Come Discover the Treasures of Merrion Square this Open Day

One of Dublin’s finest Georgian gems, Merrion Square, hosts an Open Day next weekend, showcasing the best of what it has to offer.

Merrion Square is well known to all Dubliners, one of the finest existing examples of Georgian architecture in the city — or perhaps anywhere, for that matter. And we can get to know the place a little better next Saturday, 30th August, with the Merrion Square Open Day, an event that boasts a very full programme of exhibitions, talks, and tours.

Starting off with possibly the best known, or most obvious, resident of the Square, we have a full day of activies in the National Gallery, with exhibitions and events on offer, and highlights from the Collection will be on display. The Atrium Creative Spaces will be also fully equipped and supervised. Open from 9:30am to 5:30pm.

Merrion Square Park will be open all day, from 10am to 9pm, a great place to excape the hustle and bustle of the city. Pop in and visit some of the park’s famous residents or bring the kids to the recently opened Giant’s Garden playground. You will also be able to enjoy the open air art exhibition currently taking place in the park — Vestibule, curated by Aoife Tunney, features the works of internationally acclaimed contemporary artists Aleana Egan, Daniel Gustav Cramer and Eva Rothschild.

The Irish Architectural Archive, housed at Nr. 45, Merrion Square, incidentally the largest terraced house on the square, will be hosting a recreation of the 1974 exhibition ‘The Architecture of Parnell Square’, and ‘The GPO – Two Hundred Years’. Guided tours of the house are also available. Open 10am – 5pm

There will be an exhibition and talks in the Goethe-Institut (Nr. 37, Merrion Square) concerning the redevelopment and refurbishment of the Georgian townhouse and the creation of a contemporary mews building for the language school and a new garden on the site. Talks at 1pm and 3pm.

St. Stephen’s Church, better known to us all as the Pepper Canister on Mount Street Crescent will also be open to the public for this Open Day. This is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to see the interior of this iconic Dublin landmark, and to enjoy informal talks by Ricky Cox. Open from midday to 5pm.

Fashion historian Ruth Griffin invites you to come and discover the Lost Fashion History of Merrion Square on a 45 minute tour of the area. Find out why the Square has such a special place in Dublin’s fashion history and learn about the amazing individuals whose designs and personal style made an impact on the world stage. Meet up at 2pm at Nr. 45, Merrion Square. The event is free but advance booking is required. And as Ruth says — bring a fashionable umbrella!

These are only some of the great things lined up for the Open Day. For a full and detailed breakdown of the day’s events, please visit the Merrion Square Open Day website.