A Brief History of Fitzwilliam Street &
The Fitzwilliam Guesthouse Dublin

Fitzwilliam Square, Merrion Square and Baggot Street were built on Baggotrath on lands owned
by Vicount Fitzwilliam and through which the ancient routes leading south of the city passed.

The 6th Vicount Fitzwilliam of Merrion began development of Merrion Square on the great fields
of this estate in the 1750’s and Fitzwilliam Square was subsequently laid out in the late 18th century.

Fitzwilliam Street forms the eastern side of both Merrion Square and the later Fitzwilliam Square
and is a long expanse of Georgian architecture terminated by Holles Street Maternity Hospital.
Holles Street was designed to run off the square from the corner but was dislocated to allow
for the building of Antrim House, now the site of the Hospital.

Both squares and the surrounding neighbourhood instantly acquired a reputation as the
prestigious place to live and work in Dublin. The prestige of the location has pertained
through the centuries and 50 years ago the majority of these magnificent buildings
were used as private residences. Many of the houses have plaques with historical
information on former notable residents.



Ambrose Cox JP bought 41 Upper Fitzwilliam Street on 18th July 1856.

Pictured above was his family home Clara House in Clara Co. Offaly
where he resided from 1843 to 1863.
This picture was taken in 1904.

 

The Fitzwilliam Townhouse
41 Upper Fitzwilliam Street
Dublin 2
Ireland
Telephone: + 353 1 662 5155 / Fax: + 353 1 676 7488
E-mail : info@fitzwilliamtownhouse.com

Sister Accommodation in Ireland

The Baggot Court Guest House Dublin City
Tara Hall Bed and Breakfast South County Dublin
Celtic Bed and Breakfast Carlow Town