Parnell's former home to host Cabinet meeting

The Government is to meet in Charles Stewart Parnell's former home in Co Wicklow as part of the county's 400th birthday celebrations…

The Government is to meet in Charles Stewart Parnell's former home in Co Wicklow as part of the county's 400th birthday celebrations.

The Cabinet only moves out of Dublin for rare special occasions like for last year's European City of Culture in Cork.

But a Government spokesperson confirmed tonight: "The Cabinet will meet in Avondale House, Rathdrum on June 7th as part of the 'Wicklow 400th' celebrations."

Ireland's youngest county, the 'Garden of Ireland' formed part of Co Dublin until it gained official status as a separate county in 1606.

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Wicklow Tourism has organised several special events to mark the quad centenary after a three-month public consultation period last year.

Local Fine Gael TD Billy Timmins, who first suggested the idea of hosting the Government meeting to the Taoiseach in the Dáil, said it will raise the profile of the county's history.

"I welcome the decision for the Cabinet to meet in this great historic house in a very historic country," he said.

The 130-year-old Avondale House is the birthplace of Irish nationalist leader, Parnell who was dubbed the 'Uncrowned King of Ireland'.