Merrion Street Upper

Merrion Street Upper
Name	Merrion Street Upper
Caption	View looking north towards Government Buildings
Length m	300
Location	Dublin, Ireland
Coordinates	53, 20, 20, N...
Direction a	South
Terminus a	Merrion Square
Direction b	North
Terminus b	Merrion Street Lower
Known for	Government buildings, Department of the Taoiseach, National Gallery of Ireland

Merrion Street Upper is a prestigious thoroughfare in the heart of Georgian Dublin, forming the eastern boundary of Merrion Square. It is internationally recognized as the political and administrative nerve center of the Republic of Ireland, housing the principal offices of the Taoiseach and several key government departments. The street's architectural grandeur, dominated by 18th-century Georgian townhouses and significant public institutions, reflects its enduring status from a residential enclave of the Anglo-Irish elite to the modern seat of national power.

Location and description

Merrion Street Upper runs north-south, connecting the formal gardens of Merrion Square with the continuation of Merrion Street Lower near Leinster House. It forms part of the Dublin 2 postal district, a prime area adjacent to major cultural sites like the National Museum of Ireland and Trinity College Dublin. The streetscape is characterized by its uniform red brick Georgian facades, ornate doorcases, and wrought-iron railings, typical of the architectural plans developed by the Earl of Kildare and other landowners. The western side overlooks the private park of Merrion Square, while the eastern side is lined with a succession of historically significant structures that now serve state functions.

History

The street was laid out in the mid-18th century during the rapid expansion of Georgian Dublin by the FitzGerald family, who developed the Merrion Estate. Initially, it was a highly desirable residential address for the Protestant Ascendancy, including figures like the Earl of Mornington, father of the Duke of Wellington. Following the Acts of Union 1800, many aristocratic families departed, and the buildings were gradually repurposed. The street's transformation into a government precinct accelerated after the establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922, with key properties being acquired by the nascent state. It has been the backdrop for numerous political demonstrations, state visits, and historic announcements throughout the 20th and 21st centuries.

Notable buildings

The most prominent structure is the complex of Government Buildings (Numbers 58-64), a monumental Edwardian Baroque edifice constructed between 1904 and 1922, originally intended for the Royal College of Science for Ireland. It now houses the Department of the Taoiseach, the Department of Finance, and the Cabinet Room. Adjacent is the iconic National Museum of Ireland – Natural History, known as the "Dead Zoo". Other significant addresses include the former Merrion Street Club and a series of Georgian townhouses that are now offices for various Oireachtas members and state agencies, maintaining their historic exteriors while modernized within.

Government and institutions

Merrion Street Upper is synonymous with the executive branch of the Irish government. The street is the daily workplace of the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, and their senior advisors. Key entities based here include the core of the Civil Service, the Strategic Communications Unit, and the Press Office of the government. It is a focal point for national and international media, especially during events like the announcement of a Budget or the formation of a new government. The proximity to Leinster House, the seat of the Oireachtas Éireann, creates a compact political district alongside Kildare Street.

Transport and access

The street is served by multiple Dublin Bus routes along adjacent thoroughfares such as Clarendon Street and Dawson Street. The nearest Luas tram stop is St. Stephen's Green on the Green Line, a short walk to the north. While the street itself is not a major vehicular through-road due to security and its civic function, it is easily accessible on foot from the Merrion Square area and the commercial hubs of Grafton Street and Baggot Street. Cycling infrastructure is provided on surrounding streets, and the area is a central node in Dublin's pedestrian network.

In popular culture

The street has featured as a filming location and setting in numerous productions, representing political power and Dublin's architectural heritage. It appeared in the acclaimed television series *The Tudors*, which used the Government Buildings as a stand-in for Hampton Court Palace. The area is frequently depicted in Irish political dramas and documentaries, including RTÉ's coverage of general elections and leadership changes. Its distinctive architecture also makes it a subject for photographers and artists, often captured in portrayals of Georgian Dublin alongside Merrion Square and Fitzwilliam Square.

Category:Streets in Dublin (city)