Dublin’s Georgian architecture is one of the things that makes the city so special.
You’ve probably noticed those rows of 18th century red and brown brick townhouses with their colorful doors and fan-shaped windows. They’re everywhere.
You’ll spot this iconic style in places like Merrion Square, St. Stephen’s Green, and Fitzwilliam Square, where neat rows of houses frame peaceful green spaces.
Even Trinity College gets in on the charm. Just look at the Old Library for a touch of Georgian elegance.
Some of the Georgian architecture has been sadly demolished by the march of “progress” and replaced with buildings uglier than a wart on a bulldog’s face. Still, many streetscapes remain untouched and are now protected by law.
Want to know more about where to find the best examples?
With this guide to Georgian Dublin, you can get street smart and see a bit of Dublin’s architectural heritage. Plus, you’ll build up a thirst for later on at a handsome pub.
Here’s a quick overview of what you can see:
- Merrion Square
- Merrion Row
- Merrion Square Park
- National Gallery of Ireland
- Georgian House Museum
- Oscar Wilde Museum
- Fitzwilliam Square
- historic pubs
>>> Click here to book a walking tour of Merrion Square
Mini History Of Georgian Dublin
In the 18th century, Dublin saw the development of Palladian style architecture. Unfortunately, Palladio was an Italian. So, they weren’t going to name the style after him.
This was during the reigns of King George I through George IV. So, as one might expect, the architecture was called “Georgian.”
At the time, there were quite a few tumbledown buildings in South Dublin. Oddly, North Dublin was quite posh at the time. Which is the opposite of what people think now.
One day, Ireland’s most senior peer, the Duke of Leinster, decided to build himself a new home on the south side of the city. Of course, everyone soon followed him like the pied piper.
They went all in on the Georgian style, which was all symmetry, order, and a touch of grandeur without being overly flashy.
It really took off in the 1720s and lasted right into the early 1800s. Merrion Square was the poshest, followed by the smaller Fitzwilliam Square.
The terraced homes were red-bricked on the outside with perfectly aligned sash windows. Big on the first floor for showing off, smaller as you went up.
And the doors? Ah, those brightly painted doors with their fanlights above.
They’re a point of pride and practically a trademark of Dublin now. Because of regulations on the buildings, the doorways were one of the few opportunities that owners had to make an individual statement about their home.
Georgian Dublin: What To See
Let’s take a stroll through Georgian Dublin. You’ll really only need an hour or two.
Merrion Square
Start with Merrion Square, which is super easy to find.
#1 Merrion Square was the childhood home of Oscar Wilde, the flamboyant Irish playwright, poet, and novelist, renowned for his wit and sharp social commentary.
Step inside to see beautifully restored rooms that capture their 19th century charm. Don’t miss his nursery—it’s a highlight.
Guided tours led by Wilde enthusiasts dive into his family life, his upbringing, and the influences that shaped his work.
Merrion Square Park
Turn right into the square and cross the road into the park. About half way along, you’ll come to a gate.
In a corner of the park, you’ll find a colorful sculpture of Wilde. This is not your average sculpture to say the least!
The literary genius reclines on a giant boulder with an expression that’s half grimace, half smile. His colorful clothes are made of precious stones.
Because of his ambiguous sexual preferences, the sculpture is nicknamed “The Fag on the Crag.” To underscore this, he’s surrounded by a pregnant woman in the nip and a male torso.
National Gallery of Ireland
Across the road from the park is the National Gallery of Ireland.
It’s well worth a visit and is perfectly free. The museum houses a very good national collection of Irish and European art. And hosts temporary exhibitions.
The museum offers free tours. Check on their website to see what’s on.
Georgian House Museum
At the next corner, at #29, you’ll the Georgian House Museum.
It’s one of best little museums in Dublin, and comes complete with period furnishing and decorations.
You can do a DIY tour or take one of the official guided tours.
Inside, you’ll get a real sense of the “upstairs/downstairs” lives of the people who lived there.
Famous Residents
Continuing along the street, at #58, you’ll see the house where Daniel O’Connell, the “Liberator,” lived. Yes, he’s the O’Connell of O’Connell Street fame.
He was a 19th century Irish political leader who championed Catholic emancipation and worked tirelessly for Irish independence through peaceful means.
#65 was the office of Erwin Schrodinger, the Nobel prize winning founder of Wave Mechanics.
