Getting to Know Your Liberties Houses by The Liberties Dublin

Conservation Advice The following are some facts and tips concerning window, door and building maintenance:

The replacement of original timber sash windows and timber panelled doors with modern uPVC alternatives, not only detracts from the coherent design of the house and the street, in some cases it can also devalue your property.

uPVC windows and doors are not maintenance free, as is often claimed, and they have a maximum life span of only 20-30 years. In this light it makes far greater sense to retain and repair early timber windows and doors, even if the initial cost is greater.

Many replacement windows and doors installed in the 1960s, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;70s and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;80s are now failing and are due for renewal. If you are replacing this type of window or door, it makes sense to take this opportunity to return the original window/door type. Check for examples of original doors or windows in the locality. While difficult to source, some manufacturers do still repair and construct metal windows, particularly in the UK. If such sources are unavailable, reproduction in timber may be considered appropriate in consultation with the planning authority.

Signs of decay on windows and doors do not necessarily mean that they need to be replaced. Period features were made of solid materials, and careful maintenance and repair should ensure a long life. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t assume that something is beyond repair because of its appearance.

Problems of damp are often a result of poor maintenance of rainwater goods. Regular clearance of gutters and downpipes is a simple and inexpensive way of ensuring that water penetration does not become a problem in your building.

Old buildings need to breathe: avoid hermetically sealed windows and cement-rich renders and mortars which prevent this from happening and can cause damage to the fabric of the building.

Care should also be taken when repairing or replacing roofs. Slates and decorative details such as ridge tiles in good condition should be reused.

Rendering brickwork may lead to structural defects if the render is harder or denser than the brick. Care and advice should be taken when applying or removing render from brick facades.

This street leaflet was produced by the Dublin Civic Trust as part of the Liberties Regeneration Project. One of the key aims of the project is to heighten awareness among home owners of the part they can play in maintaining the historic fabric of the Liberties.

Details Web: www.dublincity.ie www.dublincivictrust.ie www.theliberties.ie

DUBLIN CIVIC TRUST

WATKINS BUILDINGS

Living With Your Built Heritage The purpose of this booklet is to give residents, owners and occupiers of the Liberties/Coombe area a historical insight into the street they live on, and conservation and maintenance guidelines, important for their home.

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Street History Watkins Buildings were built by Watkins and Pims Brewery in the 1880s in order to provide accommodation and improve living conditions for their workers. This programme was a private venture by Watkins and Pims and was similar to other schemes, architecturally and socially, as it was built by one of the most prominent and progressive companies of the time. The brewery covered a nearby site of almost five acres, located to the south of modern day Cork Street. The Brewerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s House, a large Georgian structure, still stands facing Ardee Street.

Watkins Buildings Today Located to the south of The Coombe and Pimlico and east of Ardee Street, Watkins Buildings comprises a small enclave of single-storey cottages surrounded by more substantial two-storey houses fronting Pimlico and The Coombe (1). The charming cottages feature attractive paired entrance bays. The houses are in very good condition, although very few have their original timber sash and iron casement windows. All houses are built of yellow brick, with red brick dressings over windows and doors. Most buildings have natural slate roofs and brick chimneys with stepped brickwork ornamentation (2), but unfortunately many facades have been painted or rendered over. Bootscrapers further enhance the buildings and most of the original granite kerbing remains intact. It is a quiet residential area and does not suffer from traffic congestion. The single-storey cottages are on either side of Watkins Square with a projecting gable porch shared with the adjoining property. Few have original iron casement windows and the majority have a painted faĂ§ade.

Maintenance Issues Watkins Buildings retains by and large the appearance of a well cared for late nineteenth century residential area. In order to maintain the character of the scheme, it is important that the original materials used in the construction of the houses be respected. Original architectural features such as brick facades, bootscrapers, timber panelled doors and cast iron windows, which unfortunately are too often replaced by inappropriate modern alternatives, should be retained where possible. Pictured opposite is an example of a yellow brick cottage in Watkins Square which retains its original iron casement windows, granite sills and door step which are in keeping with the character and design intentions of the street (3). Cast iron rainwater goods and bootscraper also survive. Unfortunately in the recent past unsympathetic alterations have been made to houses like this one. These have included altering the size and format of the openings, painting and rendering the entire faĂ§ade, removing the original doors, windows and roof slating. These alterations have not only affected the uniformity of the streets but more importantly they have detracted from the character and value of the property. The retention and reinstatement of original features does much to improve the design character and desirability of residential areas such as this one.

