11 Parnell Square sits at the heart of the Parnell Square Cultural Quarter. A dynamic group of agencies - Irish Heritage Trust, Irish Landmark Trust and Poetry Ireland - have come together to restore and repurpose the house, transforming it from a set of static offices into a public space for discussion, meeting, music, poetry and the spoken word.

Located on the East side of the square, No. 11 is a magnificent Georgian five bay, five story mansion. A Protected Structure dating from 1755, it was originally one of the largest residences on the first planned Georgian square in the city, and was later used as the headquarters of Dublin County Council, the rooms re-fashioned into offices and Council Chambers. The history of No.11 has resulted in an unusually rich palimpsest of architectural features both internally and externally, where original 18th century features sit comfortably with 19th century advancements. The latest chapter in this significant building’s story has seen the conservation-led refurbishment of these many strands of historic fabric.

The conservation works included restoration of original parquet floors, repointing of brickwork, replacement of windows, removal of inserted partitions, restoration of Portland Stone staircase, and removal of paint from sections of historic plasterwork, among many other carefully judged decisions to restore the building’s lost grandeur. Sensitive interventions upgrade accessibility and fire standards, including a new brick-clad lift enclosure, a beautiful piece of contemporary craftsmanship which acknowledges the bow-ended form of the original rere elevation. A brick link corridor connects the main building with the 1950s two-storey extension, a new insertion bridging between the timelines of No. 11.

The top two floors now provide office space for the Irish Heritage Trust, Poetry Ireland and the Irish Landmark Trust, while the ground and first floors of the house create new cultural and event spaces for the city, including the Seamus Heaney Library, which houses the late Laureate’s private collection.

This was a project about dualities and layers – about using old things in new ways. It uncovers the essential nature of the building so it can find new expression as a host for contemporary cultural experience. One of Dublin’s most striking architectural spaces is now open to the public, marking the beginning of a significant new contribution to the cultural life of the city.