Merrion Square’s Famous Residents: A Walk Through Dublin’s Literary & Artistic Past

Over the centuries, this iconic Georgian neighbourhood has been home to some of Ireland’s greatest writers, artists, and thinkers, making it a true hub of inspiration.

One of its most famous residents, Oscar Wilde, was born and raised right here in No. 1 Merrion Square. His mother, Lady Wilde, was a literary powerhouse in her own right, hosting salons that drew some of the most brilliant minds of the time—including Bram Stoker, the creator of Dracula. Growing up surrounded by storytelling and spirited debate, it’s no surprise that Wilde went on to become one of the most celebrated writers in history.

A few doors down, another literary legend left his mark. W.B. Yeats, one of the world’s greatest poets and a Nobel Prize winner, called 82 Merrion Square home between 1922 and 1928—living in the same neighbourhood Wilde had nearly 40 years earlier. The area was also a creative haven for writer Sheridan Le Fanu, artist George William Russell, and sculptor Andrew O’Connor, to name just a few.

But Merrion Square isn’t just known for the arts. It has also played a key role in shaping science, politics, and medicine. Nobel Prize-winning physicist Erwin Schrödinger moved to 65 Merrion Square at the invitation of then-President Éamon de Valera, who tasked him with establishing the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies. His work there led to ground-breaking discoveries in quantum theory—just one of many examples of the neighbourhood’s lasting impact on the world.

A place where art, literature, and innovation have flourished for generations, Merrion Square is more than just a beautiful part of Dublin—it’s a living, breathing piece of history.

It’s no surprise that Merrion Square has been home to some of Ireland’s most influential political figures—after all, it’s just steps away from Leinster House, the seat of the Irish government. This historic neighbourhood has long been a gathering place for leaders, visionaries, and change-makers who helped shape the country as we know it today.

One of the most notable names to have lived here is Daniel O’Connell, the former Lord Mayor of Dublin and the man who secured Catholic emancipation in Ireland. He called 30 Merrion Square home in the late 1700s, leaving behind a lasting legacy that can still be felt throughout the city. Decades later, sculptor Andrew O’Connor—another former resident—immortalized O’Connell in a statue that now stands proudly in the Hugh Lane Gallery. The area has also been home to esteemed political figures such as Edward Gibson, former Lord Chancellor of Ireland, John Stratford, the first Earl of Aldborough, and MP John Henry North.