Conservation Advice The following are some facts and tips concerning window, door and building maintenance:

The replacement of original timber sash windows and timber panelled doors with modern uPVC alternatives not only detracts from the coherent design of the house and the street, in some cases it can also devalue your property.

Signs of decay on exterior timber do not necessarily mean that it needs to be replaced. Period windows, doors and fascias were made of quality timber, which shows in the numbers still surviving in good condition. Don’t assume that something is beyond repair because of its appearance.

It is important when a roof is being repaired or has reached the end of its working life that slates are replaced by matching the originals as closely as possible. Synthetic equivalents are not appropriate.

The retention of smaller details such as bootscrapers and original door furniture is important to the character of houses and streets.

Details Web: www.dublincity.ie www.dublincivictrust.ie www.theliberties.ie

DUBLIN CIVIC TRUST

GRAY STREET/ REGINALD STREET

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Street History The houses of Gray Street and Reginald Street were built under the Artisans and Labourers Dwellings Improvements Acts 1875-1877. In 1880 the Dublin Artisans Dwellings Company acquired four acres of land under a 10,000 year lease from Dublin Corporation to lay out and build two streets of housing in Reginald Street and Gray Street, backed by four small irregular squares. Reginald Street was named after members of the 12th Earl of Meath’s family. Gray Square was so called after Edmund Dwyer Gray who was the Lord Mayor of Dublin when the foundation stone for the Coombe development was laid. The houses were designed by architect Thomas Drew and were required to be “well and substantially built and ventilated, and furnished with water supply, proper drainage, and sanitary appliances and apparatus”. Every year Lord and Lady Brabazon distributed prizes for neatness and cleanliness of rooms and window gardening.

Gray St & Reginald St Today Located to the south west of Meath Street, Gray Street runs in a north to south direction crossing Reginald Street in an east to west direction. Gray Street and Reginald Street are the two axes that form these four small squares, each of which has a central courtyard. These charming and solid buildings range in scale from two-storey houses to three-storey structures with shopfronts at street level (3). The local landmark of the Sacred Heart Shrine is located in the centre of the housing scheme overlooked by four corner gabled houses, each of which has a small green area in front. The houses are in very good condition, although very few retain their original timber sash windows. The original granite kerbing remains intact and despite some through traffic connecting Pimlico and Meath Street, the whole layout provides an air of calm in an otherwise busy area.

Maintenance Issues Gray Street and Reginald Street retain by and large the appearance of a well cared for late nineteenth century residential area. In order to maintain the character of the streets, it is important that the original materials used in the construction of the houses be respected. Original architectural features such as brick facades, bootscrapers, timber panelled doors and timber sash windows, which unfortunately are too often replace by modern alternatives, should be retained where possible (2).

Pictured opposite is an example of a house on Reginald Street which retains its brick façade and roundheaded openings on the ground floor (1). The original timber sash windows, granite sills and timber panelled door are in keeping with the character and design intentions of the street. Cast iron rainwater goods and bootscraper also survive. Unfortunately in the recent past unsympathetic alterations have been made to houses like this. These have included re-roofing in synthetic slates, rebuilding chimney stacks in a modern style, and removing the original doors and windows. These alterations have not only affected the uniformity of the street but more importantly they have detracted from the character and value of properties. The retention and reinstatement of original features does much to improve the design character and desirability of residential areas like this one.

Conservation Advice The following are some facts and tips concerning window, door and building maintenance:

Signs of decay on windows and doors do not necessarily mean that they need to be replaced. Period features were made of quality timber, which shows in the numbers still surviving in good condition. Don’t assume that something is beyond repair because of its appearance.

Old buildings need to breathe: avoid hermetically sealed windows and cement rich mortars which prevent this from happening and can cause damage to the fabric of the building.

It is important when a roof is repaired or has reached the end of its working life that slates are replaced matching the originals as closely as possible. Synthetic equivalents are not appropriate. Details such as roof ridging should also be retained.

