A Victorian-era post box stands guard on the southwest corner of Mountpleasant Square. This Georgian garden square sits on the border of Rathmines and Ranelagh. Mountpleasant Square is more than just a green space. It is a testament to Dublin’s architectural elegance.
Let’s delve into the story of Mountpleasant Square. Its history dates back to the late 18th century. The Georgian houses around the square rose between 1770 and 1830. Susan Roundtree described it as one of Dublin’s most beautiful early 19th-century squares. Gordon Lynch noted its unique curved shape.
Mountpleasant Square features 56 terraced houses on three sides. These houses surround a central open space. Today, this space holds a tennis club and a small public park. The north and south sides form crescents. This differs from typical square borders. Young families occupy about half of the houses. Some houses remain apartments. The west-side homes enjoy southwest-facing back gardens.
Mount Pleasant Square has links to Ranelagh Gardens. The square is about 100 yards from where the gardens once stood. Richard Crosbie launched his balloon flight from these gardens in 1785. He aimed for the Irish Sea but landed in Clontarf. After the Act of Union in 1801, professionals moved to new suburbs. They favored smaller houses in areas like Rathmines and Ranelagh.
The Dolan family played a key role in developing Mountpleasant Square. Terence Dolan, a glove maker, bought land in the early 19th century. He built eight houses on the south side between 1807 and 1812. These houses offered commanding city views. Dolan leased these properties and acquired more land. By 1812, he owned all the land on the north and west sides. Terence Thomas Dolan, his son, helped establish Rathmines Township. He became one of its first commissioners in 1847.
The social mix of Mountpleasant Square’s residents has always been diverse. Doctors and solicitors once lived here due to its proximity to Fitzwilliam Square and the Law Library. In 1911, one house had a carpenter, a scholar, and a fishmonger among its 14 residents. The square housed 387 people.
Architecturally, Mountpleasant Square showcases two-story houses over basements. The houses display individual variations. Susan Roundtree suggests tradesmen, not skilled craftsmen, built them. The houses were built with limestone.
Mountpleasant Square embodies the concept of rus in urbe. This means “a countryside in the city”. The overall effect is impressive. Its trees and Georgian houses create a Dickensian atmosphere.
The Swan River flows beneath Mountpleasant Square. Though hidden, it shapes the landscape. It runs east through the square before entering Ranelagh Gardens.
Mount Pleasant Lawn Tennis Club sits in the square’s center. Founded in 1893, it is one of Dublin’s oldest sports clubs. The club hosts various tournaments.
The cover of John McGahern’s novel, The Pornographer, features the curved north terrace of Mountpleasant Square.
Mountpleasant Square remains an elegant part of Dublin. Its history, architecture, and green spaces create a unique charm.