George’s Street Arcade

George’s Street Arcade has been a popular spot in Dublin ever since its opening in 1881. It is a stunning example of Victorian architecture with characteristic red brick façade. It used to be called South City Markets. At the time, a renowned duo of English architects won the competition that allowed them to start the project. It was quite a luxurious inauguration, as guests were mostly influential families in the region who had vested interest in the project. Not a single Dubliner was invited. This did not go unnoticed by locals who resented the arcade, and could explain its initial lack of success. However, on the 27th of August 1892, a terrible fire swept through Dublin, reducing the marketplace to ashes. Fortunately, no one was injured, nonetheless, the financial loss was considerable, especially for the merchants who, being uninsured, lost all their goods. To this day, letters from traders to the city authorities, describing the extent of the disaster, can still be found. Affected by the community’s distress, a solidarity fund was then set up which turned out to be successful. If you see the beautiful George’s Street Arcade in front of you today, it’s because it was identically reconstructed two years later, thanks to local craftsmen. This time, lessons from the past were learnt. When the new marketplace reopened, people of all backgrounds were invited to the celebration! Today, George’s Street Arcade is a must-see destination, where both small and large businesses work together. It’s the perfect place to hunt for bargains, find souvenirs from Dublin to take home, shop for well-known brands, or find vintage treasures among collectors, record dealers, and antique vendors. Take your time and stroll through the stalls, enjoying authentic Irish specialties as you pass along. I’ll leave you to explore before continuing our visit towards Dublin Castle.