Iron railings should be inspected and maintained regularly to prevent rusting and breakdown of paint.

Details Web: www.dublincity.ie www.dublincivictrust.ie www.theliberties.ie

DUBLIN CIVIC TRUST

HANBURY LANE/ THOMAS COURT

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Street History The red brick housing of Thomas Court and Hanbury Lane was designed by architect to the Dublin Artisans Dwellings Company Thomas Drew in the final years of the nineteenth century. The houses were built flanking Meath Market, a thoroughfare which once connected Hanbury Lane to Earl Street South, traversing the site of the former medieval abbey of St. Thomas the Martyr. Extensive excavations to the rear of these houses in recent years uncovered medieval tiles and other artefacts associated with the abbey. The terrace facing Thomas Court was named Thirlestane Terrace after the 12th Earl of Meath’s wife’s family seat in Scotland, while Chaworth Terrace on Hanbury Lane was so called after the Earl of Meath’s ancestors.

Hanbury Lane & Thomas Court Today Located at the north-western end of Meath Street, Hanbury Lane runs in an east-west direction (2), while Thomas Court runs in a north-south direction connecting Thomas Street with Marrowbone Lane (1). All of the houses are in good condition, although very few retain their original timber sash windows (3). Houses to Hanbury Lane are bounded by railings while the houses to Thomas Court have a larger railed front garden. All of the houses are of two storeys and faced in red brick, with polychromatic brickwork surrounding windows and doors. Natural slate roofs and sturdy chimneys with stepped brickwork ornamentation are also distinctive characteristics, while wrought iron railings further enhance the buildings. Some of the original granite street kerbing also remains intact. Hanbury Lane is a quiet residential street, however Thomas Court is busier and afflicted by passing traffic. Together these streets comprise one of the most attractive residential enclaves in the area.

Maintenance Issues Hanbury Lane and Thomas Court retain by and large the appearance of a well cared for late nineteenth century residential area. In order to maintain the character of the streets, it is important that the original materials used in the construction of the houses be respected. Original architectural features such as doors and windows, which unfortunately are too often replaced by inappropriate modern alternatives, should be retained where possible. Pictured opposite is an example of a house on Hanbury Lane which retains its original brick façade and openings (4). The original round-headed timber sash windows, granite sills and door are in keeping with the character and design intentions of the street. Cast iron rainwater goods and railings also survive. Unfortunately in the recent past unsympathetic alterations have been made to houses like this in the area. These have included removing the original doors, windows and roof slating and painting the brickwork of the façade. These alterations have not only affected the uniformity of the street but more importantly they have detracted from the character and value of the property. The retention and reinstatement of original features does much to improve the design character and desirability of residential areas such as this one.

Conservation Advice The following are some facts and tips concerning window, door and building maintenance:

The replacement of original timber sash windows and timber tongue and groove doors with modern uPVC alternatives not only detracts from the coherent design of the house and the street, in some cases it can also devalue your property.

uPVC windows and doors are not maintenance free, as is often claimed, and they have a maximum life span of only 20-30 years. In this light it makes far greater sense to retain and repair timber windows and doors, even if the initial cost is greater.

It is important when a roof is repaired or has reached the end of its working life that slates are replaced by matching the originals as closely as possible. Synthetic equivalents are not appropriate.

The painting of brick should not be used as a solution for improving its appearance. If cleaning is necessary, a light water spray aided with a non-abrasive soft brush often works best. The removal of paint usually requires specialist treatment.

Details Web: www.dublincity.ie www.dublincivictrust.ie www.theliberties.ie

DUBLIN CIVIC TRUST

SPITALFIELDS CARMAN'S HALL

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Street History Spitalfields may have derived its name from the grounds of St. Nicholas’s Hospital erected nearby in the 1750s, however it is more likely to have been imported from London. The area was extensively redeveloped as a series of residential roads by Dublin Corporation in 1918 (2). It was one of a number of housing schemes that had been planned in the city in previous years to alleviate slum conditions but had been delayed due to a lack of funding. Spitalfields and Carman’s Hall along with other projects were built as a result of the Chief Secretary’s direct intervention in the funding crisis, upon observing the poor housing conditions of the area. These terraced houses marked a significant improvement in living standards for many of the area’s residents, some of whom may also have moved from tenements in the city centre.

