Henrietta Street Conservation Plan - The Heritage Council

Fig.6.5.1 Detail of granite setts Fig.6.5.2 Detail of granite flags and kerbstones
visually dominant and obstructing the fine prospect of
this street of palaces from all angles (fig.6.5.3). However,
unless the street was to be completely restricted from
vehicle access, some form of physical barrier is necessary
to protect the cellars from excessive loads. While many of
the comments during consultation referred critically to the
impact of cars on the appearance of the street, this is not
a significant problem as elsewhere in the city. However,
if it were possible to eliminate vehicular access entirely
from the street, then it might also be possible to remove
the bollards.
Signage and road markings are other ‘by-products’ of
facilitating the car and these also detract from the overall
visual character of the street. The street lamps were
painted an ‘off black’ colour in recent years as part of a
film production which has reduced their impact in a
positive way. Future re-decoration/maintenance should
seek to retain this more muted effect.
In Henrietta Street, therefore, as in many primary streets
and public spaces in Irish towns, the loss of visual and
architectural coherence in the public realm is a result of a
gradual erosion and cumulative breakdown of individual
elements leading to the reduced aesthetic integrity of a
place. Fortunately, Henrietta Street does not suffer to the
same extent as other urban centres. However, this is a
continual process and, unless it is addressed the general
perception of the street for visitors will remain low-grade
and down-at-heel.
Finally, a note of caution is required against the potential
‘prettification’ of Henrietta Street which could arise from
an over-zealous approach to public realm and building
façade improvements. It is important that the balance
between the reticent facades and their splendid interiors,
which is the quintessential quality of this Georgian street
of ‘palaces’, is retained.
6.6 Access, interpretation,
understanding and appreciation
6.6.1 Poor Access
For a place of such seminal importance in the evolution of
Dublin’s high point of architecture and urban form, Henrietta
Street offers little to the interested visitor beyond free access
to the open air street. For many familiarity with the street
stems from its regular appearance as an historic set for
period films or documentaries. While it would be untrue to
state that there is no public access to the interiors, none of
the houses are obviously open to the public. Internal access
is not easily achieved. The wealth of architectural grandeur
and ornament and the layers of social and cultural history
which the interiors reveal are therefore available only to a
privileged few – those who are well informed, committed or
well connected.
While it is important to acknowledge the generosity of building
owners in granting access to interested visitors, it must also
be noted that an ‘open door’ policy would not be acceptable
or appropriate for many of the occupants and owners.
6.6.2 Poor Interpretation, understanding
and appreciation
Henrietta Street is very much part of the ‘hidden’ Dublin and,
as with many aspects of the street, there are positive and
negative features to this. Positive in that the street does not
suffer from the destructive impact which intensive cultural
tourism can bring. Negative in that the poor understanding
and appreciation of Henrietta Street by the general public
in this country will persist as long as the street remains
‘hidden’. As such, it will continue to be less valued than
other parts of our architectural and cultural heritage, with
accordingly less resources made available for its protection
and presentation – a potential self-perpetuating cycle.
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