Journal •
An OHD Volunteer’s 5 Favourite places in Dublin
Dublin is a city with a diverse and impactful architectural culture that is embedded with the stories of our country’s rich history.
Christ Church Cathedral
This church is a fascinating mix of styles from different eras as it was constantly being renovated and repaired as one of the oldest buildings in Dublin. It’s believed to have been originally built in 1028 as a Viking church but it partially collapsed in the 16th century leading to extensive reparations in later centuries. It has Gothic architecture from renovations in the 18th century and Romanesque elements from renovations in the 19th century. It’s an interesting case study in the preservation of Irish architecture.
General Post Office
The GPO was built in the 19th century designed by the architect Francis Johnston in the classical Greek hexastyle. As a fan of Archaic Greece, this building has one of my favourite facades in Dublin. The GPO is one of the best-known buildings in Ireland because of its role in the 1916 Rising which left the façade with damage including bullet holes which can still be seen today. This physical history is incredibly immersive and one of the greatest reminders of Irish history we have.
Trinity Long Room
As the home of the Book of Kells, a copy of the 1916 Proclamation of the Irish Republic, and Brian Boru’s harp the long room is already an intrinsic part of Irish culture and history. Trinity’s architecture has constantly evolved and reinvented itself over 430 years. Trinity’s architecture has dominated Dublin in both size and appearance for decades.
Royal Hospital Kilmainham
This hospital is one of my favourite buildings because of its large courtyard which is reminiscent of Les Invalids in Paris. The Richmond tower was designed by Francis Johnston one of my favourite architects and one of the most significant architects of his day.
Superintendent’s Lodge
This 1880’s gate lodge is in St. Stephen’s Green and is one of the many Victorian houses in Dublin. I have always loved bayed windows, and in this building especially the dormer attic bayed window. This lodge is one of my favourite buildings not only because of its historical significance, being occupied by Cumann na mBan during the 1916 Rising, but also because of its contrasting style in context being situated close to the unitarian church the red brick office blocks and the classical tetrastyle building to the south of the lodge.
Contributed by Stephanie Armstrong
Instagram: @stephanie___armstrong
Image credit: John Dunne photography
The General Post Office is the headquarters of the Irish Post Office and is sited in the centre of O’Connell Street,. It is one of Ireland’s most famous buildings, and was the last of the great Georgian public buildings erected in the capital. 
