Built in 1766, number 2 Palace Street, an elegant fourstorey over basement house beside Dublin Castle, is a rarity for several reasons. This is not least because, although an imposing, historic city landmark, the property is also in use as a family home. The only remaining house dating from this period on the short street adjacent to Dublin Castle, this landmark is every historian and conservationist's dream. It retains a surprising number of original features, including solid wooden floorboards, sash windows, fireplaces and coving. In some rooms, Victorian flourishes float on the original Georgian backdrop.
Victorian stucco embellishes the original windows, to striking effect.
Meanwhile, 19th century quadrant windows maximise available light in several of the rooms. Typical of the period, the windows get progressively smaller as you ascend the building. Number 2 was built by a wine merchant with compensation he received after being displaced from nearby Parliament Street, in line with the requirements of the Wide Street Commissioners in terms of height and style. It had several subsequent incarnations, including as a haberdashery and silk merchant's. The title deeds show the house was owned for a decade at the end of the 18th century by Robert Emmet's family, although it is not certain whether they lived there.