Journal •
Outhouse LGBTQ+ Centre, 105 Capel Street: A Story of Transformation
105 Capel Street, now home to Outhouse LGBTQ+ Centre, holds a rich history within the vibrant heart of Dublin. This street, known for its architectural and cultural significance, has undergone remarkable changes over the centuries, shaping the character of the city today.
Capel Street was first developed in the late 17th century by Sir Humphrey Jervis, who transformed lands previously owned by St. Mary’s Abbey into Dublin’s first formal urban grid. The street became synonymous with grandeur, boasting Dutch-style mansions for the city’s elite. By the mid-18th century, these palatial homes were replaced by Georgian terraced houses, including the set of six townhouses at 103-108 Capel Street, built in 1771.
105 Capel Street, a three-bay, four-storey-over-raised-basement townhouse of national architectural significance (NIAH), features intricate Rococo stucco work, original room layouts, and finely crafted internal joinery. Its brick façade, laid in Flemish bond, is complemented by rusticated granite details and original timber sash windows. The property’s elegant Georgian features include a hipped slate roof, granite coping, and an impressive open staircase with carved tread ends.
105 offers a glimpse into the life of 18th-century Dublin, but like much of the North Inner City, it fell into decline in the 19th century. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the building saw a variety of uses, including as a hotel, a vintner’s shop, and later, an upholsterer’s business. One of the most notable occupants of 105 Capel Street was Corbet’s Hotel, where Robert Emmet famously planned his 1803 rebellion. Many of its grand residences were converted into businesses or tenements as wealthier residents left the city.
In 2001, Outhouse LGBTQ+ Centre began a new chapter for 105 Capel Street, aligning its mission of inclusion and support with the street’s rich history of social and cultural diversity. At the time, the building was uninhabitable, having fallen into significant disrepair. Since then, extensive care and attention have gone into its restoration, preserving many of its original 18th-century features while thoughtfully integrating modern updates, such as glazed timber doors and new basement access. Despite these efforts, further restoration work is still needed to fully realise the building’s potential.
Today, Capel Street is celebrated as one of the “coolest streets in the world” for its unique blend of history, culture, and contemporary urban life, following its pedestrianisation in 2022. The preservation of 105 Capel Street and its ongoing role in the community reflect the broader transformation of Dublin’s built heritage.
Contributer John Mee, Outhouse LGBTQ+ Centre.
