pedimented halls extending to rear forming U-plan. Completed by Francis Johnston 1817 with addition of triumphal arched entrance screen to east, later extended by three bays to either end by Frederick Darley in 1846 (north) and Jacob Owen in 1849 (south). Pitched slate roofs throughout with granite ashlar chimneystacks, hidden behind balustraded Portland stone parapet wall. Three-bay breakfronts have full dentillated pediments rising above parapet wall. Granite ashlar base on square plan rises from parapet to central block with Portland cornice and iron clock face and margent surround to front supporting peristyle Corinthian Portland stone tempietto surmounted by copper dome. Coursed granite ashlar walls, channel rusticated to ground floor with Portland stone cornice over ground floor and surmounted by Portland stone architrave, frieze and deep moulded dentillated parapet cornice. Three-bay central entrance block slightly recessed with giant Ionic order Portland stone columns flanking each pedimented blind niche, rising from first floor to architrave. Central bay surmounted by rectangular figurative carved tablets with roundel panels and margent surrounds to flanking bays, repeated to flanking breakfronts with roundels repeated to north and south wings. Square-headed window openings with moulded Portland stone architrave surrounds, simple cornice, pediments to central bays and six-over-six pane timber sliding sash windows. Voussoired central round-arched entrance flanked by pedestrian arches with blind panels over, all having original wrought and cast-iron gates. Central square-headed door opening to each pedimented breakfront with elaborate Portland stone surround. Double-leaf timber panelled doors flanked by caryatids on round pedestals and square plinths supporting lintel cornice and paneled block. Ceres and Bacchante to north entrance, Security and Law to south entrance. Doors open onto granite platform and four granite steps. Brick-vaulted arched entrance arches lead to cobbled carriageway enclosed by five-bay side elevations to pedimented hall and library having oval second floor window openings with webbed glazing, round-headed window openings to first floor set in square-headed recesses having fifteen-over-fifteen pane timber sliding sash windows with spoked upper sash and blind bays to ground floor. Pedimented east end elevations with large Diocletian window openings to second floor having tripartite webbed glazing. East end of carriageway enclosed by curved triumphal arched screen built in coursed granite ashlar with three voussoired round-arched openings and decorative wrought and cast-iron gates surmounted by elaborate carved Portland stone trophy depicting royal arms. Screen extended to either side with voussoired blind arches having square-headed openings with timber sheeted doors. Four-bay three-storey over basement extension abutting south elevation to south library projecting beyond remainder of brick south elevation in turn set back behind three-bay south elevation to later south wing. Later north wing has four-bay north side elevation built in yellow brick abutted to east by two-storey over basement rendered block. landscaped park to west, Constitution Hill side of complex."

oksana osiniene

"When it's open, this is a beautiful way to walk between Henrietta Street and Constitution Hill. You can also enjoy a stroll in the park and see the impressive 'hungry tree', a London plane tree that has partially consumed a nearby bench.

King's Inns is known for training barristers and providing legal education and training to others. It's is the oldest formal institution of legal education in Ireland, founded by Henry VIII in 1541. Also known for being a popular filming location."

jorge garcia rey

What People Like

Unique 'Hungry Tree'
Impressive architecture
Free access to grounds

What People Dislike

Limited interior access

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

King's Inns is located on Henrietta Street in Dublin. You can reach it by public transport, with several bus routes stopping nearby. It's also a pleasant walk from many central Dublin locations. TikTok

On-street parking can be limited in the area. It's generally recommended to use public transport or consider nearby car parks if driving is necessary.

Yes, it's a walkable distance from O'Connell Street, taking approximately 15-20 minutes. The walk offers a chance to see more of the city.

The nearest Luas (tram) stops are generally a bit of a walk away. The Green Line's Dominick stop is the closest, but buses are often a more direct option.

Use Google Maps and search for 'King's Inns, Dublin'. The 'Hungry Tree' is also a good landmark to search for if you're specifically visiting that feature. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Generally, no tickets are required to visit the grounds and see the Hungry Tree. Access is usually free during opening hours. TikTok

King's Inns is typically open on weekdays from 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM. It is usually closed on Saturdays and Sundays. TikTok

Tours are not always available to the general public. However, King's Inns sometimes opens its doors for special events like Culture Night, offering a unique opportunity to see the interior. Reddit

No, viewing the 'Hungry Tree' and walking the grounds is completely free of charge. TikTok

Visitors are expected to be respectful of the institution and its students. Stick to designated paths and be mindful of ongoing legal studies. TikTok

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

The 'Hungry Tree' is a London plane tree that has been growing around and partially consuming a park bench for about 100 years. It's a unique natural phenomenon and a popular photo spot. TikTok+2

King's Inns is Ireland's oldest formal institution of legal education, training barristers. It's also recognized for its impressive neo-classical architecture and has been a filming location. Reddit

While the tree is consuming the bench, there are often other benches nearby where visitors can sit and enjoy the surroundings. TikTok

