In August 2018 the Big Tree on Dorset Street, one of Dublin’s best known pubs, ceased trading as the site was to be re-developed as a 163 bedroom hotel. According to some reports the original planning permission was for a student accommodation complex.
The pub derived its current name in the aftermath of the 1798 rebellion when after a 60 second trial by Alderman of Dublin City and judge to the prerogative court sentenced John Claudius Beresford, one of Dublin’s most notorious character’s, and 5 other men to be hanged at the spot outside the tavern where they were arrested. The tree that they were hanged from became known as the Big Tree and over the years the tavern became known as the Big Tree Tavern.
The Tavern has been on the site since 1543 originating as an Inn. Back in the medieval days it was famously known as the “Rose Tavern”.
I live near Dorset Street and I believe it to be one of the ugliest streets in Dublin and the George Cosgrave Car Sales building was, and still is, one of the worst examples of how bad the street can be.
I should mention that George Cosgrave died in August 2021. George was well known for his car sales on Dorset Street where he traded for 37 years before moving to Clarehall. George was also an active member of The Irish Jaguar & Daimler Club.
Some early Georgian houses are dotted along the street, primarily identifiable by the stone Gibbsian doorcase entrances, and close to the crossroads with Blessington and North Frederick Streets. Much of the street redeveloped during the Victorian era, with a number of significant buildings built, such as the Gothic style stone-built Dominican priory, designed by J. L. Robinson in 1884–87 at the corner of Dominick Street, while across from it is the red brick Italianette former fire station, designed by C. J. McCarthy and completed in 1903. Much of the street consists of vernacular Victorian terraces, with shops opening straight onto footpaths at ground-floor level. During the latter part of the twentieth century, stretches of the street were again redeveloped by Dublin Corporation for social housing flat complexes near Dominick Street.
Car Sales, Showroom, Unoccupied site, George Crosgrave Car Sales Building, Ugly Street, Streets Of Dublin, William Murphy, Infomatique, Fotonique, Canon, 5D MkIII, Ireland,
NEW VICTORIA THAI AND CHINESE RESTAURANT [DORSET STREET]
This is a very popular take-away business on Dorset Street.
There are many restaurants on Dorset Street and a friend of mine is/was planning to open one later this year (or early next year) but the opening has been delayed because he cannot get suitable staff. A number of restaurants in the area have closed because of energy costs or because of staff shortages and some have reduced opening times to one shift per day or by not opening before 5pm and only opening five or six days per week.
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