Overview
Molesworth Fields, today known as Molesworth Street, is a short but richly layered thoroughfare in the heart of Dublin’s south‑city centre. Stretching just a few hundred metres between Dawson Street and Kildare Street, the street lies a stone’s throw from St Stephen’s Green and the historic Leinster House, home of the Irish Oireachtas. Its Georgian roots, 19th‑century civic institutions and cutting‑edge sustainable office blocks make it a micro‑cosm of Dublin’s evolution from a Tudor‑era playground to a modern European capital.
History
The area that now bears the name Molesworth Street was originally called “Molesworth Fields”, an open space used by Dublin’s citizens during the Tudor period. In the 1720s the brothers John and Robert Molesworth, Viscounts of the family, laid out the street as part of a planned Georgian expansion. The street is named after Richard Molesworth, 3rd Viscount Molesworth, and is acknowledged as the first adaptation of Early English style to street architecture in Dublin.
One of the most striking early landmarks is the Freemasons’ Hall, designed by Edward Holmes of Birmingham and completed in 1866. It remains the headquarters of the Grand Lodge of Ireland and is a fine example of Victorian‑era neoclassicism. Across the way, Buswells Hotel – a trio of adjoining Georgian buildings – has long served politicians and diplomats because of its proximity to the government precinct.
The early 20th century saw the construction of St Anne’s School (numbers 38‑44) in 1857, a pioneering Victorian‑style educational building designed by Deane and Woodward. Adjacent to it, Molesworth Hall was added around 1867 and famously hosted the first staging of J. M. Synge’s Riders to the Sea. The hall’s demolition in 1978 sparked a high‑profile protest involving An Taisce and architecture students, highlighting the street’s cultural significance.
In recent decades the street has embraced contemporary architecture. Number 10, rebuilt in 2017, became the first Irish office building to achieve a platinum LEED sustainability rating. Number 16 houses the Molesworth Gallery, a vibrant space for contemporary Irish and international art. Even the modest 37 Molesworth Street, a former early‑19th‑century townhouse now operating as a restaurant, retains its Regency‑style shopfront and contributes to the street’s architectural tapestry.
Sustainability
Number 10 Molesworth Street is Ireland’s first office building to receive a platinum‑LEED rating, the highest level of certification for energy efficiency and environmental design. The building incorporates high‑performance glazing, rainwater harvesting, and a sophisticated building‑management system that reduces carbon emissions by over 30 % compared with conventional office blocks. Its green roof and solar shading devices are visible from the street, symbolising Dublin’s commitment to sustainable urban development.
What to See & Do
- Freemasons’ Hall – While the interior is generally reserved for members, the exterior façade with its ornate stonework is worth a pause. Guided tours are occasionally offered during heritage weeks; check the Grand Lodge’s website for dates.
- Molesworth Gallery (16 Molesworth Street) – The gallery presents rotating exhibitions that showcase emerging Irish talent alongside established international names. Admission is free, and the space often hosts artist talks and small‑scale performances.
- Buswells Hotel – Even if you’re not staying overnight, the hotel’s historic bar offers a glimpse into Dublin’s political past. The mahogany paneling and original Georgian detailing create an atmospheric setting for a coffee or a pint.
- Architectural Walk – Starting at the intersection with Dawson Street, walk eastward to admire the contrasting styles: the 19th‑century Freemasons’ Hall, the sleek glass façade of 10 Molesworth Street, and the Regency shopfront of 37 Molesworth Street. The walk is short enough to fit into a lunch‑break itinerary yet rich enough to fill a photo album.
- Leinster House Viewpoint – Just a few metres north, the grounds of Leinster House provide a formal backdrop for street‑level photography, especially when the Irish parliament is in session and the flag is flying.
- St Anne’s School Site – Although the original school buildings were demolished, the site now hosts a modern office block that respects the historic façade. Look for the stone lintels that hint at the 1857 foundation stone.
Getting There
Molesworth Street is centrally located and easily reached on foot from many of Dublin’s main attractions. The nearest Luas stop is St Stephen’s Green on the Green Line (a 2‑minute walk). Several Dublin Bus routes serve the area, including the 46A, 145 and 145A, which run along Dawson Street and Kildare Street. For drivers, on‑street parking is limited, but public car parks such as the Q‑Park on St Stephen’s Green and the nearby Dublin City Council car park on Upper Baggot Street provide convenient alternatives.
Accessibility
The pavement along Molesworth Street is level and wide, making it wheelchair‑friendly and suitable for prams or strollers. All public transport stops in the vicinity are equipped with step‑free access.
Nearby Attractions
A short stroll from Molesworth Street brings you to several of Dublin’s cultural highlights:
- Abbey Theatre – Ireland’s national theatre, located on Abbey Street, is a 10‑minute walk away and offers a programme of classic and contemporary Irish drama.
- St Stephen’s Green – This historic park provides a pleasant green space for a break, with walking paths, a lake and seasonal flower displays.
- Leinster House – Already mentioned, the seat of the Oireachtas is open to the public during parliamentary recesses.
Practical Information
Molesworth Fields is a public street, so there is no admission fee and it is open 24 hours a day. The street is fully pedestrian‑friendly, with wide sidewalks and a smooth paving surface that accommodates wheelchairs and strollers. Public transport options are abundant: the nearest Luas stop is St Stephen’s Green (Green Line), and several Dublin Bus routes (including 46A, 145 and 145A) run along Dawson Street and Kildare Street. Parking is limited on the street itself, but several public car parks are available on the surrounding streets, such as the Q‑Park on St Stephen’s Green.
For those interested in the contemporary art scene, the Molesworth Gallery’s opening hours are 10 am–6 pm, Monday to Saturday, and it is closed on Sundays. The gallery does not charge an entry fee, but donations are welcomed. The Freemasons’ Hall occasionally opens its doors for heritage tours; these are typically scheduled on Saturday mornings and require advance booking via the Grand Lodge’s website.
If you plan to dine at 37 Molesworth Street, reservations are recommended during peak dining hours (7 pm–9 pm). The restaurant offers a menu that blends classic Irish ingredients with modern European techniques, and the historic shopfront provides a charming backdrop for a leisurely meal.
Overall, Molesworth Street is best explored on foot, allowing you to soak up the layered history while observing the street’s ongoing dialogue between past and present.