In Dublin, Ireland, stands an estate reminiscent of old folklore, complete with its own dragon! Of course, dragons are mythical creatures, so this home only has a dragon made of steel which acts as its gatekeeper. The property, known at Harlech House, was originally built in 1798 by a Welsh immigrant. (The estate is actually named after a town in Wales called Harlech and the national flag has a dragon on it.) Harlech House sits on less than an acre of land but is full of enchantment. It features religious iconography and fairy-tale motifs throughout the seven-bedroom home, but it’s the dragon gate that grabs the most attention.
A common technique employed throughout the construction of the estate, including the gate, is the use of curves. The silver dragon is composed of perfectly curved stainless steel and glass-blown eyes. The wings display a metallic mesh and the rings at the dragon’s sides are individually hand-forged to look like chain mail, adding a different texture to the piece. In addition , the dragon gate’s reflective nature causes it to highlight and mimic the colours of its surroundings, providing more variations in shade and tone. Despite using one element, the dragon is layered and has a complex surface and varied appearance.
The primary intention for this establishment is not only to offer a fantastical experience, but also to be pleasing to the eye. It’s also meant to entice large groups of people to enter. Harlech House’s dragon gate is the perfect piece to welcome any visitor into a charming house.
