State Reception Room
The State Reception Room was formerly the ballroom and dates from 1802, just after the Act of Union. The centrepiece of the ceiling is another plaster cast of a Lafranchini panel from Riverstown House depicting 'Time Rescuing Truth from the Assaults of Discord and Envy'. It is a plaster transcript of an allegorical painting by Poussin for Cardinal Richelieu's bedchamber which was painted in 1641 and now hangs in the Louvre.
The original carpet was handwoven in Donegal to the design of Raymond McGrath. Its centrepiece depicts the phoenix rising from the flames and the four heads on each corner replicate the riverine figures of James Gandon’s Custom House which represent the principal rivers of Ireland. The carpet was replaced by the OPW in 2000 and replicates McGrath’s design. The work was carried out on the original looms by descendants of those who made the original carpet.
In this room the President receives foreign envoys and visiting dignitaries, as well as the many thousands of ordinary citizens who come to the house throughout the year. A special innovation by President McAleese, indicating the welcoming nature of the Áras, is the invitation to various school groups to be present at the ceremony when ambassadors present their credentials.
