An Evocative Spot



A rare occasion when Foster Place, Dublin is not cluttered with parked cars. This narrow cul-de-sac off Dame Street is located to the immediate west of the Bank of Ireland (formerly Ireland’s House of Commons) on College Green. The space was created in 1787 when buildings on this side were demolished to create a new entrance to the House of Commons designed by Robert Parke (the equivalent on the east side, on Westmoreland Street was designed two years earlier by James Gandon) and distinguished by a massive tetrastyle Ionic portico. At the north end of the place, and in the aftermath of the former parliament being given new purpose, Francis Johnston designed an armoury/guardhouse that sympathetically replicates many of the features of Pearce’s great building. On the west side, and directly facing the Commons entrance, originally stood Daly’s Clubhouse, the most fashionable gentleman’s club in Georgian Dublin; in the 19th century, this became yet another bank and was subject to alterations, notably George Papworth’s porch of c.1840. Deserving -indeed demanding – pedestrianisation, Foster Place holds potential to be one of the most evocative spots in Dublin.

4 comments on “An Evocative Spot

  1. jenjunebug says:

    Thank you for the wonderful information on this lovely much neglected spot!

  2. TIM CORFIELD says:

    I love reading your posts. Do you ever come across records of furniture makers and carvers in your research? There seems to be very little published about these craftsmen and artists.

  3. Vincent Delany says:

    Foster Place is very difficult to photograph due to the narrowness of the space and (as you note) the number of cars parked there. You have done a great job with your photographs.

  4. Stephen Barker says:

    If not pedestrianised just banning parking would be a step forward. Fine Architecture.

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