Spitalfields Today Located to the west of Francis Street, the Spitalfields housing scheme comprises approximately 80 houses arranged in short terraces. The development extends over Carman’s Hall and Park Terrace which run on an east-west axis; and Ash Street, Hanover Street West and Spitalfield which run on a north-south axis. These charming and solid buildings are all two storeys in height, with terraces punctuated by paired and single gables which add interest and vitality to the streetscape (1). Corner houses feature attractively detailed gables with polychromatic brickwork to the chimney breast. Natural slate roofs and well detailed brick chimneys unite the whole scheme. The houses are in good condition although very few retain their original timber sash windows and doors and much of the original brickwork has also been painted over. Many of the houses overlook the charming green space amenity of Park Terrace.

Maintenance Issues

Spitalfields retains by and large the appearance of a well cared for early twentieth century residential area. In order to maintain the character of its roads, it is important that the original materials used in the construction of the houses be respected. Original architectural features such as timber tongue and groove doors and tripartite sash windows, which unfortunately are too often replaced by inappropriate modern alternatives, should be retained where possible (3). Pictured opposite is a rare example of a house on Park Terrace which retains its original unpainted render façade (4). The timber sash windows, granite sills and timber door are in keeping with the character and design intentions of the original scheme. Cast iron rainwater goods and slate roofing also survive

Unfortunately in the recent past unsympathetic alterations have been made to houses like this, including the addition of stone cladding, painting over the brickwork, and removing original doors, windows and roof slating. These alterations have not only affected the uniformity of the Spitalfields Scheme but more importantly they have detracted from the character and value of properties. The retention and reinstatement of original features does much to improve the design character and desirability of residential areas such as this one.

Conservation Advice The following are some facts and tips concerning window, door and building maintenance:

The replacement of original timber and metal windows and timber panelled doors with modern uPVC alternatives not only detracts from the coherent design of the house and the street, in some cases it can also devalue your property.

uPVC windows and doors are not maintenance free, as is often claimed, and they have a maximum life span of only 20-30 years. In this light it makes far greater sense to retain and repair original windows and doors, even if the initial cost is greater.

Many replacement windows and doors installed in the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s are now failing and are due for renewal. If you are replacing this type of window or door, it makes sense to take this opportunity to return the original window/door type. Check for examples of original doors or windows in the locality. While difficult to source, some manufacturers do still repair and construct metal windows, particularly in the UK. If such sources are unavailable, reproduction in timber may be considered appropriate in consultation with the planning authority.

Signs of decay on windows and doors do not necessarily mean that they need to be replaced. Period features were made of solid materials and careful maintenance and repair should ensure a long life. Don’t assume that something is beyond repair because of its appearance.

Problems of damp in houses are often a result of poor maintenance of rainwater goods. Regular clearance of gutters and downpipes is a simple and inexpensive way of ensuring that water penetration does not become a problem in your building.

It is important when a roof is repaired or has reached the end of its working life that slates are replaced matching the originals as closely as possible. Synthetic equivalents are not appropriate.

Details Web: www.dublincity.ie www.dublincivictrust.ie www.theliberties.ie

DUBLIN CIVIC TRUST

PIMLICO COTTAGES

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Street History The houses of Pimlico Cottages and surrounding terraces were built under the Artisans and Labourers Dwellings Improvements Acts 1875-1877. In 1885 the Dublin Artisans Dwellings Company constructed sixteen houses and twelve cottages on the south side of what was then known as Tripoli and around the corner onto Pimlico. Many of the houses were occupied by Guinness employees and Jacobâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s factory workers. Pimlico was probably named after a street or suburb in London and imported to Dublin during the early 1800s. During the late 1880s the first playground in Ireland was constructed to the west of Pimlico Cottages.

