Viceregal throne (Ireland)

The Viceregal throne is the former throne of the Viceroy of Ireland (the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland). A set of thrones, one for the Viceroy and one for his consort, the Vicereine, were used on state occasions in Dublin Castle. The set were photographed on a in St Patrick's Hall in an image in the Lawrence Collection, now owned by the National Library of Ireland.

In 1938 the Throne, minus the crown which used to decorate its top, and with the Irish coat of arms stitched into the fabric on the chair, was used in the inauguration of Douglas Hyde as President of Ireland. The former Viceregal Throne has been used in all Irish presidential inaugurations on the daïs during the ceremony in St. Patrick's Hall in Dublin Castle.

Symbol

Along with the historic Presidential Rolls-Royce, which is used to transport presidents-elect to all inaugurations since 1952, and the Presidential residence, Áras an Uachtaráin; the Viceregal Throne is one of the three most recognisable symbols of the otherwise low-key Presidency of Ireland. The Blue Hussars Mounted Escort, a once recognisable symbol of the Presidency, was abolished in 1948 and replaced by a motorcycle escort.

Replacement

A new Presidential Chair, designed by John Lee, was used for the first time at the inauguration of President Michael D. Higgins on 11 November 2011.