ABOUT MARINO CRESCENT

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ABOUT MARINO CRESCENT

Marino Crescent, Dublin

Location: A Georgian crescent of houses situated at the junction of Marino, Fairview, and Clontarf in Dublin 3, Ireland.

History

  • Construction: Built in 1792 by Charles Ffolliott as part of a grand development plan for the Marino estate.
  • "Spite Wall": It is rumored Ffolliott built the crescent to block the sea view of Lord Charlemont, owner of the Marino Casino, after a dispute. While a popular story, this may be more legend than fact.
  • Prestige: The crescent was designed to attract wealthy residents and is an excellent example of Dublin's Georgian architecture.

Architectural Features

  • Crescent Shape: The elegant curve of the houses is the defining feature.
  • Red Brick:** The original facades were red brick, but most are now plastered over in the typical Georgian fashion.
  • Individuality: While unified by the crescent form, each terraced house retains unique details.

Significance

  • Architectural Heritage: Marino Crescent stands as a significant example of Dublin's Georgian architectural heritage.
  • Urban Planning: It represents an earlier era of urban design, focused on formal elegance and planned communities.
  • Local Landmark: The crescent is a recognizable feature within the Marino, Fairview, and Clontarf areas.

Points of Interest

  • Bram Stoker Connection: The author of Dracula was born at No. 15 Marino Crescent in 1847. A commemorative plaque marks the house.
  • Marino Casino: While Lord Charlemont's grand house is no longer in residential use, its smaller yet exquisitely designed "casino" (a pleasure house) is a unique attraction nearby.

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