Pimlico Cottages Today Pimlico Cottages are situated in an island-like location to the north west corner of Pimlico and east of Marrowbone Lane. These charming and solid buildings range in scale from single-storey cottages in the central square to two-storey houses around the perimeter (1). Although there has been a significant loss of original features to the two storey structures, some original features do remain in the cottages. Most have a projecting gable porch shared with the adjoining property (5). Few retain their original iron casement windows and the majority have a painted render faĂ§ade (6). Diminutive red brick chimneys and bootscrapers further enhance the buildings (4). The two-storey houses surrounding the cottages have mostly lost their original features, however there are some good examples of recent restoration work to brick facades (2).

Maintenance Issues Pimlico Cottages retains by and large the appearance of a well cared for late nineteenth century residential area. In order to maintain the character of the square and surrounding terraces, it is important that the original materials used in the construction of the houses be respected. Original architectural features such as bootscrapers, timber panelled doors, cast iron casement windows and rainwater goods (3), are unfortunately too often replaced by inappropriate modern alternatives and should be retained where possible.

Pictured opposite is an example of a house in Pimlico Cottages which retains its original iron casement windows, granite sills and door step which are in keeping with the character and design intentions of the street (5). Cast iron rainwater goods and bootscraper also survive. Unfortunately in the recent past unsympathetic alterations have been made to houses like this. These have included altering the size and format of the openings, painting brickwork and removing the original doors and windows. These alterations have not only affected the uniformity of the street but more importantly they have detracted from the character and value of the property. The retention and reinstatement of original features does much to improve the design character and desirability of residential areas such as this one.

Conservation Advice The following are some facts and tips concerning window, door and building maintenance:

The replacement of original cast iron and early timber sash windows and timber tongue and groove doors with modern uPVC alternatives not only detracts from the coherent design of the house and the street, in some cases it can also devalue your property.

uPVC windows and doors are not maintenance free, as is often claimed, and they have a maximum life span of only 20-30 years. In this light it makes far greater sense to retain and repair original windows and doors, even if the initial cost is greater.

Signs of decay on exterior timber and metal does not necessarily mean that it needs to be replaced. Period windows and doors were made of solid materials which survive many years if they are well maintained. Don’t assume that something is beyond repair because of its appearance.

Details Web: www.dublincity.ie www.dublincivictrust.ie www.theliberties.ie

DUBLIN CIVIC TRUST

JOHN DILLON STREET AREA

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Street History The main artery of this area was known as Plunkett Street until redevelopment was prompted by the Artisans and Labourers Dwellings Improvements Acts 1875-1877. In 1883-84 The Dublin Artisans Dwelling Company began building new housing on three acres of lands to the east of the newly completed Coombe Scheme. The project consisted of two-storey houses in John Dillon Street, Dean Swift Square, Thomas Davis Street South, St. Nicolas Place, Davis Place and Dillon Place South, and single-storey cottages facing Power’s Square, Dillon Place South, Clarence Mangan Square, Davis Place and Francis Square, all of which were completed by 1887. This housing probably marked a significant improvement in living conditions for many of the new scheme’s residents. John Dillon Street was named after John Blake Dillon who was one of the founding members of the Young Ireland movement and of The Nation newspaper. A section of the old city walls still stands to the northeast of John Dillon Street.

John Dillon Street Area Today Located to the west of Patrick Street and to the east of Francis Street, the area runs in a north to south direction with a striking view of St. Patrick’s Cathedral rising above its terraces. Its charming and solid housing ranges in scale and format from single-storey cottages to two-storey houses (1 & 4). The houses are in very good condition, although very few retain their original timber sash and iron casement windows (2). All of the two-storey houses are faced in red brick, with polychromatic detailing surrounding windows and doors and featuring gables to the ends of terraces. The cottages are simpler in style but are also of red brick. All buildings have natural slate roofs with terracotta ridging, and brick chimneys with stepped brickwork ornamentation (4). Bootscrapers further enhance the detailing of the buildings and most of the original granite kerbing remains intact. With little passing traffic, the John Dillon Street area is one of the most attractive residential enclaves in the Liberties, exuding an air of calm in an otherwise busy part of the city.

