Druid Lodge was built in the early 19th century by William O'Hara, a partner in the firm of solicitors Hart & O'Hara, one of the first Catholic law partnerships to begin practice after the relaxation of the penal laws.

A period house, adorned inside with plasterwork cornices and ivy leaf motifs, ceiling roses and outstanding woodwork.

In the grounds of the house is a two storey cut stone tower facing directly over Killiney Bay enjoying invigorating views.

The most famous son of Druid Lodge is without doubt John Blake Dillon - cofounder of the Nation newspaper in the 19th century and a leading member of the Young Ireland group.

The Nation newspaper was a great success on its publication, with readership figures exceeding a quarter of a million people.

In the early nineteenth century when most reported "news" consisted of the happenings in the British Parliament, the wars in Europe, and bits of gossip about what was going on in Dublin, The Nation

set out to teach Irish people about their own county - its history, literature, famous people and places - and about what could be done to make the country strong and independent.

To avoid arrest Dillon escaped to the United States in 1848 where he worked as a lawyer for eight years. He was a critical observer of the contemporary scene- post-Famine Ireland and Irish-America.

After returning to Ireland Dillon entered politics. Dillon was elected MP (Member of Parliament) for Tipperary in 1865 and made a remarkable impression during his brief parliamentary career.

His performance influenced UK Prime Minister Gladstone's reshaping of Irish policy and left its mark on that statesman's reforming ministry of 1868-74.

William O'Hara was the uncle and guardian of Adelaide Hart. John Dillon fell in love with, courted, and eventually married Adelaide, and became a regular visitor to Druid Lodge.

Dillon, in his letters, stated he associated "nearly all the sweet memories" of his life with Druid Lodge.

For more information on the life and times of John Blake Dillon see Brendan O'Cathaoir's excellent book "John Blake Dillon, Young Irelander" (Irish Academic Press, 1990).