Fitzwilliam Square facts for kids
| Cearnóg Mhic Liam (Irish) | |
Georgian townhouses on Fitzwilliam Square
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 Location in Central Dublin
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| Namesake | Richard FitzWilliam, 7th Viscount FitzWilliam |
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| Area | 1.5 hectares (3.7 acres) |
| Location | Dublin, Ireland |
| Postal code | D02 |
| Coordinates | 53°20′07″N 6°15′07″W / 53.3354°N 6.2520°W |
Fitzwilliam Square (which in Irish is Cearnóg Mhic Liam) is a beautiful garden square in the heart of Dublin, Ireland. It's famous for its Georgian architecture, which means the buildings around it were built in a special style from the 1700s and early 1800s.
This square was the very last of Dublin's five big Georgian squares to be built. It is also the smallest of them all. In the middle of the square, there's a private park. For over 200 years, only people with a special key could enter this park. These keyholders are usually the people who live in or own the 69 houses around the square. Some of them pay quite a bit each year to enjoy this special privilege. The eastern side of Fitzwilliam Square is part of Dublin's famous "Georgian mile."
Contents
The Story of Fitzwilliam Square
How the Square Began
Fitzwilliam Square was named after Richard FitzWilliam, 7th Viscount FitzWilliam. He was the person who started developing the area. The plans for the square began in 1789, and the layout was created in 1792. The land where it was built belonged to the Pembroke estate. This estate owned a large part of the area south-east of Dublin city.
The square was fully finished by 1830. Building work slowed down because of the Acts of Union 1800. These acts meant that Ireland and Great Britain joined together. Many wealthy people moved from Dublin to London after this, which made Dublin less busy and prosperous.
The Private Park
The park in the center of the square became officially enclosed in 1813. This happened because of a special law passed by the Parliament of Ireland. To the north of Fitzwilliam Square, you'll find Merrion Square. This is a much larger square, and Richard FitzWilliam was also involved in its development.
Fitzwilliam Square was a very popular spot for the "Irish Social Season." This was a time when important families and aristocrats would gather in Dublin. They would host parties and events between January and Saint Patrick's Day each year.
Important Moments in History
The square has seen some important historical events. During a difficult time in 1920, known as Bloody Sunday, some events took place in the square.
As Ireland gained independence from the United Kingdom, many streets in Dublin were renamed. In 1921, there was an idea to rename Fitzwilliam Square after Oliver Plunkett. However, the people living in the square did not want the name to change. They included important members of society and officers from the British Army.
Some famous people have lived in Fitzwilliam Square. Sir Thomas O'Shaughnessy (1850–1933) lived there. He was the last person to hold the title of Recorder of Dublin. He passed away in the square on March 7, 1933. The famous painter Jack Butler Yeats also lived at number 18, on the south side of the square. He moved there in 1930.
In 1975, a company called Bord na Móna wanted to knock down five old houses on the edge of the square. They planned to build a modern office building there. However, these plans were later stopped, and the historic houses were saved.