Maintenance Issues The John Dillon Street area retains the appearance of a well cared for late nineteenth century residential area. In order to maintain the character of the streets, it is important that the original materials used in the construction of the houses be respected. Original architectural features such as timber tongue and groove doors and cast iron windows characteristic of the area (2), which unfortunately are too often replaced by inappropriate modern alternatives, should be retained where possible. Pictured opposite is an example of a cottage off John Dillon Street which retains its original brick façade and openings (3). The original iron casement windows, granite sills and doorstep are in keeping with the character and design intentions of the housing scheme. Cast iron rainwater goods and bootscraper also survive. Unfortunately in the recent past unsympathetic alterations have been made to houses like this. These have included repairing the roof in synthetic slates, painting over the brick façade, and removing the original windows and doors. These alterations have not only affected the uniformity of the squares and streets but more importantly they have detracted from the character and value of properties. The retention and reinstatement of original features does much to improve the design character and desirability of residential areas such as this.

Conservation Advice The following are some facts and tips concerning window, door and building maintenance:

The replacement of original timber and metal windows and timber tongue and groove doors with modern uPVC alternatives not only detracts from the coherent design of a house and the street, in some cases it can also devalue your property.

uPVC windows and doors are not maintenance free, as is often claimed, and they have a maximum life span of only 20-30 years. In this light it makes far greater sense to retain and repair original windows and doors, even if the initial cost is greater.

Signs of decay on exterior timber and metal does not necessarily mean that it needs to be replaced. Period features were often made of solid materials, and careful maintenance and repair should ensure a long life. Don’t assume that something is beyond repair because of its appearance.

It is important when a roof is repaired or has reached the end of its working life that slates are replaced matching the originals as closely as possible. Synthetic equivalents are not appropriate.

Details Web: www.dublincity.ie www.dublincivictrust.ie www.theliberties.ie

DUBLIN CIVIC TRUST

BRABAZON, GRAY, MEATH, REGINALD SQUARES

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Street History The intimate residential enclaves of Brabazon, Gray, Meath and Reginald Squares were built under the Artisans and Labourers Dwellings Improvements Acts 1875-1877. They were constructed as part of the wider Coombe Housing Scheme on which construction began in 1880 over four acres of cleared slum land. As with the surrounding streets, the squares were named after members of the 12th Earl of Meathâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family: Brabazon, Reginald and Meath. Gray Square was so called after Edmund Dwyer Gray who was Lord Mayor of Dublin when the foundation stone for the Coombe development was laid. Every year Lord and Lady Brabazon distributed prizes for neatness and cleanliness of rooms, windows and gardens of houses in the scheme. The project marked a significant improvement in living conditions for many of its residents and set a standard for future housing schemes by the Dublin Artisans Dwellings Company.

Squares Today Tucked in behind the principal arterial streets of Gray Street and Reginald Street, these attractive little squares fill the irregular spaces created by the wider plan of the Coombe Scheme where it integrates with the surrounding streets of the area. The housing is comprised of single storey cottages generally consisting of a single window and door to the front elevation. They are arranged in short terraces with rendered walls, natural slate roofs and substantial red brick chimneys. The houses are in very good condition, although extremely few have retained their original distinctive cast iron windows (1). Attractively planted with trees and complemented by many houses exhibiting floral displays, these endearing squares provide an air of calm in an otherwise busy area.

Maintenance Issues The DADC Squares retain by and large the appearance of well cared for late nineteenth century residential areas. In order to maintain the character of the squares, it is important that the original materials used in the construction of the houses be respected. Original architectural features such as tongue and groove doors, cast iron frame windows and bootscrapers, tall brick chimney stacks and natural slate roofs, which unfortunately are too often replaced by inappropriate modern alternatives, should be retained where possible (2 & 3).

Pictured opposite is an example of a house in Brabazon Square which retains its original rendered faĂ§ade and slate roofing (4). The original cast iron windows, granite sills and tongue and groove door are in keeping with the character and design intentions of the square. Cast iron rainwater goods and bootscraper also survive. Unfortunately in the recent past unsympathetic alterations have been made to houses like this. These have included altering the size and format of the openings, repairing the roof with synthetic slates, and removing the original doors and windows. These alterations have not only affected the uniformity of the squares but more importantly they have detracted from the character and value of properties. The retention and reinstatement of original features does much to improve the design character and desirability of residential areas such as these.

