Dublin’s Georgian heritage is one of the city’s architectural highlights, and its elegant garden squares are at the heart of that legacy. The five main Georgian squares in Dublin are:
1. Merrion Square
- Location: South Dublin, near Trinity College and the National Gallery.
- Highlights:
- Beautiful Georgian townhouses with ornate doors.
- The Oscar Wilde Memorial and sculpture garden.
- Public park with seasonal art and literary events.
2. Fitzwilliam Square
- Location: Just south of Merrion Square.
- Highlights:
- Still largely private and residential.
- One of the most intact examples of Georgian architecture.
- The park is privately owned but sometimes accessible for events.
3. St. Stephen’s Green
- Location: At the top of Grafton Street.
- Highlights:
- A large public park with lakes, sculptures, and tree-lined walks.
- Surrounded by Georgian and Victorian buildings.
- Popular for lunch breaks, leisure, and cultural gatherings.
4. Mountjoy Square
- Location: North Dublin City Centre.
- Highlights:
- A rare example of a perfectly symmetrical Georgian square.
- Once home to famous residents like playwright Seán O’Casey.
- The square’s park is open to the public and often used for community activities.
5. Parnell Square
- Location: North of O’Connell Street.
- Highlights:
- The oldest Georgian square in Dublin.
- Home to cultural institutions like the Hugh Lane Gallery and Dublin Writers Museum.
- An emerging hub for arts and heritage.
Walking route
🏛️ Georgian Squares Walking Tour — Approx. 5.5 km (3.5 miles)
🟢 Start: Parnell Square
- Why Start Here: It’s the oldest Georgian square, and home to:
- The Hugh Lane Gallery
- Dublin Writers Museum (closed but the building remains impressive)
- Tip: Grab a coffee from nearby Chapter One Café before heading off.
➡️ Walk down O’Connell Street (Dublin’s main boulevard), passing The Spire and GPO.
🟢 Stop 2: Mountjoy Square
- Distance: ~10 mins walk from Parnell Square
- Highlights:
- Rare perfectly symmetrical square
- A peaceful park often overlooked by tourists
- Once home to Seán O’Casey and other notable figures
- Vibe: Quiet and residential, good for a breather
➡️ Walk back toward the River Liffey and head toward Grafton Street via O’Connell Bridge.
🟢 Stop 3: St. Stephen’s Green
- Distance: ~20–25 mins walk (or take the LUAS Green Line from O’Connell GPO to St. Stephen’s Green)
- Highlights:
- Lush public park with duck ponds, sculptures, and tree-lined avenues
- Surrounded by beautiful Georgian and Victorian buildings
- Great lunch stop: try Tang, Peacock Green, or a picnic in the park
➡️ Exit via the Merrion Row side and continue walking toward Merrion Square (~7 mins walk).
🟢 Stop 4: Merrion Square
- Distance: ~7 mins walk from St. Stephen’s Green
- Highlights:
- The Oscar Wilde statue and quote pillars
- Colorful Georgian doors and facades
- Near the National Gallery and Natural History Museum
- Fun Fact: W.B. Yeats and Daniel O’Connell once lived here
➡️ Head south along Fitzwilliam Street to your final stop.
🟢 Stop 5: Fitzwilliam Square
- Distance: ~5–7 mins walk from Merrion Square
- Highlights:
- Dublin’s most exclusive and tranquil Georgian square
- The park is private, but you can walk the perimeter and enjoy the symmetry and architectural detail
- Excellent photo opportunities of ornate doors and fanlights
🔚 Finish
From Fitzwilliam Square, you’re just a short stroll from:
- Baggot Street (pubs and cafes like O’Donoghue’s or 3FE)
- Canal walk if you want to extend your route with some water views