Sir, - With the exciting news that Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace will probably become museums, exhibiting the royal collections, it would seem to be very desirable if access could be granted to some of our historic houses in Dublin. For instance, the Provost's House in Trinity College rarely opens its doors and the public have no opportunity to see the collection of magnificent J. B. Yeats paintings lent to Trinity by Howard Robinson.
And what about Aras an Uachtarain and Leinster House? Another example is Iveagh House, with its important Richard Castle interiors, and magnificent reception rooms, created by the Guinness family in the late 19th century. Also, Tyrone House - the Department of Education, again by Richard Castle, with its Lafranchini plasterwork and splendid mahogany joinery.
I am not suggesting that such houses should be open daily, but access at certain times would be of great benefit to the public, particularly in these days of increasing appreciation of our 18th and 19th-century inheritance. - Yours, etc.,
Knight of Glin, Glin Castle, Co Limerick.