Absolutely! The architecture, the Hungry Tree, and the historic grounds offer many excellent photographic opportunities. TikTok+1

Founded in 1541, it's the oldest institution of legal education in Ireland, steeped in centuries of legal history and tradition. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

King's Inns itself may have dining facilities for its members and students. For public dining, there are numerous cafes and pubs in the surrounding Phibsborough and North Inner City areas. Reddit

While there might be a bar for members, visitors typically cannot access it. However, the nearby pubs offer a classic Dublin pub experience. Reddit

The area offers a range of options from traditional Irish pubs serving hearty meals to cafes and international cuisine. You'll find plenty of choices within a short walk. Reddit

While there are grounds, it's best to check if picnicking is permitted. It's generally more common to find designated picnic spots in public parks.

Exploring the streets around Henrietta Street will reveal many local favorites. Check online reviews for current recommendations based on your culinary preferences.

📸 📸 Photography

The 'Hungry Tree' is a must-capture. Also, focus on the grand neo-classical facade, the entrance screen, and any interesting architectural details. TikTok+1

Photography rules can vary, especially if you gain access to interior spaces. Always ask for permission if you're unsure, particularly during tours or events. Reddit

Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) can provide beautiful light for the exterior architecture. Midday can be harsh but still works for the unique Hungry Tree. TikTok

Drone usage is generally restricted in urban areas and around historical buildings. It's highly unlikely to be permitted without special authorization.

Capturing the scale of the Hungry Tree and its interaction with the bench is a fun challenge. Also, framing the architecture to show its historical grandeur can be rewarding. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

King's Inns offers a unique, free attraction for families: the 'Hungry Tree'. Kids will be fascinated by the tree slowly eating a bench, making for a fun and quirky photo opportunity. TikTok+2 The open grounds provide space for children to move around, though supervision is always recommended. It's a brief but memorable stop that adds a touch of natural wonder to a Dublin itinerary. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

King's Inns is an excellent destination for budget-conscious travelers as access to the grounds and the famous 'Hungry Tree' is completely free. TikTok It offers a chance to see a unique natural phenomenon and admire impressive architecture without spending a euro. Combine this with a walk through the city to maximize your savings. TikTok

📚 Students & Academics

For students, especially those in law, King's Inns offers a glimpse into a prestigious academic institution. The library is a highlight, providing a serene environment for study and research. TikTok Even if you're not a law student, the historical context and architectural beauty can be inspiring. Consider visiting during special open days if available. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Enigmatic 'Hungry Tree'

The 'Hungry Tree' at King's Inns is a natural wonder that has captured the imagination of visitors. This London plane tree, planted decades ago, has grown to such an extent that it has begun to envelop and consume a park bench. The slow, inexorable process of nature reclaiming man-made objects creates a fascinating and slightly eerie spectacle. TikTok+2

This unique tree is a testament to the power of nature and a popular, free attraction for those exploring Dublin. It's a perfect spot for a quick, memorable photo opportunity and a conversation starter about the passage of time and the resilience of the natural world. Many visitors are surprised by its appearance, finding it even more intriguing in person than in photos. TikTok

While the tree itself is the main draw, its location within the historic grounds of King's Inns adds to its charm. It’s a reminder that even in a bustling city, pockets of natural wonder and quirky attractions can be found, offering a moment of reflection and amusement. TikTok

Architectural Grandeur of King's Inns

King's Inns stands as a magnificent example of neo-classical architecture in Dublin. Designed initially by James Gandon and later completed and extended by architects like Francis Johnston and Frederick Darley, the building boasts a symmetrical facade with grand proportions. The use of granite ashlar and Portland stone gives it a stately and enduring presence. Reddit

The building's design features include a central entrance block surmounted by a domed tempietto, flanked by pedimented halls. The intricate carvings, Ionic columns, and detailed cornices showcase the craftsmanship of the era. It's a structure that speaks volumes about the historical importance of the legal profession in Ireland. TikTok

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the architecture reflects its function as a center for legal education and practice. The imposing structure conveys a sense of gravitas and tradition, making it a significant landmark in Dublin's cityscape. For history buffs and architecture enthusiasts, King's Inns offers a rich visual experience. TikTok

King's Inns as a Hub for Legal Education

Established in 1541, King's Inns holds the distinction of being Ireland's oldest formal institution for legal education. It has been the training ground for countless barristers and legal professionals, shaping the course of Irish law for centuries. The institution continues to provide comprehensive legal education and training. Reddit

For law students, King's Inns offers a prestigious environment for study. The library, in particular, is a valuable resource, providing a quiet and inspiring space for research and revision. The supportive atmosphere, noted by students, contributes to the academic experience. TikTok

While primarily an educational body, the historical significance and architectural beauty of King's Inns make its grounds of interest to the wider public, especially during events like Culture Night, which offers rare opportunities for non-members to explore the premises. Reddit