Georgian Dublin Doors in Merrion Square
Dublin Ireland’s colorful doors have become a trademark of the city. But where are the Dublin Doors? One of the best places to see the colorful doors of Dublin is Merrion Square. Are you wondering why the doors in Dublin are painted in different colors? The Merrion Square townhomes were built in the 1700s. At that time all the doors were painted the same neutral color. The story goes that the famous writer George Moore lived next to another famous writer, Oliver St John Gogarty. Both were a bit eccentric and it’s said that Moore painted his door green so that the drunken Gogarty would not come knocking on it, thinking it to be his own door. Gogarty then painted his door red so that the drunken Moore would not come knocking on his door. And so it began… gotta love Dublin! While in Dublin Ireland grab a coffee and go for a stroll through Merrion Square exploring the iconic Georgian Dublin doors that have captured so many hearts.
READ Complete Ireland Travel Guide, What You Need to Know
READ 100 Things to Do in Dublin, a Bucket List City
You know where to find the colorful doors in Dublin and why they are painted in different colors, but how did they become so popular? The famous Dublin Doors poster originated in 1970. The Irish Tourism Offices on Fifth Avenue in NYC posted a colorful collage of Dublin doors around St. Patrick’s Day. People on their way to watch the parade were stopped in their tracks by what they saw, many of them went inside to find out where they could get a copy. There were so many requests that a poster was commissioned; the poster has since become an icon of Ireland. After spending a morning wandering around Merrion Square I completely understand why that poster caught people’s attention!
Oscar Wilde’s home is located at 1 Merrion Square. Snap a picture and walk across the street to Merrion Park. Do not miss the sculpture of Wilde lounging on a rock and gazing across the street at his childhood home. Is he relaxed and reminiscing about his childhood… or has he had a bit too much to drink and hoping someone will come to assist him? Making up stories of the goings-on behind these doors of Dublin is part of the fun! Merrion Square is not far from Trinity College and is an easy stop along the way.
Check the Dublin Ireland Tourism Board website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
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