1790s – Unbuilt Wide Streets Commission Approach & Entrance to Dublin Castle
Unbuilt plan by the Wide Streets Commissioners for a new ceremonial entrance to the Lower Yard of Dublin Castle and street to the “round church”
Unbuilt plan by the Wide Streets Commissioners for a new ceremonial entrance to the Lower Yard of Dublin Castle and street to the “round church”
The Clock Tower, Dublin Castle, appeared on Roque’s map of Dublin, published in 1756, with nearly the same U-shaped plan as exists today.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) is to press ahead with expensive renovations at Dublin Castle — despite the economic downturn.
The State Apartments in Dublin Castle were originally constructed as living accommodation for the Lord Lieutenant. The Lord Lieutenants preferred the comforts of the Phoenix Park residence however and tended to live there except for Castle Season when a series of Balls and events was held for fashionable society at the castle.
After its restoration by the Office of Public Works, conference facilities were added so the Castle could be used by the State when Ireland hosts the presidency of the European Union.
Dublin Castle has been a constantly developing architectural entity from its foundation in the 12th century up to the present day.
The rear of the exterior of the State Apartments buildings has a differing treatment from the upper yard. Much of the exterior is simply stuccoed and has been painted in bright colours by the Office of Public Works and resembles a Lego construction.
In the eighteenth century as the Georgian streetscape of Dublin was being developed, the castle was redeveloped also. A young architect believed to be Sir Edward Lovett Pearce redesigned the upper yard using the basic design inherited from Sir William Robinson.
The lower yard of Dublin Castle is built on a steep incline leading up to the upper yard. This posed problems for building so that the Chapel Royal to the south has a large undercroft and the range to the north is built on a terrace.
A fine small neo-classical building in the lower yard of Dublin Castle – of five bays with a large central carriage arch.