Conservation Advice The following are some facts and tips concerning window, door and building maintenance:

Many replacement windows and doors installed in the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s are now failing and are due for renewal. If you are replacing this type of window or door, it makes sense to take this opportunity to return the original timber window/door type as they are historically sympathetic. Check for examples of original timber sash windows and doors on your street or in the locality.

Old buildings need to breathe: avoid sealed windows such as uPVC and cement-rich renders and mortars which prevent this from happening and can cause damage to the fabric of the building.

It is important when a roof is repaired or has reached the end of its working life that slates are replaced matching the originals as closely as possible. Synthetic equivalents are not appropriate.

Details Web: www.dublincity.ie www.dublincivictrust.ie www.theliberties.ie

DUBLIN CIVIC TRUST

THE COOMBE

ith W g Livinr Built You itag Her

Street History The Coombe means valley or hollow place and is derived from The Commons Water, a tributary of the River Poddle which ran through this shallow valley and defined the distinctive arc of The Coombe. This route formed part of the ancient highway An Slighe DĂĄla, which continued around the corner with Ardee Street before veering west along Cork Street, providing access to the west of Ireland. The modern-day housing along its length was built under the Artisans and Labourers Dwellings Improvements Acts 1875-1877 by The Dublin Artisans Dwellings Company as part of a wider regeneration of the area. The same design of house continues around the corner into Pimlico.

The Coombe Today Located between the south west corner of Francis Street and the north east corner of Ardee Street, The Coombe runs in an east-west direction with a picturesque curve to the road. Its charming and solid twostorey houses are punctuated mid-way by the Reginald Street entrance to the large Coombe Scheme of housing located to the rear. Most of The Coombeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s houses are of red brick with natural slate roofs and terracotta ridge detailing, and brick chimneys of stepped brick ornamentation (1). The original granite kerbing remains intact and despite through-traffic connecting Ardee Street and Meath Street at peak times, the whole layout provides an air of calm in a otherwise busy area. The houses are generally well maintained and in good condition.

Maintenance Issues The Coombe retains by and large the appearance of a well cared for late nineteenth century residential area. In order to maintain the character of the street, it is important that the original materials used in the construction of the houses be respected. Original architectural features such as timber panelled doors and timber frame sash windows, which unfortunately are too often replaced by inappropriate modern alternatives, should be retained where possible. Pictured opposite are examples of Coombe houses which retain their original brick faĂ§ades (3). The granite sills and bootscrapers are in keeping with the character and design intentions of the street (2). Unfortunately in the recent past unsympathetic alterations have been made to these houses. These have included removing the original doors and windows and replacing the natural slate roof. These alterations have not only affected the uniformity of the street but more importantly they have detracted from the character and value of the property. The retention and reinstatement of original features does much to improve the design character and desirability of residential areas.

Conservation Advice The following are some facts and tips concerning window, door and building maintenance:

Signs of decay on windows and doors do not necessarily mean that they need to be replaced. Period windows and doors were made of quality timber, which shows in the numbers still surviving in good condition. Don’t assume that something is beyond repair because of its appearance.

Old buildings need to breathe: avoid hermetically sealed windows and cement-rich renders and mortars which prevent this from happening and can cause damage to the fabric of the building.

Care should also be taken when repairing or replacing roofs. Slates and decorative details such as ridge tiles in good condition should be reused.

Iron railings should be inspected and maintained regularly to prevent rusting and breakdown of paint.

Details Web: www.dublincity.ie www.dublincivictrust.ie www.theliberties.ie

DUBLIN CIVIC TRUST

NEW ROW SOUTH

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Street History New Row South was probably developed c. 1900 under the Artisans and Labourers Dwellings Improvements Acts 1875-1877, when the Dublin Artisans Dwellings Company acquired New Row South to lay out and build two-storey houses. The Poddle took its natural course along New Row South and consequently industrial activity had previously concentrated around this street. Excavations in the late 1990s on the north side of the street uncovered leather offcuts and pottery dating from the 16th to 18th century suggesting that this site was the location of a tannery in the 1500s, while the Ordnance Survey Map of 1909 shows a tannery on the southern side of the street. From the early 1900s to the 1930s a playground, Brabzon Playground No. 2, was located on the street. Lauderdale Terrace on New Row South is so called after the 12th Earl of Meath’s wife who was daughter of the Earl of Lauderdale.

