Deerfield Residence

Deerfield Residence, originally known as the Chief Secretary's Lodge, is the official residence of the United States Ambassador to Ireland. The large 18th-century building stands in the heart of Phoenix Park in Dublin and sits on a private estate of 62 hectares (about 153 acres). Directly opposite is Áras an Uachtaráin, the residence of the Irish president. The history of the property dates back to the late 18th century, when it was built by John Blaquiere, then Chief Secretary for Ireland. Until the office was abolished in 1922, it served as the home of the deputy head of the British administration in Ireland, a position comparable to that of a prime minister. Well-known residents during this period included Arthur Wellesley, the first Duke of Wellington, Sir Robert Peel, and Winston Churchill, who spent part of his childhood here.

After the founding of the Irish Free State, the building was leased to the US government in 1927 to serve as a combined embassy and ambassador's residence. A plan to convert the house into the presidential residence fell through in the 1930s because of structural problems. The diplomatic mission was later moved to a purpose-built building in Ballsbridge, while the property continues to serve as the ambassador's home. Extensive renovations were carried out by the US in the 1950s. The name Deerfield was coined in the 1970s by an ambassador's wife, inspired by the many deer that roam the park. In addition to the main house, with its ballroom, library, and several suites, the grounds include three cottages, a security building, and recreational facilities such as tennis courts and a basketball court.

Security is provided by a combination of Irish and American units, including the Special Detective Unit of the Garda Síochána, the US Diplomatic Security Service, and the Marine Corps Embassy Security Group. Because of the size of the grounds, some US presidents, such as Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama, stayed elsewhere for security reasons. Others, including John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon, Bill Clinton, and Joe Biden, stayed at Deerfield Residence during their visits. The property is operated by the US State Department and remains an important historic site in Dublin's diplomatic life.