Overview
D’Olier Street runs for about 160 m in the heart of Dublin’s south‑side, connecting the northern terminus of O’Connell Bridge with a network of streets that include Fleet, Townsend, College and Pearse. The street’s wide layout, a legacy of the 18th‑century Wide Streets Commission, gives it a spacious feel uncommon in the medieval core of the city. Today it is a lively mix of office blocks, historic façades, and a growing reputation for high‑end dining, making it a must‑see slice of Dublin’s urban fabric.
History
The street is named after Jeremiah D’Olier (1745–1817), a Huguenot goldsmith who co‑founded the Bank of Ireland and served as Dublin’s sheriff in 1788. As a member of the Wide Streets Commission, D’Olier helped shape the city’s modern grid, and the street that bears his name was one of the last major interventions by the commission.
In the late 19th century the Irish Times moved into a purpose‑built office on D’Olier Street. The building, affectionately known as “The Old Lady of D’Olier Street”, stood there from 1895 until its demolition in 2006, when a mixed‑use development replaced it.
The former Dublin Gas Company headquarters, an Art Deco gem designed by Desmond FitzGerald, still stands alongside O’Connell Bridge House and D’Olier House, the latter now occupied by the Department of Social Welfare. Architectural highlights also include the yellow‑brick D’Olier Chambers building (designed by James Franklin Fuller in 1891) and the six‑storey Lafayette Building, a Portland‑stone landmark that now hosts the National Wax Museum Plus on its ground floor.
What to See & Do
Architectural Walk
Stroll eastward from O’Connell Bridge and admire the contrasting styles: the sleek modernism of O’Connell Bridge House, the Art Deco detailing of the former gas company building, and the Gothic‑Ruskinian limestone of the Lafayette Building. Look up to see the terracotta detailing of D’Olier Chambers, a reminder of the street’s commercial past.
National Wax Museum Plus
Located on the ground floor of the Lafayette Building, the National Wax Museum Plus offers a quirky, family‑friendly look at Irish history through life‑size wax figures, interactive displays and themed rooms. It is open Monday to Saturday 10:00‑18:00 (closed Sundays). Admission is €10 for adults and €8 for children, with reduced rates for seniors and students.
Culinary Destination – D’Olier Street Restaurant
The eponymous D’Olier Street restaurant occupies the historic D’Olier Chambers corner. Run by Australian‑American partners Jane Frye and James Moore, with chef‑owner Anthony Smith (formerly of Mr Fox) and a team that includes Michelin‑starred pastry chef Mina Pizarro, the venue earned a one‑star rating from the Michelin Guide for its high‑quality cooking.
The restaurant serves a ten‑course tasting menu (€82) that showcases inventive dishes such as Connemara oysters with yuzu, nori‑tartlet with bluefin tuna, silky foie‑gras custard, hamachi crudo, and a mango‑infused riz au lait for dessert. A curated wine pairing is available for an additional €65. Seating includes a chef’s counter (eight seats) and private tables; reservations are strongly recommended via the restaurant’s website or by phone (+353 1 902 0720).
Opening hours (as of 2026):
- Tuesday‑Saturday dinner 17:00‑23:30
- Friday & Saturday lunch 12:30‑13:15
- Closed Monday, Sunday
Cultural Stops
- National Wax Museum Plus – see above.
- Nearby Landmarks – Within a few minutes’ walk you’ll find O’Connell Street, Trinity College, the Book of Kells, and the vibrant Temple Bar district, making D’Olier Street an ideal base for exploring central Dublin.
Practical Information
Getting There
D’Olier Street is exceptionally well‑served by public transport. The nearest bus stops are Hawkins Street (routes 27, 69, 69x) and Fleet Street (route 49), both about a minute’s walk away. Luas Green Line tram stops at Trinity and Westmoreland are roughly two minutes on foot, while the Tara Street train station is a four‑minute walk, providing easy connections to DART and InterCity services.
Parking
Limited on‑street parking is available, but most visitors use nearby car parks such as Q‑Park on O’Connell Street or the car park at the National Library (both a 5‑minute walk). Pay‑and‑display meters operate on the surrounding streets.
Opening Hours & Admission
| Facility | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| D’Olier Street (public thoroughfare) | Open 24 hours |
| D’Olier Street restaurant | Tue‑Sat 12:30‑13:15 (Fri & Sat lunch) and 17:00‑23:30 (dinner); closed Mon & Sun |
| National Wax Museum Plus | 10:00‑18:00 Mon‑Sat (closed Sun) |
There is no admission fee to walk the street or view its exterior architecture. Museum entry fees apply separately.
Accessibility
The street’s wide sidewalks and level pavement make it wheelchair‑friendly, and most of the major buildings, including the museum and restaurant, provide step‑free entry.
Dog‑Friendliness
As a public thoroughfare, D’Olier Street is dog‑friendly; leashed pets are welcome in the open air, though they are not permitted inside the museum or restaurant.
Contact & Online Resources
- Restaurant website: dolierstreetrestaurant.com
- Restaurant phone: +353 1 902 0720 (email for urgent enquiries: info@dolierstreetrestaurant.com)
- Wikipedia entry: D’Olier Street – Wikipedia
Coordinates
The street is centred at 53.3461 N, ‑6.25725 W, useful for map‑based navigation.
Nearby Amenities
Because D’Olier Street sits in Dublin’s commercial core, visitors will find a range of cafés, banks, and retail outlets along the adjoining streets. Public restrooms are available in the nearby Trinity College campus and at the Luas tram stations.
Why Visit?
D’Olier Street offers a compact yet rich experience: a walk through Dublin’s planning history, a glimpse of early 20th‑century Art Deco, a chance to dine at a Michelin‑starred restaurant, and a quirky wax‑museum adventure. Its central location means you can easily combine a visit with other Dublin highlights, making it a perfect stop for culture lovers, food enthusiasts, and anyone wanting to feel the pulse of the Irish capital.