11 Parnell Square East

The Irish Heritage Trust and Poetry Ireland are working together to unlock the potential of No. 11 Parnell Square in the heart of Dublin city.

Works have commenced on a conservation-led refurbishment which marks the beginning of a new chapter for this iconic Georgian building. It is set to become an inclusive cultural centre dedicated to celebrating and sharing Irish poetry, heritage and culture with the public.

A Cultural Hub in the Heart of Dublin

Expected to be complete in summer 2025, the refurbishment is led by conservation architects McCullough Mulvin and managed by the Irish Heritage Trust, in partnership with Poetry Ireland.

Both organisations have their headquarters in this historic building thanks to the generosity of Fingal County Council. These works will include the unique first floor council chamber which is known from James Joyce’s short story “Ivy Day in the Committee Room” (Dubliners, 1914).

The impact of the project will reach beyond our famous Dublin square as occupants at 11 Parnell Square East, including the Irish Landmark Trust, support cultural and heritage-focused activities across Ireland.

Dublin’s Literary Quarter

Parnell Square is Dublin’s de facto literary quarter, and attracts visitors with a passion for heritage and culture. They come to enjoy plays, exhibitions, readings, and a host of events at the world-renowned Gate Theatre, Hugh Lane Gallery, Irish Writers Centre and James Joyce Centre.

Dublin city has ambitions to establish a thriving cultural cluster in the Parnell Square area, and No. 11 will become an integral part of these plans. This includes the development of a new City Library on the north west quarter of Parnell Square.

At the core of the No. 11 building will be The Seamus Heaney Poetry Library encompassing the late Laureate’s private library, bequeathed by his family to Poetry Ireland.