#70 was the gaff of Sheridan Le Fanu, He was the leading ghost story write of the Victoria era.
At #82, you’ll the home of W.B. Yeats, one of the greatest literary figures of the 20th century. Who can forget his famous line: “Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold.”
To see the iconic Georgian mansions, you’ll also want to stroll down Mount Street Upper and Henrietta Street.
Henrietta is the earliest Georgian street in Dublin. It boasts the most intact collection of early-to-mid Georgian homes in all of Ireland.
Fitzwiliam Square
Pembroke Row is also a must. If you stroll down the street, you’ll emerge into a mini Merrion Square, Fitzwilliam Square.
It was one of the last Georgian squares to be developed in Dublin. Like its counterparts, Fitzwilliam Square is lined with beautiful brick houses with brightly painted doors. But It feels slightly smaller and more intimate.
To finish the tour of Georgian Dublin, continue along Merrion Row until you come to St. Stephen’s Green.
Just at the end of the street on the right is a tiny cemetery hidden away in a corner. The graves here belong to the French Huguenots who fled persecution in France in the 1600s.
You can’t enter. But you can see a list of those buried there on the wall. One is a Becquette, who was an ancestor of Samuel Beckett, another of Ireland’s Noble Prize winners.
READ: Guide To Literary Dublin
St. Stephen’s Green
St. Stephen’s Green is lined with Georgian houses. The green has flower-lined walkways, manicured lawns, and ornamental plantings. They all reflect the Georgian taste for symmetry and order.
You’ll also find a collection of statues of famous Irish folk, bandstands, and fountains.
This is a good place to stretch out on a nice green area, and have lunch or chill.
If you’re up to another museum, you can visit the Little Museum of Dublin on the north side of the green.
Housed in a beautiful Georgian building, it exhibits 20th century artifacts. The museum essentially tells the story of the city through everyday objects, photos, and memorabilia donated by Dubliners.
>>> Click here to pre-book a ticket
Pro Tips For Georgian Dublin
How To Get There
Merrion Square Park is a great starting point for exploring the elegant Georgian townhouses and colorful doors.
St. Stephen’s Green is a good lead if you’re entering from the south.
Georgian Dublin is very compact. So, once you arrive, you can easily explore the area on foot!
Where To Stay
The Merrion Square area is an excellent base for visiting Dublin! You can easily walk to the top attractions. And it’s quieter than the more touristy areas like Temple Bar.
The most famous hotel here is The Merrion. It’s known for its Georgian architecture, beautiful gardens, and Michelin-starred restaurant, Patrick Guilbaud.
The Mont is a modern hotel with designer-led rooms, a vibrant bar, and a prime location on the corner of Merrion Square.
Known for its contemporary design, spacious rooms, and a chic bar, The Alex is just a short stroll from Merrion Square.
A beauty on St. Stephen’s Green, The Fitzwilliam combines modern design with comfort. It’s known for its stylish rooms, personalized service, and the Michelin-starred Glovers Alley restaurant.
Best Pubs
There are loads of pubs in this area. You’re spoiled for choice.
O’Donoghue’s Pub is one of Dublin’s most famous pubs. It’s been jigging along to the best Irish trad music for almost a century.
This is the kind of place where musicians just drop by, whip out their instruments, and strike up a tune. Countless Irish folk legends got their start here.
Toners on Lower Baggot Street is another historic pub, open since 1842. You’ll find the classic pint and a classic pub atmosphere.
Doheny & Nesbitt is a tiny little pub loved by all who can squeeze into it. Though there’s also a newer bit in the back.
The pub has its original Victorian decor, and serves up some great grub for lunch and dinner.
The historic Merrion Hotel was once the home of the Duke of Wellington. Its Horseshoe Bar offers luxury and charm, with a great cocktail and whiskey selection.
The Pembroke was where Michelle Obama, the kids, and hundreds of security guys had lunch in Dublin.
>>> Click here to book a guided pub tour
I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to Georgian Dublin. You may find these other Ireland travel guides useful:
- Dublin bucket list
- 1 day in Dublin itinerary
- 3 days in Dublin itinerary
- 10 days in Ireland itinerary
- beautiful places to visit in Ireland
- what not to do in Ireland
- guide to the Guinness Storehouse
- guide to Kilmainham Gaol
- tips for driving in Ireland
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