Beneath our feet lies Mountjoy Ward 1936 a Dublin district steeped in history. It is a place where echoes of Georgian elegance meet the realities of a changing city. The year is 1936. Mountjoy Square stands as a testament to Dublin’s Georgian past.
Mountjoy Square was developed in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Luke Gardiner, the 1st Viscount Mountjoy planned and developed the square. Construction began around 1792. The final property was completed in 1818. The red-brick Georgian houses surrounding the square were home to many prominent Dubliners. Lawyers, churchmen, politicians, writers, and artists all resided here. James Joyce lived near the square during his formative years. Seán O’Casey wrote some of his most famous plays while living on Mountjoy Square. W. B. Yeats also stayed here with his friend John O’Leary.
Mountjoy Square is Dublin’s only true Georgian square. Each side measures exactly 140 metres. The North, East, and West sides each have 18 houses. The South side has 19 houses reflecting some variation in plot sizes. Houses are numbered continuously clockwise from number 1 in the north-west corner. Gardiner Street passes through the West side of the square. Belvidere Place and Gardiner Lane run off the North- and South-East corners.
By the early 20th century, much of Mountjoy Square transitioned into tenements. The south side of Dublin became more fashionable. By the 1960s, many buildings were in poor condition. Some were condemned and demolished as dangerous. Despite these changes, efforts were made to preserve the square’s Georgian character. New infill buildings were constructed with reproduction facades. This ensured that each side of the square maintained its consistent Georgian appearance.
The Dublin Adult Learning Centre is located at 3 Mountjoy Square. This building has a fascinating history. Joseph Goff, a wealthy flour merchant, first owned and lived here. Frederick Darley, whose work includes the King’s Inns and Áras an Uachtaráin, built the house for Joseph. Later, Walter Cole, a man with a great interest in Irish culture, language, and politics, bought the house. During the War of Independence, he provided refuge to Sinn Féin leaders on the run. The Dáil met here on three occasions after being suppressed in 1919.
Mountjoy Prison is located nearby. It opened in 1850 and was designed by Captain Joshua Jebb. The prison was based on the design of London’s Pentonville Prison. Numerous prisoners were executed within its walls. These included Irish republicans like Kevin Barry, Patrick Moran, and Frank Flood. Annie Walsh, the only woman ever executed by the Irish State, was also executed here.
In 1936, Mountjoy Ward was a vibrant part of Dublin. It showed resilience amid economic hardship. Its streets echo with stories of artists, revolutionaries, and everyday people. It contributes to Dublin’s rich history. Today, Mountjoy Square continues to evolve. It balances preservation with modern needs. The Architectural Conservation Area designation protects the streetscape. It ensures that future generations can appreciate its elegance. The square’s park provides green space for residents and visitors alike. It creates a vibrant community in the heart of Dublin.