New Row South Today Located to the east of Newmarket and south west of Patrick Street and Dean Street. New Street South runs in a north to south direction. The houses are two-storey and are in very good condition, although few have their original timber sash windows. Most of the houses are red brick, with polychromatic brickwork surrounding windows and doors. They are of a similar design to the housing development of Hanbury Lane & Thomas Court and have roof ridges, natural slate roofs and brick chimneys with stepped brickwork ornamentation. All houses feature gardens to the front, surrounded by attractive wrought iron railings which further enhance the streetscape. Very little of the original granite kerbing remains intact. It is a quiet residential area and does not suffer from traffic congestion.

Maintenance Issues New Row South retains by and large the appearance of a well cared for late nineteenth century residential area. In order to maintain the character of the street, it is important that the original materials used in the construction of the houses be respected. Original architectural features such as doors, timber sash windows and cast iron railings, which unfortunately are too often replaced by inappropriate modern alternatives, should be retained where possible (3). Pictured opposite is an example of a house on New Row South which retains its original brick façade and openings (2). The original round-headed timber sash windows, granite sills and door are in keeping with the character and design intentions of the street. Cast iron rainwater goods and railings also survive (1). Unfortunately in the recent past unsympathetic alterations have been made to houses like this. These have included removing the original doors, windows and roof slating and painting the brickwork on the façade. These alterations have not only affected the uniformity of the street but more importantly they have detracted from the character and value of the property. The retention and reinstatement of original features does much to improve the design character and desirability of residential areas.

Conservation Advice The following are some facts and tips concerning window, door and building maintenance:

It is important when a roof is repaired or has reached the end of its working life that slates are replaced matching the originals as closely as possible. Synthetic equivalents are not appropriate.

Details Web: www.dublincity.ie www.dublincivictrust.ie www.theliberties.ie

DUBLIN CIVIC TRUST

JOHN STREET SOUTH

ith W g Livinr Built You itag Her

Street History John Street South is likely to be a Dublin Corporation housing scheme of the 1930s, built as part of a wider drive to improve living standards in the city in the first half of the 20th century. Before this time the street was primarily industrial in character with factories on the south side and a brewery located on the west side until the late 19th century. By 1939 Ordnance Survey maps indicate the street was fully developed by the outbreak of World War II with housing lining both sides of the road. The new houses probably marked a substantial increase in living conditions for many of its new residents who may have come from slums in the city or nearby area. The street was so called after John Forster who was Chief Justice of the Irish Court of Common Pleas in 1714.

John Street South Today Located to the south west corner of Ardee Street and to the east of The Coombe, John Street South runs in an east-west direction with a slight picturesque bend in the road. The street is entirely residential with two-storey houses to both sides and is typical of Dublin Corporation schemes of the 1930s and 1940s. All houses are pebble dashed, some with later stone cladding, and a unifying rendered platband at first floor level (5). The effect of the streetscape is reliant on a variety of colours applied to each house, unified through a repeated pattern along the streetscape. The application of renders, pebble dashing and stone cladding to facades has the effect of breaking this pleasing rhythm. Most buildings have attractive natural slate roofs and rendered chimneys (3). The houses are in good condition, although only one in the entire scheme has retained its original windows (4). Wall mounted lamps with shamrock motifs light the street (2). It is a quiet residential area and does not suffer from traffic congestion.

Maintenance Issues John Street South retains by and large the appearance of a well cared for twentieth century residential area. In order to maintain the character of the street, it is important that the original materials used in the construction of the houses be respected. Original architectural features such as doors and windows, which unfortunately are too often replaced by inappropriate modern alternatives, should be retained where possible. Pictured opposite is an example of a house in John Street South which retains its original tripartite timber sash window on the ground floor which is the only one left surviving on the street (1 & 4). Features such as this are essential components of the original scheme. Unfortunately in the recent past unsympathetic alterations have been made to houses like this. These have included altering the format of the openings, cladding the faรงade in various materials, and removing the original doors, windows and platbands on the faรงade. These alterations have not only affected the uniformity of the street but more importantly they have detracted from the character and value of the property. The retention and reinstatement of original features does much to improve the design character and desirability of residential areas like this one.