The narrow European streets always attract tourists, even if there are no famous sights on them: their special spirit, the atmosphere that always reigns when walking along the cobblestone paths. Grafton Street is one of the most expensive shopping streets in the world. In addition to the stores, tourists are greeted by famous landmarks, live sculptures, street musicians, and cozy cafes. Grafton Street is very popular among couples and local youth meeting here, so if you want to dive into the reckless atmosphere and see Ireland from a different side - you're here!
The main street in Dublin
The street appeared in 1708 and was named after Henry Fitzroy, the first Duke of Grafton and illegitimate son of King Charles II, who owned the land in the 18th century. The architect Dawson, who designed it, put an emphasis on wealthy citizens-and it happened: Grafton Street was long considered a street of high-end real estate. In the late 18th century, a bridge was built over the Liffey River: since then, the street became accessible to merchants and gradually became the city's main shopping street.
The place is always bustling with life: bargaining, buzzing, jugglers, street musicians, mimes, and poets perform. The street is so famous that it is immortalized in many works:
- Before the Worst by the British band The Script
- The musical composition "On Grafton Street" by American singer Nancy Griffith.
- Grafton Street appears many times in Cecilia Ahern's novel PS I Love You
- The song "Grafton Street" by popular British singer Daido.
- Patrick Dietch's poetry on Raglan Road, etc.
There are 2 landmarks on the street without which it's hard to imagine Dublin:
- Monument to Molly Malone, a girl made famous in literature and song for her exploits in fighting the English. The sculpture depicts Molly in her usual pastime: every morning she hurried with a cart to the city market to sell seafood there.
- The Trinity College chapter house is an old building built in the mid-18th century.
Grafton Street Restaurants
If you're tired and hungry, there are plenty of restaurants on the street for every taste and budget:
- BoBos Burgers Restaurant
- Browns Bar & Cafe
- The Bailey Bar Dublin
- Marks & Spencer's Cafe
- The Little Pig Speakeasy Restaurant
- The Jolly Plowman Gastropub
- Burger Bunsen South Anne Street
- La Cave Wine Bar & Restaurant
- Madigan's Pub North Earl Street, etc.
Interesting Facts
- Grafton Street connects St. Stephen's Green Park, located at the highest point in town, and College Green, located at the lowest point in town.
- Grafton Street is within walking distance of the city's major attractions: the Dublin Library, the International Bar, the Culinary Academy, and more.
- The street is almost entirely pedestrian.
- Grafton Street crosses a street named after the architect who designed it, Dawson Street.
- The Trinity College chapter house is the only Victorian building that has been permanently used for its intended purpose.
