14 Henrietta Street is one of Dublin’s first Georgian houses. Built in the 1720s, it is now a museum devoted entirely to the changing history of the building and its street. Built in Dublin’s north inner city, it’s a perfect example of the city’s aristocratic Georgian houses, which later became tenements housing squalor and poverty. A worthwhile visit to discover Dublin’s deep-rooted identity!
Overview of Henrietta Street – William Murphy – cc
14 Henrietta Street takes you deep into the heart of Dublin’s history. Organized as a guided tour, you’ll discover the history of this building and its street, with its multiple and changing destinies, from its construction in 1720 to its conversion into apartments, a courthouse and then a museum.
You’ll learn that 14 Henrietta Street was one of the first large townhouses in the Irish capital. It was a large building, designed to house a wealthy Dublin aristocratic family. The program features large spaces, high ceilings, exceptional furnishings and, of course, a 100% Georgian style, with large colored doors and typical moldings.
A tour of the house will show you that, from 1877 onwards, the initially flamboyant building was partitioned into 19 separate apartments, housing up to a hundred Dubliners in more than precarious conditions. These were mostly low-income residents, often referred to as “the city’s working poor”. The prevailing poverty will profoundly change the neighborhood’s identity and have a direct impact on the house and its street.
The guide will tell you selected stories of the people who lived here. Poverty, misery, precariousness, humidity… The tour is fascinating, alternating between difficult and lighter episodes. An original way to plunge right into the heart of everyday life in Dublin over a 250-year period.
The house itself has since been beautifully restored, with particular care taken to restore its original features. The rooms have been completely refurbished to look as they did in 1720. You’ll also be able to push open the doors of typical apartments that have housed hundreds of Dubliners living in squalor… And all with the pertinent comments of passionate guides!
Tours must be guided and last an hour and a half. A must to discover Dublin’s true historical heritage.