Number 11, which is four storeys over basement, was completed in 1774 as a townhouse for occupation during the Dublin Season by the landed elite, and subsequently had a fairly typical history for this type of house, being lived in during the 19th century by barristers and other professionals, but eventually being converted into a tenement in the early 20th century with up to 10 families occupying the building. Despite this the original interiors have generally survived intact, including decorative ceilings in late Rococo style, with typical Dublin motifs including birds and flower baskets. Some of the main rooms were partly remodeled in the early 19thcentury in the Regency style.

The most notable resident of the house was Dr Charles Orpen in the early 19th century, who founded the Claremont Institute for the Deaf and Dumb in Dublin, and who brought a small number of deaf and dumb children to live in the house with his family in order to develop the first structured sign language, the origin for the system which is still in use in Ireland today. Today the house is used as a private residence, and the current owners have meticulously restored it over a period of 30 years. The facades have recently been completely restored, including the use of wigged pointing to the street front This is the original historic technique unique to Ireland and used on Dublin houses of this date, and which gives the brickwork tothe facade a sharp, crisp appearance. No. 11 was built in 1774, and so is 250 years old this year. It is a fairly typical Dublin townhouse from that date, 4 stories high over basement and three window bays wide.

The tour will take in the garden, ground floor, first floor ‘piano nobile’ and second floor.

Meet at the front entrance

Pre-Book Only

This is a late 18th century building and while the main staircase is generous with relatively low rise steps the house is not wheelchair accessible, nor really suitable for ambulant disabled persons. There are potential trip hazards, particularly enroute to the garden. The tour involves climbing the main staircase to second floor level.