Merrion Square

Lonely Planet review

Merrion Square, with its immaculately trimmed central park, dates back to 1762 and has the National Gallery on one side, while the other three sides are lined with stately Georgian buildings whose doors, peacock fanlights, ornated door knockers and foot-scrapers epitomise the elegance of the era.

It is around the square you'll find the hallmarks of the best Georgian Dublin entrances - the elegance of the trimmings a testimony to the refinement of the era. Many famous residents lived here, and you'll still be able to visit Oscar Wilde House at No 1. Other monuments and homes around the square that give insight into the Georgian opulence include No 29, Lower Fitzwilliam St and the fine Rutland Fountain (1791) on the Leinster Lawn.