2.1.6 Victorian and Edwardian Dublin

In the Victorian and Edwardian period (1837–1910), the city expanded beyond the perimeters of Georgian Dublin, in particular to the southern suburbs of Ballsbridge, Terenure, Rathmines and Rathgar, which accommodated the middle classes and wealthy who left the central areas of the city.

Parks in the early part of the century were limited and exclusive and it was only in later years that the general public gained access. St Stephen’s Green was only opened up to the middle classes in the 1860s and after remodelling of the park in 1880, it opened its gates to all. The People’s Park in the Phoenix Park was originally opened as Promenade Grounds in 1840, and was improved and re-opened as The People’s Garden in 1864. It was completed by the 1870s at the eastern end of the Phoenix Park, inclusive of Victorian era bandstand, kiosk and seating which are still present.

By 1880, the northside development expansion was less pronounced and concentrated along the coast beyond the North Circular Road. The formation of Bull Island, now an important city nature reserve, occurred after the construction of the Bull Wall in 1825. The new wall facilitated tidal scouring at the River Liffey mouth, to assist shipping, however it also created deposition north of the wall that over time created the island.

New parks were developed in the suburbs towards the end of the century, such as Palmerston Park and Belgrave Square, contributing to what we now describe as Dublin’s leafy suburbs. In between these new suburbs and beyond was rural in nature, with large houses and their demesne, many of which would give their names to modern day suburbs. Development of rail systems, tram and bus routes also contributed to this suburban expansion.

However, 19th century Dublin included many living in extreme poverty and overcrowded conditions with the potato famine (1845–52) exacerbating conditions as many people moved to the city from rural areas to survive. Outbreaks of cholera and typhoid then followed in povertystricken areas of Dublin, creating a crisis of health and housing.

In 1875 the Government passed legislation giving favourable loans to those involved in building working class housing, and the building of artisan housing commenced. As slums were cleared some small pocket parks opened in spaces left behind, such as Blessington Street Basin, St. Audoen’s and Hill Street in 1898.